Fatemeh Valeh - M.A. in Motor Control and Learning, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad, Iran
Alireza Saberi Kakhki - Associate Professor in Motor Behavior, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad, Iran
Fatemeh Alirezaie Noghondar - Assistant Professor in Sport Biomechanics, Department of Motor Behavior, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad, Iran

Acquisition of sport skill might be considered as a nonlinear process that emphasizes on momentary changes and dynamic coordination, and according to ecological viewpoint, learning is gained via interaction of individual with an environment and the task. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to study the effect of nonlinear pedagogy on performance and learning of table tennis forehand skill. This study was a semi-experimental research conducted on 26 girls (9 – 11- year old). They were randomly divided into two groups (control and nonlinear pedagogy) of 13. After the pretest, the nonlinear pedagogy group started eight sessions of practice (manipulation of constraints such as rules and equipment) to learn table tennis forehand stroke. Then, students took the immediate retention test, and after four weeks they took the delayed retention test. Nonlinear group had progressed in precision scores and achieved better scores in all stages after the intervention, and a significant difference was observed between nonlinear pedagogy group and control group (p<0.05). The results suggested that we can take advantage of nonlinear pedagogy in acquisition of sport skills and that more effective learning will be accomplished by focusing on nonlinear pedagogy and considering individual differences as well as taking advantage of opportunities of exercise.

motor learning, dynamic coordination, ecological viewpoint, performance