Trained Players Research Articles

Small-Sided Games versus Continuous Endurance Training in Female Handball Players.

The main aim of the study was to compare the training methods of continuous endurance training versus handball small-sided games (SSGs) in female handball players during the preseason. Eighteen female handball players from a first league in the Czech Republic voluntarily participated in the study. They were divided into two groups (the SSG group [n = 9; age: 21.22 ± 3.03 years] and a running group (RG) [n = 9; age: 23.78 ± 3.77 years]). Both groups continued regular preseason training for six weeks. The SSG group played two small-sided games per week (a total of 12 games during the monitoring period) in their training sessions during the monitored six-week period. The RG ran twice per week, participating in continuous endurance training in the 12 training sessions during the monitored six-week period. Fitness tests (pretest/posttest) were performed prior to the six weeks of intervention and one week afterwards. The order of the fitness tests in sequence was as follows: 20-m and 30-m sprints, a Modified Agility T test (MAT), a Standing Long-Jump Test, ball-throwing velocity, and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Test level 1. In the SSG group, there was a significant improvement in the T test (p = 0.034), ball-throwing velocity (p = 0.019), and the Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.003) performance. The RG showed a significant improvement in the Standing Long-Jump Test (p = 0.049), ball-throwing velocity (p = 0.003), and the Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.003) performance. In conclusion, the SSGT method had a positive effect on female players' MAT, ball-throwing velocity and YoYo IR1 results, and the CERT method had a significant effect only on the YoYo IR1 results. Handball SSGs are a more suitable training method due to exercise specificity.

Praxeological characteristics of the game model in risky situations for football players as a determinant of rational training

Background: The article is of an implementation (application) nature, addressing problems related to the modelling of individual play in risky situations. Assuming that individual actions constitute the basis of team play, the work carried out a praxeological assessment of individual play in risky situations. These activities, due to the specificity of the sports game (group pressing), high difficulty in execution (activity in discomfort), constitute a significant element that in the modern game becomes a necessity for organized training. Methods: The assessment of actions in difficult situations was made on the example of the game of football (soccer) players from group H (Colombia, Japan, Senegal, Poland), participating in the World Cup tournament - Russia 2018 (observation of 150 players). The research used the method of noted observation, which consisted of direct recorded observation – secondary (DVD material), with the possibility of repeated replay of the events being the subject of research. The data obtained were recorded on a praxeological observation sheet. Results: Data analysis allowed to determine the level of individual actions in risky situations, which, for application purposes, determines not only the assessment of these actions against the background of dominant football teams in the world but, above all, determines the direction of game modelling in organized training of football players in Poland. Conclusion: Individual game activities are activities that are significant to the effectiveness of the game. Teams achieving better values for the above activities in the analysed tournament had higher values of praxeological indices of the game than teams losing their matches.

Predictive modeling of the ratings of perceived exertion during training and competition in professional soccer players.

Evaluate the ability of predicting the ratings of perceived exertion from the external load variables in professional soccer players through a chronological perspective (i.e., past features values are considered additional features) through machine learning models by considering the playing position. Prospective cohort study. Thirty-eight elite soccer players aged 19-27 years were observed during 151 training sessions, 44 matches across a full season. External load variables (58 derived from Global Positioning System and 30 from accelerometers) and the internal load derived from ratings of perceived exertion were collected for each player and each session and match. Machine learning models (linear regression, K-NN, decision trees, random forest, elastic net regression, XGBoost) were compared and interpreted in order to deepen the relationship between external load variables and ratings of perceived exertion according to the player position in a predictive perspective. Application of the machine learning models on the dataset provided enough predictive power to reduce the Root Mean Squared Error of 60 % from dummy predictions. The most accurate models (Root Mean Squared Error ≈ 1.1 for random forest and = 1 for XGBoost) highlighted a memory effect in subsequent ratings of perceived exertion values. Past ratings of perceived exertion values over one month were the strongest predicting factors of ratings of perceived exertion as compared to various external load indicators. The tree-based machine learning models showed statistically significant predictive ability, indicating valuable information for understanding the training load responses based on ratings of perceived exertion changes.

THE MODEL OF PHYSICAL TRAINING OF YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN THE ALL-YEAR-ROUND TRAINING PROCESS

The complex process comprehensive training of young football players, though being a very important sphere, has not been sufficiently studied yet. It is proved that there is improvement in motor abilities and technical actions in teens, therefore pedagogical intervention in this process becomes urgent. The aim of the research is to study the level of physical fitness of young football players and to develop a special model for its improvement, at the same time to review the effectiveness of technical and tactical actions in competitive games. Review and analysis of literary sources, pedagogical observation, conducting of a pedagogical experiment, mathematical and statistical analysis of the results were used. The dynamics of the results of the pedagogical scientific experiment is due to a number of factors - the programming of training process offered by us, the correct choice of appropriate means, and the correct use of their doses, with age features and patterns of development of the body.

