The aim of this paper was to find out the structure of the potential competitive performance (PCP) in terms of the basic motor abilities of ski jumpers. The study tested 57 ski jumpers. 8 of them were female and 49 male ski jumpers. The participants came from 15 different Slovenian clubs. Testing took place on 17th of May 2019 at the Faculty of Sport. Sample of subjects included Slovenian female and male ski jumpers aged 14 and 15. The sample of variables included 13 motor variables (Duration jumping power; Duration trunk power; Long jump from standing; High vertical jump; Three jumps from standing; Balance frontal; Balance sagittal; Jumping velocity – 20 sec; Ankle flexibility; Hip flexibility; Eight cycle movement; Polygon in back direction; Jumping coordination).
Factorization of manifest variables gave 4 factors. This explains 77.72 % of the total variance of manifest variables. The first factor was Factor of coordination and repetitive power. Second factor was Factor of jumping power. Third factor was Factor of balance and hip flexibility, last, fourth factor was Factor of ankle flexibility. The obtained factors show a relatively independent factor structure, in which the most general component is the Factor of coordination and repetitive power. The other three factors: Factor of jumping power, Factor of balance and hip flexibility and Factor of ankle flexibility, represent more specific factors.
The obtained results of the factor analysis show that on the sample of young ski jumpers did not yet occurred a complete independent structure of basic motor factors, which hypothetically also show basic motor abilities (strength, speed, coordination, flexibility, balance and endurance). However, the results of the factor analysis provide practically useful insights in terms of finding the most suitable methods and means of training in the field of basic motor preparation of young ski jumpers. Increasingly, at the age of 14 and 15, specific training methods and means must be used, which consequently develop hypothetically independent motor abilities. This is in line with the basic principles of the training process of our athletes, in which it is necessary to implement an individual approach. Each athlete has different characteristics of biopsychosomatic status and this requires a different design of the training process.
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