Advisers

Enriqueta R. Buenaventura, PhD

Discipline

Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the Drop Ball activity as a learning material for improving physical fitness among Grade 11 STEM students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. Recognizing the importance of physical fitness for overall health, academic performance, and well-being, the study aimed to determine how Drop Ball impacts various components of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. The research also looked at the role of outside factors, such as space, equipment availability, and safety, in effectively carrying out the activity. The goal was to provide practical guidelines for physical education instruction. The study used a quantitative experimental design with intact classes. One group participated in Drop Ball activities, while the other received traditional physical-education instruction. Thirty-three (33) Grade 11 STEM students were selected through stratified sampling from a population of 65. Pretest and posttest assessments measured cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility, and a survey gathered students’ perceptions. Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, and paired t-tests were used in the analysis. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility improved after participation in Drop Ball activities. Mean cardiovascular-endurance scores increased from 85.52 on the pretest to 100.15 on the posttest; muscular-endurance scores increased from 11.73 to 22.12; and flexibility increased from 14.06 to 25.24. No significant change was observed in body composition (BMI). Drop Ball may serve as a low-cost and enjoyable physical-education activity. Teachers should provide structured warm-up and cool-down routines, and administrators should ensure adequate space, equipment, and safety support. Further studies should examine other grade levels and settings.

Keywords

drop ball, physical fitness, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, teaching strategy, grade 11 stem