International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 14(1), pp. 86 - 92
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140109
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Unveiling the Winning Formula: Limb Selection Patterns for High Scoring in Taekwondo

Shaybal Chanda ¹, Md. Shahinur Islam ¹, Farjana Akter Boby ^2,3, Yuni Astuti ^4,*, Josyula Tejaswi ⁵, Karuppasamy Govindasamy ^6
1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Science, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
² Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Health and Life Science, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh
³ Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, UK
⁴ Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Physical Education Pedagogy, Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
⁶ Department of Sports, Recreation and Wellness, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Hyderabad Campus, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Taekwondo, a global Olympic sport, is known for its powerful kicks, punches, discipline, and respect; now, limb-based performance analysis is vital for improving tactics and scoring. Aim: To identify the most effective limbs for scoring, supporting evidence-based coaching, and improving elite athlete performance. Methods: This study analyzed 320 matches from the 2021–2023 World Taekwondo Championships, covering all genders and weight classes from 99 countries. Two national-level players independently reviewed each match frame-by-frame to record points by limb, resolving discrepancies jointly. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were used; due to assumption violations, Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc ( < .05) was applied, showing high power (1− = 0.99 total, 0.93 male/female) and a medium effect size ( = 0.06). Result: Taekwondo athletes score mostly with legs (right 47%, left 43%) and minimally with hands (right 5%, left 4%). Males use legs equally (46%), while females favor the right leg (49%), and hands more (6%). Mean right leg score was 5.79 ( 5.69), left hand 0.51 ( 1.04). Kruskal-Wallis showed significant limb differences ( = .000); Dunn's test confirmed legs scored more than hands ( = .000), with no significant difference between the right and left legs or between the right and left hands. Conclusion: Taekwondo players primarily score using their legs, especially kicks, with women relying more on the right leg, highlighting the importance of strong and well-practiced kicking techniques for success.

KEYWORDS
Sparring Tactics, Limb Dominance, Gender Differences, Scoring Efficiency

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Shaybal Chanda , Md. Shahinur Islam , Farjana Akter Boby , Yuni Astuti , Josyula Tejaswi , Karuppasamy Govindasamy , "Unveiling the Winning Formula: Limb Selection Patterns for High Scoring in Taekwondo," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 86 - 92, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140109.

(b). APA Format:
Shaybal Chanda , Md. Shahinur Islam , Farjana Akter Boby , Yuni Astuti , Josyula Tejaswi , Karuppasamy Govindasamy (2026). Unveiling the Winning Formula: Limb Selection Patterns for High Scoring in Taekwondo. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 14(1), 86 - 92. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140109.