Abstract:
Background and Study Aim. Much of the crisis in the current education system is caused by students’ low physical fitness and self-confidence. This study aims to determine the effect of physical fitness on self-confidence and its impact on the academic achievement of Physical Education of Grade V Primary School students.
Materials and Methods. This research is correlational. The subjects were Class V students in elementary schools, with a sample size of 115 students (66 males, 49 females, ages 10-12) selected through random sampling. Academic achievement was measured through Physical Education report card scores, physical fitness through the Indonesian Student Fitness Test (TKSI), and physical self-confidence through a self-confidence scale. Data analysis was performed using regression techniques via SPSS 21.
Results. Physical fitness positively affected self-confidence (r = 0.259, p = 0.005 < 0.05) and Physical Education academic achievement (r = 0.513, p = 0.000 < 0.05). Self-confidence also significantly impacted Physical Education academic achievement (r = 0.519, p = 0.000 < 0.05).
Conclusion. Better physical fitness enhances students’ self-confidence and positively influences their academic performance in Physical Education.

Keywords:
physical fitness, self-confidence, physical education academic achievement