Intellectualization as an aid to teaching the game of soccer among students of sports universities

Abstract

Background: The paper is of an implementation (application) nature and addresses problems related to the concept of effective soccer training. Given that the actions in a sports game are based on conscious activities that require creative attitudes from players, the study proposes intellectual teaching, with an emphasis on the role of expertise. The purpose of the research was to determine an experimental method of teaching the game of soccer based on programmed support (teaching intellectualization). Materials and Methods: The pedagogical experiment method was used to evaluate the effectiveness (learning and teaching) of special motor skills. Experimental teaching was conducted over a period of 4 months in 2018-2019 among third-year physical education students of Polish sports universities (AWF Kraków and AWFiS Gdańsk). Thirty-two students who participated in soccer program classes were examined. Results: The experimental teaching (intellectualization), conducted among students of sports universities showed great advantages in more effective teaching. In the experimental groups, intellectual support led to better results (significant differences at p<0.05). Conclusions: The methodological procedure based on intellectual support of the player’s motor actions accelerates the teaching of soccer technique. Knowledge of action represents a significant disposition to efficient motor activity. It was also demonstrated that mental training used as reinforcement (in optimal proportions) can compensate for practical training.