http://patriot.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/patriot <p>The Patriot Journal is a publication featuring scholarly articles in the fields of coaching science, sports management, philosophy, pedagogy, physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and sports sociology. It is issued biannually in January-June and July-December. The journal comprises manuscripts presenting research findings, conceptual ideas, theoretical reviews, or applications of science and technology in sports coaching.</p> Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia en-US Jurnal Patriot 2655-4984 http://patriot.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/patriot/article/view/1207 <p><strong>Problem :</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>The low footwork skills of students are inextricably linked to the training methods employed in the learning process. Footwork training in badminton lectures has generally been conducted conventionally, involving monotonous repetition of basic movements, lacking variety, and providing minimal movement stimuli that mimic real-life playing conditions.&nbsp;<strong>Purpose : </strong>This study aims to determine the effect of variation-based shadow badminton training on improving the footwork abilities of Sports Education students.. <strong>Methods : </strong>The study used an experimental method with a pretest–posttest control group design. The study sample consisted of 90 students, divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 45) and the control group (n = 45). The experimental group was given treatment in the form of variation-based shadow badminton training, while the control group was given conventional training. The research instrument used a nationally and internationally validated badminton footwork ability test. Data analysis was performed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and independent sample t-tests with a significance level of 0.05.&nbsp;<strong>Resuluts : </strong>The results of the study showed that there was a significant increase in footwork ability in both groups (p &lt; 0.05), but the increase in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.000).&nbsp;<strong>Conclusion :</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>These findings indicate that variation-based shadow badminton training significantly improves students' footwork skills. Therefore, variation-based shadow badminton training is recommended as an effective training method to improve the quality of badminton learning in higher education.</p> Ade Zalindro Abdur Rohim Fadlan Ozha Wahyu Pra adha ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2026-03-01 2026-03-01 8 1 1 6 10.24036/patriot.v8i1.1207 http://patriot.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/patriot/article/view/1176 <p><strong>Problems: </strong>Previous studies indicate that sports participation is strongly influenced by socioeconomic factors; however, comprehensive analyses that integrate access, identity formation, and social mobility within the context of social classification remain limited, particularly in sports sociology literature. This gap highlights the need for a systematic review that critically examines sports as both a space of inequality and opportunity, thereby offering novelty through an integrative and theory-driven perspective.<strong> Purpose: </strong>This study aims to analyze how social classification shapes access to sports participation, constructs social identity, and enables or constrains social mobility through sports.<strong> Methods: </strong>This research employed a qualitative approach using library research methods. Data were collected from national and international peer-reviewed journals indexed in reputable databases and published between 2018 and 2024. The selected literature was analyzed thematically using content analysis to identify patterns related to access inequality, identity construction, and social mobility in sports.<strong> Results: </strong>The findings show that socioeconomic background significantly determines access to sports facilities, professional coaching, and institutional support, with higher social classes enjoying greater advantages. Sports also function as symbols of social identity and class distinction, reflecting processes of social reproduction. At the same time, sports provide opportunities for upward social mobility, particularly for individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through scholarships, sponsorships, and athletic achievement. However, these opportunities are limited by persistent structural barriers, including unequal resource distribution, gender bias, and selective policy implementation.<strong> Conclusion: </strong>This study concludes that sports both reflect and reproduce broader social stratification while simultaneously offering selective pathways for social mobility. The findings contribute theoretically to sports sociology and practically to sports education policy, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and equitable approaches. Future research is recommended to incorporate empirical field studies and comparative regional analyses to deepen understanding of social inequality in sports.</p> Chikitania Larasuria Maronji Padli Padli Eri Barlian ##submission.copyrightStatement## http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 2026-03-01 2026-03-01 8 1 7 16 10.24036/patriot.v8i1.1176