A Master’s thesis was defended at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Baghdad, by graduate student Abeer Abbas Harz, entitled:
“The Effect of Exercises Using the Pentagram Strategy on Learning Selected Basic Basketball Skills for Beginners Under 14.”
The examination committee consisted of:
•Prof. Dr. Laith Faris Jameel – Chair
•Asst. Prof. Dr. Samer Ahmed Hussein – Member
•Lect. Dr. Ali Kamal Hussein – Member
•Asst. Prof. Dr. Laith Mohammed Abdulrazzaq – Member and Supervisor
The significance of this research stems from the nature of basketball itself, a sport that relies on mastering a set of essential skills—such as dribbling, passing, and shooting—which form the technical foundation for young athletes, especially at early developmental stages. The Pentagram Strategy, as applied in the study, aims to structure training exercises to meet the specific needs of beginners, improving their movement coordination and overall skill execution.
The research was motivated by the need to advance teaching methods and motor learning strategies, particularly for younger age groups, to build a solid technical base in sports education. The study specifically sought to explore how the Pentagram Strategy could support this goal by providing structured, age-appropriate exercises that enhance skill acquisition.
The aim of the thesis was to investigate the use of the Pentagram Strategy in teaching basic basketball skills to beginners under 14 years of age and to assess its effectiveness in improving their technical proficiency.
By focusing on innovative, learner-centered teaching strategies, this research contributes to the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education through its emphasis on improving educational methods in youth sports training, and also supports Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by encouraging physical activity and skill development among young athletes.
