The article reveals the theoretical foundations of the development of methodological competence of future physical education teachers during their studies at higher education institutions. The essence and structure of the concept of ”methodical competence of a physical education teacher” was identified as one of the factors of proficiency which provides the teacher with knowledge, abilities and skills of organizing physical education and health activities, health methods and technologies for providing students with motor activity, skills and conducting the educational process on the subject “Physical education”. The purpose of the article is to study the structure of the methodical competence of the physical education teacher and to establish the components that must be developed during the training of students. The analysis of scientific and methodical literature shows a large number of different approaches to determining the structure of a teacher's methodical competence. We have identified the following structural components of the physical education teacher's methodological competence: motivational-targeted, organizational-contentual, procedural-active, reflective-creative. To ensure the development of each of the components of the methodological competence of the future physical education teacher, it is necessary to: 1) to create scientifically based planning of the educational process consisting of mandatory and optional educational components at the higher education institution; 2) to ensure unity and interconnection of theoretical, methodical and practical training of students; 3) to create a high but accessible level of difficulty in training classes, quick and high- quality mastery of the technique of performing exercises and mastering the method of their improvement; 4) to create maximum activity and independence of the students during classes; 5) to combine individual and collective physical culture and health activities of the students; 6) ensure the educational process with a sufficient quantity and quality of technical and sports equipment; 7) to ensure wide use of innovative technologies of physical culture, health and sports activities. The methodical competence of a physical education teacher depends on his professional preparation while studying at a higher education institution, namely: methodical, professional-pedagogical, psychological-pedagogical knowledge as well as knowledge in the fields of physical culture, health and sports, abilities and skills, motivational and valuable attitude towards his profession. The uniqueness of the methodical competence of a physical education teacher is determined by the specifics of solving training, educational and health-improving tasks regarding the formation of physical, psychological, spiritual and social health of student youth.