Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part J (2025)

The significance of this research lies in the fact that learning is a complex process requiring learners to possess the necessary skills and study habits to achieve success, particularly in light of the increasing role of the learner and the growing complexity of educational tasks as students advance through academic stages. One of the major criticisms directed at traditional teaching methods such as explanation and model performance is their failure to account for learners' abilities and individual differences. Therefore, understanding the role of holistic thinking in learning the underhand serve skill is essential for achieving success in volleyball, as it makes training more effective and contributes to the comprehensive development of players' skills. The research problem emerged from the researchers' observation of the performance of the underhand serve skill among female students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Misan, where they noticed a weakness in learning and performing this skill, as well as difficulty in its execution. Since holistic thinking helps players understand the interaction among various elements such as ball movement, players' positions, and opponents' strategies it can enhance spatial awareness and assist in making effective decisions during play. Therefore, the researchers sought to explore holistic thinking by integrating it into the educational curriculum to examine its effect on learning and performing the underhand serve skill in volleyball among female students. The study aimed to identify the level of holistic thinking among fourth year students, determine its effect on technical performance in the serve skill, assess its role in improving the team's overall performance, and investigate the correlation between holistic thinking and the underhand serve skill. The researchers adopted the descriptive method as it suited the nature of the problem, and the research population consisted of fourth year female students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Misan, for the academic year 2024-2025. The findings revealed a significant correlation between holistic thinking and learning the underhand serve skill, and the researchers recommended applying the principle of reinforcement, as it helps eliminate performance defects and improve overall execution.