Standing Long Jump Performance Quality: Age and Gender Differences

The primary aim of this research was to determine age and gender differences in the quality of fundamental motor skill performance – the standing long jump. The research was conducted on the sample of 72 preschool children (31 girls and 41 boys) aged 5 – 7 years, all attending preschool in Čakovec. General characteristics of the standing long jump skill were assessed using Roberton and Halverson method (1984). Data was collected by video recording the standing long jump from a side angle. The level of motor skills was evaluated by three independent judges. Age and gender differences were calculated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the analysis showed significant statistical differences in jumping skills between younger (5-6 years) and older (6-7 years) group in all the variables. No considerable differences were found in the quality of the standing long jump performance between boys and girls.