Socialization and Implementation of the Dynamic Ball Modification Tool as a Medium for Table Tennis Forehand Drive Training in Table Tennis Clubs for Children Aged 6-9

Abstract

This community service activity aims to socialize and implement a modified dynamic ball tool as a forehand drive training medium for table tennis in children aged 6–9 years at table tennis sports clubs in South Sulawesi. The problem underlying this activity is the low mastery of forehand drive techniques among junior athletes due to monotonous training methods and the lack of innovative training equipment. The dynamic ball tool is a training development device that has been proven effective in improving the accuracy of forehand drive strokes, with an effectiveness rate of 87.70%. The implementation method consists of three stages: (1) socialization and training for table tennis coaches, (2) demonstration of the dynamic ball tool usage, and (3) supervised implementation of training for junior athletes. This activity involved 5 table tennis clubs and 30 child athletes aged 6–9 years. The results of the community service showed an 83% increase in coaches' understanding of the use of modified equipment, as well as an average 76.5% improvement in athletes' forehand drive ability after using the dynamic ball tool for eight weeks. This activity recommends the mass development of similar tools and further training for early childhood table tennis coaches throughout South Sulawesi.