THE ISSUE OF CHOOSING A COMPETITIVE DISCIPLINE IN KICKBOXING: AN EXPERT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Kickboxing is a popular sport with various disciplines that differ in the level of contact and technical actions. The growing competition and new scientific approaches to the training process make the choice of a competitive discipline an important issue for athletes, coaches, and researchers. The aim of this review was to examine the issue of selecting kickboxing disciplines. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature and online resources, and a questionnaire survey on training and competitive activities, as well as factors influencing the choice of discipline, conducted among 37 kickboxing coaches with an average experience of 12.9 ± 6.8 years. The data were processed using statistical methods. Results: Most surveyed coaches train athletes not only for kickboxing but also for other combat sports. At the same time, 94.6% of coaches field their athletes in two or more kickboxing disciplines simultaneously. The most popular disciplines are those that allow leg kicks to the thigh. Among the main reasons for changing disciplines, coaches cited a universal training approach (51.4%) and the desire to gain additional competitive experience (51.4%). More than half of the coaches (59.5%) face the problem of choosing a priority discipline. According to experts, the most important factors influencing the choice of discipline are: the athlete’s desire (8.52 ± 1.70), the level of physical fitness (8.17 ± 1.26), psychological qualities (8.28 ± 1.83), and technical-tactical preparedness (8.03 ± 1.72). The least important factors were special testing (4.72 ± 2.95) and scientific developments (5.24 ± 2.67). The factor analysis revealed that the process of selecting a competitive discipline in kickboxing is influenced not by isolated parameters, but by a system of interrelated factors. Among respondents, 70.3% believe that it is necessary to develop official methodological guidelines for discipline selection. The study also revealed that the universal training approach is more commonly used in youth and junior groups, while in elite sports, there is a clear trend toward narrow specialization, focusing on one or two competitive disciplines. Conclusions: The study revealed that the choice of a competitive discipline in kickboxing is determined by a combination of individual motivational, organizational, and methodological factors. Coaches primarily rely on athletes’ personal characteristics, while scientific and testing methods are used to a limited extent. A clear trend was identified, transitioning from a universal training approach in youth sports to a narrow specialization at the elite level. Future research should focus on developing evidence-based methodological guidelines and predictive models to assess the success of athletes across various kickboxing disciplines.