Testing the motor skills of 5th and 7th grade primary school students: Performance differences and school connections

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the level of selected motor skills of pupils in the 5th and 7th grades of primary school in Bratislava and to identify differences between age categories and genders. The research group consisted of boys and girls of both grades (a total of 113 pupils). Basic motor skills were tested using five standardised tests: long jump from a standing position, full ball throw (2 kg), shuttle run 5x10m, beep test and sit-up. The results showed that boys in the 7th grade achieved statistically higher performance in most tests compared to fifth graders. In girls, the differences were less pronounced and were not significant in shuttle run, beep test and sit-up. The discussion is based on developmental differences between age categories and foreign research. The results support the importance of a differentiated approach to the development of motor skills in the school environment.