Impact of Combined Core Strength, Balance and Visual Skill Training on Selected Skill-Related Physical Fitness and Performance Variables of School-Level Badminton Players in Tirupathur District: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Badminton is a high-intensity racket sport that requires the integration of core stability, dynamic balance, visual perception, and rapid neuromuscular responses to execute technical skills efficiently. Developing these physical and perceptual attributes simultaneously may enhance overall playing performance and support the long-term athletic development of young badminton players. The present study investigated the impact of a combined core strength, balance, and visual skill training programme on selected skill-related physical fitness and performance variables among school-level badminton players in Tirupathur District, Tamil Nadu. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was adopted to evaluate changes in agility, dynamic balance, explosive power, eye-hand coordination, and badminton skill performance following a structured 12-week intervention. Standardized field tests were administered before and after the training period, and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, independent-samples t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicate that participants who completed the combined training programme demonstrated greater improvements in skill-related physical fitness and badminton performance than those following regular training alone. The integration of core stability exercises, balance training, and visual skill development appears to provide a comprehensive approach for enhancing movement efficiency, postural control, coordination, and sport-specific performance. The study highlights the practical value of incorporating multidimensional conditioning programmes into school badminton coaching and physical education, offering coaches and educators an evidence-informed framework for improving player performance and supporting sustainable athletic development.