Assessing Flexibility Using the Sideways Leg-Split Test on Selected Physical Education Students of University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Purpose: The study, a survey, assessed flexibility of Physical Education students in gymnastics class with the use of the sideways leg-split test. Methods and Materials: Data was collected from twenty randomly selected male samples aged between 23-35 years (M=28 years, SD= 3.39). Data collection: The distance between the two step-bench wooden blocks pushed sideways was measured in meters. Two attempts were allowed and participants' averages were calculated and the group mean obtained. Data analysis: Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results: The results revealed that 12 participants performed above the group mean with 7(35%) being excellent and 5 (25%) very good, while 8 (40%) performed below the group mean with 3 (15%) been average and 5 ( 25%) being poor. Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of the students possess good flexibility which would enhance their performance in sports. Though exceptional situations exist, the ingredient for movement lies in the neutral zone to which attention should be directed. There is the need to avoid wrong sequence of training regimes and the training process should systematically modify its performance objectives to meet the demands of the sporting disciplines concerned.

Key words: Assessment, Proficiency, Sideways Leg-split, Flexibility