Laterality in Karate: study focused on the praxis of coaches

estudio centrado en entrenadores y entrenadoras (study focused on coaches)

Abstract

Laterality is a widely studied phenomenon, but the factors involved in its development have not yet been clearly determined. However, mainly during childhood, several studies have shown that lateral dominance can be trained and modified. In various sports disciplines lateral dominance turns out to be a key factor in performance, so it is considered as such in training. Our objective is to examine the coaches' perception of the laterality treatment in karate training. We have used a descriptive quantitative methodology, carrying out a cross-sectional study based on the sample, applying an ad hoc designed questionnaire. 72 active coaches have agreed to participate in the study. Ambidextrism is the type of laterality that provides the most advantages at a competitive level according to coaches. The segment in which it is most common for athletes to undergo a forced lateral change is the foot. Such modification usually occurs mainly in those people who are right-handed, with the aim that they change to a left-handed lateral dominance. Most coaches who try to change the laterality of their athletes, do so when they are more than 7 years old, and usually when they are at a national competitive level. Coaches “almost always” perform balanced bilateral work in kumite and kata, considering it important to maintain this balance.