The Winning Formula: Differentiating Technical Efficiency Between Winners and Losers in National-Level Pencak Silat Olahraga

Match analysis provides objective data essential for establishing evidence-based tactical strategies in combat sports. While previous research in Pencak Silat Olahraga (PSO) has primarily focused on overall technique frequencies, limited attention has been given to how technical efficiency and point conversion rates differentiate successful from unsuccessful match outcomes. This study aimed to identify the key technical efficiency metrics and performance indicators (PIs) that distinguish winners from losers among national-level male PSO athletes at the Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) 2024 competition. A total of 27 matches (81 rounds) were recorded using a high-resolution camcorder and analyzed via LongoMatch software. Performance indicators across striking (turning, front, side, and back kicks; punches) and grappling (Jatuhan, Anti-Jatuhan, counterattacks, and Guntingan) were coded for total volume, successful executions, and technical efficiency ratios (successful actions / total attempts). Independent samples t-tests and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were conducted to compare technical efficiency and action volumes between winners and losers across match rounds. Results revealed that while total attack volume did not significantly differ between outcome groups (p > 0.05), winning athletes demonstrated significantly higher technical efficiency in turning kicks (p < 0.01) and legal takedowns (Jatuhan,p < 0.05). Furthermore, defensive grappling efficiency (Anti-Jatuhan) was significantly greater in winners during Round 3 (p < 0.05), effectively neutralizing high-value scoring attempts by opponents in the final phase of competition. In contrast, punching efficiency remained low across both groups, reflecting its minimal point yield relative to counter-attack risks. These findings indicate that match success in elite PSO is governed by technical precision and conversion efficiency rather than raw attack frequency. Coaches should leverage these insights to design data-driven training interventions that emphasize high-yield striking accuracy, defensive grappling stability, and tactical decision-making under match conditions.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS IN SPORT

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