Use of Korfball Means in Physical Education of Older Preschool Children

Purpose. The study aimed to experimentally substantiate and verify the effectiveness of a physical education and health-improving program using korfball in influencing the functional state and social competence of preschool children aged 5–6 years. Materials and methods. Research methods included theoretical analysis, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, testing, biomedical and psychodiagnostic methods, and mathematical statistics. Functional indicators of the cardiovascular system (blood pressure, resting heart rate) and respiratory system (vital lung capacity, respiratory rate) were assessed. Social competence was evaluated using the sociometric method "Two Houses." The study involved 60 children divided randomly into control (n=30) and experimental (n=30) groups. The control group followed the standard program “I am in the World” with elements of sports games, while the experimental group was additionally engaged in the author’s program based on korfball. Results. The program of physical education and health-improving activities using korfball was scientifically substantiated and structured into three stages: adaptive-developmental, preparatory-technical, and active-game. It aimed to improve physical health, functional condition, motor skills, social competence, and value orientations of preschool children. The pedagogical experiment confirmed the positive impact of korfball on cardiovascular and respiratory parameters (decreased HR, increased SBP, DBP, VC, reduced RR) as well as on children’s sociometric status, indicating improved interpersonal relations and group cohesion. Conclusions. The effectiveness of the program was confirmed: korfball contributed to strengthening health, improving the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system, and enhancing social competence in 5–6-year-old children. Children in the experimental group demonstrated better interpersonal relations and higher group cohesion, proving the educational and developmental value of the program.