Futsal has evolved significantly in recent years, as a result of the clear progress that has taken place in various other sports [1]. This sport is one of the most popular games globally, thanks to its various features, most notably the skill aspect, which is considered a necessary basis for the success and progress of the player [2]. Futsal has a unique characteristic of the small pitch area, the small number of players, and the quality of the ball used [3]. These factors force the player to be able to balance offensive and defensive roles with the same efficiency [4]. One of the main pillars of this game is speed, which gives the player the ability to quickly retreat towards the defense and close the spaces to the opponents [5]. Defensive roles are as important as offensive roles, and they may even be more important, because any mistake in defense means that the team concedes a goal, unlike offensive mistakes that may not have the same direct negative impact [6]. Defense is now more than just a means of breaking up the ball, it has become an essential element of possession and building effective counter-attacks against the opposing team [7]. Therefore, it is important to prepare a specialized training program that includes exercises aimed at developing the skill of defensive movements, which is one of the complex and vital skills in the game of futsal.

Research Problem

Based on the researcher's expertise and the evaluation of the clubs' performance in the Premier League qualifiers for the Pro League. It was observed that there is a deficiency in the efficacy of the defensive movement speed skill, as players fail to construct plays or execute rapid counter-attacks following ball interception. The rationale is attributed to the inadequacy in the efficacy of the defensive maneuver speed skill, regarded as one of the most critical complicated talents. The researcher opted to design specialized exercises aimed at enhancing the skill of defensive movement speed.

Research Objectives

The research aims to:

• Preparing special exercises in developing the skill of defensive movement speed for the players of Misan Futsal Club

• Identifying the differences between pre- and post-tests in the control and experimental groups

• Identify the differences between the post-tests between the experimental and control groups

Imposing the Research

• Special exercises have a significant impact on the development of defensive speed skills

• There are significant differences in the pre- and post-tests between the experimental and control groups and in favor of the experimental groups

• There are significant differences in the dimensional-postal tests between the experimental and control groups and in favor of the experimental ones

Research Areas

• Human Area: Players of Misan Futsal Club advanced for the 2025-2026 season

• Temporal Area: From (1/10/2025) to (1/2/2026)

• Spatial Area: Southern Technical University Hall, Misan

Research Methodology

The researcher employed the experimental approach in his study due to its appropriateness for the nature of the problem studied. This methodology offered instruments and techniques that facilitated precise and methodical experimentation, resulting in dependable and verifiable outcomes.

Research Population and Sample 

The research population consisted of players from clubs in Misan Governorate participating in the Premier League qualifying for the Pro League. The research sample was intentionally picked from 17 players of Misan Sports Club, excluding 3 goalkeepers. The sample was then divided into two groups, experimental and control, using a lottery, with each group consisting of 7 players.

Means of Information Collection, Devices and Tools

Means of Information Collection

• Internet

• Arab and foreign sources

• Data Registration Forms

Devices and Tools

• Futsal pitch

• Balls

• Stopwatch

• Pen

• Indicators

• Movable wall

• Adhesive tape

Field Research Procedures

Scientific Foundations of the Test

Validity of the test: Honesty is a critical trait that must be considered in the design of tests and measurements. It pertains to the extent to which the test assesses its intended purpose, as noted by Kansal [8], emphasizing the degree to which the test accurately measures the intended construct. The researcher employed apparent honesty to align with the study's nature, given the various types of honesty available.

Apparent Honesty

The test's name signifies its veracity; it appears honest, however it lacks scientific and statistical integrity [9]. This level of honesty was attained by consulting individuals with expertise in physical education and sports sciences, particularly in testing, measuring, sports training, and futsal, as illustrated in the chart below.

Table 1: Show the Percentage of Expert Agreement.

