The article analyzes the peculiarities of determining the physical development and motor readiness of students of higher education in the process of playing football. The dynamics of indicators of motivation and motor readiness of students during football training in the conditions of the academic year were studied. The article revealed that football is one of the most popular sports among students.
 An assessment of the dynamics of motor readiness was carried out based on the results of pedagogical testing of the development of spatio-temporal accuracy of movements of higher education applicants and the formation of technical skills and skills of student youth, taking into account the level of playing skill. Therefore, the use of football characterizes it as one of the most effective means of physical training of students. That is why a detailed analysis of the use of football tools as a basic sport, characteristics of its means and combinations with other sports, taking into account their "energy intensity" and wellness efficiency, could significantly contribute to the optimization of the educational process for the physical education of students of higher education.
 The use of the method of physical training of students by means of mini-football proves its effectiveness. Students increase physical fitness, motor activity, and motivation for physical education increases, which has a positive effect on their lifestyle. It develops the ability to overcome some stresses and difficulties. In the process of football classes, students have a number of important moral and volitional qualities: collectivism, purposefulness, endurance, discipline, courage. Football can be widely used as a means of professional - applied physical training of students of different specialties.