Application of teaching intellectualization in training aimed at creating a game environment among young footballers

Abstract

Background: Modern tendencies in football education include the concept of teaching games for understanding based on the development of mental abilities which may encourage players to take creative actions in the game. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the intellectualization of teaching in the game environment of young football players proposed by the authors on changes in the level of acquiring specialized knowledge, football technique (special skills), and the effectiveness of actions in the game (gk. + 4 x 4 + gk.). Materials and methods: The research was conducted on a group of football players from the Hutnik Football Academy in Kraków. The group consisted of 32 young players aged 9 years (Junior E2). The study was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021. The research used the method of pedagogical experiment and natural experiment. The technique of parallel groups (experimental and control) was used in the study. Specialized knowledge test, football technique test, and observation of players’ effectiveness in the game were used to evaluate the players (gk. + 4 x 4 + gk.). Results: The analysis of previous studies showed that compared to the traditional methods, the intellectualization of teaching in the game environment has a greater impact on the level of tested parameters. This was proved by the results of half-year experimental research which showed substantial statistic differentiation in the experimental group of the evaluation of specialized knowledge, football technique, and effectiveness in the game. Based on the correlation analysis, significant relationships were also found between the level of specialized knowledge, football technique, and effectiveness in the game. Conclusion: To improve football training efficiency, it is worth promoting creative methods of teaching the game aimed at creating the game environment and making creative decisions based on the acquired skills and knowledge about the game.