Test Consistency

Consistency is a hallmark of effective testing, indicating that the test yields identical results or a similar outcome for the same sample under identical conditions. The correlation coefficient is deemed constant and statistically significant [10]. The test stability coefficient was determined through testing and retesting, and to assess the stability of the test results, the researcher administered the test to the exploratory experiment sample on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Following the retesting of the same sample after seven laps, the researcher analyzed the data from both tests by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicated a strong correlation, affirming the test's stability; values approaching (+1) or (-1) signify a robust correlation, while values deviating from these extremes indicate a weaker correlation [11], as illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2: Shows the consistency and objectivity coefficient of the test

Defensive Movement Speed Skill Test

Objectivity of the Test

The test's objectivity signifies the absence of bias or intolerance and the exclusion of subjective elements, such as personal ideas or laboratory inclinations, in the evaluations provided by the referees [12].

• Test Name: Speed of Defensive Moves

• Purpose of the test: to measure the speed of defensive movements

• Tools Used: 6 Futsal Footballs, Stopwatch, Divider Blocker, 6 Signs, Tape Scale, Whistle, Pen, Registration Form.

Method of Performance

Following the elucidation of the test's performance and the implementation of a performance model while acclimatizing the testers, the player, upon hearing the starting whistle, propels three balls along the designated arc towards three squares positioned 7 meters away on the right. After maneuvering behind the markers situated 2 meters from the remaining balls, the player then shifts to the left to direct the three balls along the arc towards the three squares located 7 meters away on the left side. Following the cursors positioned behind the balls that are 2 meters distant from the other balls along the sketched arc, the duration of the player's performance is computed as illustrated in the image below.

Exam Conditions

• The player should start when they hear the start signal

• The tester is free to use either foot in the process of scoring the ball towards the squares

Registration

• A player is awarded a score of 3 if the ball touches the two squares close to the touchline

• The player is awarded 2 a score if the ball touches the squares in the middle

• The player is awarded 1 a score if the ball touches the two adjacent squares

• A player is awarded a score zero if the ball goes out of the line

• The player is awarded the highest score if the ball touches the line between the lines

Exploratory Experiment

The researcher performed a reconnaissance experiment including a sample of four participants on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to assess the gadgets, tools, and support team.

Pre-Test

The researcher administered the test to the research sample on October 25, 2025, a Saturday, dividing the sample into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, each consisting of seven players. The duration of the test was twenty minutes.

Normal Distribution of Study Variables

Special Exercises: The researcher implemented specialized exercises he devised for the experimental group of seven players, while the control group, also comprising seven players, followed the exercises prescribed by the trainer. The researcher conducted three training sessions per week, specifically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, over a duration of eight weeks. High-intensity interval training was employed, with careful consideration of the principle of progression during the exercise application, and the researcher utilized time to determine the intensity.

Time required to run a distance at a certain intensity = Best achievement × 100 / percentage of the required intensity

Table 3: Shows the Normal Distribution of the Study Variables

Sample homogeneity:

Table 4: Shows Sample Homogeneity

The equivalence of the control and experimental groups of the pre-measurement:

Table 5: Shows the Equivalence of the Control and Experimental Groups of the Pre-Measurement 

Post-Test

The researcher administered the post-test to the control and experimental groups on December 21, 2025, under identical conditions to the pre-test, evaluating the defensive movement speed skill for a duration of 15 minutes.

Statistical Methods

The Researcher used the Statistical Package (SPSS- 23) to Analyze the Data Obtained through the Tests Prepared for the Study

Results 

Presenting, Analyzing and Discussing the Results: Table 6 Shows the value of the arithmetic medians, standard deviations, the calculated t-value and the significant significance in the pre- and post-tests of the research variables of the control group.

Table 6: Presentation of the Results of the pre- and Post-Tests of the Research Variables for the Control Group

Table 7 Shows the value of the arithmetic medians, standard deviations, the calculated t-value and the significant significance in the pre- and post-tests of the research variables of the experimental group.

Table 7: Presentation of the Value of Arithmetic Medians, Standard Deviations, Calculated T-Value and Significance in the Pre- and Post-Tests of the Research Variables of the Experimental Group

Table 8 Shows the value of the arithmetic media, standard deviations, the calculated t-value and the significant significance of the control and experimental groups in the dimensional-dimensional scales of the skill of defensive movement speed.

