OBSTACLE COURSE OR PARKOUR IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SCHOOL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN UKRAINE AND SWITZERLAND

Abstract

Parkour is not a kind of sport that involves competition. The main idea of parkour is strength, freedom, courage and discipline. Introduction. The analysed literature sources do not contain any information about usage of parkour in school education in Ukraine, while it is actively and widely practiced by schoolars in Switzerland during the school period. In Ukraine, the obstacle course being used as a type of track-and-field exercises, the elements of which are used in physical education classes in 1-11 grades, as well as a method in physical education in higher education institutions and in the Armed Forces. Purpose. To conduct a comparative analysis between the use of parkour in the "Sport" lessons in Swiss Confederation and obstacle course elements in Ukraine in the context of school education. Methods. Analysis of scientific, historical and methodological literature. Results. A comparative analysis was conducted between the use of parkour elements and obstacle course elements had revealed a significant difference. The classic version of the obstacle course contributes the development of physical qualities: agility, speed, coordination and strength. Originality. After analysing the literature, we can notice the fundamental difference between parkour and obstacle course. Parkour is a philosophy, parkour has a concept and it is a freedom of choice and application of movements, opposed to strictly regulated elements during the obstacle course. The uniqueness of parkour: it contains many complex coordination elements that are not part of the basic system of existing sports and require an increased level of physical fitness. The following types of physical activity are representing human movement and movement in space: climbing and athletics teach vertical and horizontal movement, gymnastics and martial arts help to gain control over the position of the body in space (they participate in both types of movement). Conclusion. We recommend parkour practice to children since primary school age, using theoretical and practical knowledges, in order to simplify puberty period, when unrealised energy could be directed into a useful direction, without any agression.