Table 8: Presentation of the Value of Arithmetic Media, Standard Deviations, Calculated T-Value and Significant Significance of the Control and Experimental Groups in the Dimensional-Dimensional Scales of Defensive Movement Speed Skill

Table 6 indicates a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-measurements, favoring the dimensional measurement of the control group, with a calculated t-value of -5.21, significant at the 0.05 level. The enhancement of defensive movement speed is attributable to the sustained performance and repetition of exercises, which were effectively employed by the trainer. This aligns with the assertion by Martens and Vealey 2023 that a successful coach comprehends the objectives attainable through each exercise type and is acutely aware of the timing and duration of each exercise within the training unit. Table 7 indicates a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-measurements, favoring the dimensional measurement of the experimental group, with a calculated t-value of -6.100, significant at the 0.05 level. Table 8 indicates a statistically significant difference between the two dimensional measurements, favoring the experimental group's dimensional measurement. The calculated t-value was 5.395, which is significant at the 0.05 level, indicating notable differences between the control and experimental groups in the dimensional test, favoring the experimental group. Table 7 indicates a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-measurements, favoring the dimensional measurement of the experimental group, with a calculated t-value of -6.10, significant at the 0.05 level. Table 8 indicates a statistically significant difference between the two dimensional measurements, favoring the experimental group. The calculated t-value was 5.39, which is significant at the 0.05 level, indicating notable differences between the control and experimental groups in the dimensional test, favoring the experimental group. The data indicates that the specialized workouts for the experimental group outperformed those designed by the trainer for the control group, as the former successfully attained the intended objective. The findings indicate that employing a scientific method aligned with the players' proficiency is crucial. This aligns with the assertions of Jassim and Ali 2021, who emphasize that the efficacy of scientifically tailored sports exercises, suited to the players' capabilities, is paramount for enhancing motor and skill performance accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the specific objectives and unique attributes of each player. Bashtovenko et al. 2021 assert that sports workouts are employed to enhance planning, skill, and physical attributes, as well as to cultivate players' experiences, which constitutes the primary objective of the sports training process.

Conclusions

• The workouts proposed by the researcher have positively influenced the enhancement of defensive movement skills

• The post-test results indicated a significant enhancement in defensive movement speed, as seen by the computed (T) value favoring the experimental group

• A relative enhancement in the defensive movement speed skill of the control group

Recommendations

• The imperative of employing the workouts devised by the researcher during player training

• Develop analogous activities focusing on additional protective skills

• Performing research on different age demographics

1. Méndez-Dominguez, C. et al. "Futsal research and challenges for sport development." Frontiers in Psychology, 2022.

2. Nagorna, V. et al. "Innovative technologies in sports games: a comprehensive investigation of theory and practice." Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2024.

3. Gomes, S.A. et al. "Tactical-technical actions and internal load of young futsal players: role of space and player numbers." International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2025.

4. Ruan, L. et al. "Quantifying the effectiveness of defensive playing styles in the Chinese Football Super League." Frontiers in Psychology, 2022.

5. Xiong, H. and Thadanatthaphak, Y. "The effect of functional physical training on improving sports performance of college basketball players." Mahasarakham University, 2024.

6. Klatt, S. and Nerb, J. "Position-specific attentional skills in team sports: a comparison between defensive and offensive football players." Applied Sciences, 2021.

7. Wang, S.H. et al. "A systematic review about the performance indicators related to ball possession." PLoS One, 2022.

8. Kansal, D.D.K. A textbook of sports science: test, evaluation, accreditation, measurements and standards. KK Publications, 2021.

9. Weinberg, R.S. and Gould, D. Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human Kinetics, 2023.

10. Jiang, G. "Construction of correlation analysis model of college students’ sports performance based on convolutional neural network." Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience, 2022.

11. Anagnostopoulos, C. et al. "Assessing the perceived importance and difficulty of implementing good governance principles in national sport federations." Managing Sport and Leisure, 2025.

12. Petersen, T.S. and Wichmann, S.S. "Fairness, implicit bias testing and sports refereeing." Journal of the Philosophy of Sport, 2021.