Analysis of the Offensive Tactics Used by High-Level Basketball Players of Different Age Groups

The rapid and continuous development of basketball has necessitated the long-term training of young basketball players, enabling them to meet the ever-changing demands of the sport. The aim of the present study was to record the offensive competitive behaviour of men and boys by analysing world championship matches in order to determine whether the choice of tactics in them depended on the age category they belonged to. The sample of the research consisted of 2,997 actions performed by basketball national teams in Men’s (seniors) and juniors’ World Championships. The juniors’ category includes athletes 14-15 years old (U16). Offenses were recorded with the Sportscout game observation software. The recorded parameters are the following: age group, types of initiating an offense, offensive tactics, type of offensive, attacking from the perimeter & from inside the paint, screening in offense, pick and roll in offense, offensive inbound plays, inbound position, attack efficiency, shooter, shooting area/ position. Summarizing, the juniors’ group showed a higher percentage in offenses fast breaks, in motion offense, in the attacks that were starting after a steal and an offensive rebound. In addition means’ group had higher percentage in inside game and in pick and roll. Αccording to the above the offensivetactics depended significantly on the age group. This confirms the tendency of coaches to use continuity offences in order to train young athletes in all competitive positions rather than in a single one. Their next step would be to adopt the defensive transition tactic, found to have been adopted by the men’s group.

Association of ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism with Elite Basketball Player Status and Training Responses.

The α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene rs1815739 (C/T, R577X) polymorphism is a variant frequently associated with athletic performance among different populations. However, there is limited research on the impact of this variant on athlete status and physical performance in basketball players. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the association of ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with changes in physical performance in response to six weeks of training in elite basketball players using 30 m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (IR 2) tests, and (2) to compare ACTN3 genotype and allelic frequencies between elite basketball players and controls. The study included a total of 363 individuals, comprising 101 elite basketball players and 262 sedentary individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from oral epithelial cells or leukocytes, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using KASP genotyping method or by microarray analysis. We found that the frequency of the ACTN3 rs1815739 XX genotype was significantly lower in basketball players compared to controls (10.9 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.023), suggesting that RR/RX genotypes were more favorable for playing basketball. Statistically significant (p = 0.045) changes were observed in Yo-Yo IRT 2 performance measurement tests in basketball players with the RR genotype only. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the carriage of the ACTN3 rs1815739 R allele may confer an advantage in basketball.

Coach and player rating of perceived challenge (RPC) as a skill monitoring tool in Rugby union

Objective To determine the relationship between player and coach rating of perceived challenge (RPC) for different training sessions over a competitive rugby union season. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between player RPC and player session rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods We used an observational longitudinal study design to monitor 51 male highly-trained under 21 rugby union players and four coaches over an 11-week competitive rugby season (a total of 1798 training session observations). Player RPC (0 to 10 arbitrary units (AU)) and RPE ratings (0 to 10 AU) were collected after team sessions (a technical and tactical field-based session with all players training together), split sessions (a technical and tactical field-based session where players trained separately according to their positional grouping (forward and backs)) and gym sessions (non-field-based session with all players training together). Coach RPC ratings were only collected after team sessions and split sessions. Results A weak positive relationship (rho = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09–0.42; p < .001) was found for split sessions (player RPC: 4.40; 95% CI: 3.87–4.87 AU; coach RPC: 4.25; 95% CI: 3.92–4.60 AU), while a moderate positive relationship (rho = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31–0.43; p < .001) was found between player RPC (4.29; 95% CI: 4.00–4.55) and coach RPC (4.96; 95% CI: 4.89–5.05) for team sessions. Forwards had a higher RPC (5.33; 95% CI: 4.50–5.65) compared to backs (3.45; 95% CI: 2.88–4.00) for split ( p < .001) and team sessions (forward's RPC: 4.66; 95% CI: 4.37–4.94; back's RPC: 3.84; 95% CI: 3.38–4.26; p < .001). Conclusions In conclusion, using a rating to quantify the perceived challenge of training, we found coaches may be overestimating how challenging their training sessions are. Forwards-rated field sessions more challenging than backs, which likely represents their additional technical and tactical demands from training scrums, line-outs and mauls. While the RPC has strong theoretical justification as a rating tool to potentially fulfil the gap of quantifying the perceived challenge of training, thoughtful validity studies are yet to be conducted on the scale, which are the required next steps if the RPC is going form part of a coach's and practitioner's toolbox to optimise skill training.

Training with AI: Evidence from chess computers

AbstractWe suggest that AI can help decision‐makers learn; specifically, that it can help them learn strategic interactions by serving as artificial training partners and thus help them to overcome a bottleneck of scarce human training partners. We present evidence from chess computers, the first widespread incarnation of AI. Leveraging the staggered diffusion of chess computers, we find that they did indeed help chess players improve by serving as a substitute for scarce human training partners. We also illustrate that chess computers were not a perfect substitute, as players training with them were not exposed to and thus did not learn to exploit idiosyncratic (“human”) mistakes. We discuss implications for research on learning, on AI in management and strategy, and on competitive advantage.

A Pilot Study of the Biofeedback Training to Reduce Salivary Cortisol Level and Improve Mental Health in Highly-Trained Female Athletes.

Biofeedback (BFB) training can provide a useful resource for athletes to cope with stress. However, the effects of BFB training on acute and chronic endocrine stress responses, parasympathetic activity, and mental health in competitive athletes have not been explored yet. This pilot study examined the effects of a 7-week BFB training on psychophysiological parameters in highly trained female athletes. Six highly trained female volleyball players (mean age: 17.50 ± 1.05 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Athletes individually attended 21-session heart rate variability (HRV)-BFB training consisting of six minutes for 7 weeks. A BFB device (Nexus 10) was used to measure the athletes' physiological responses reflecting HRV. To assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR), saliva samples were collected immediately after awakening and 15min, 30min, and 60min post-awakening. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was filled out before and after the intervention to assess mental health. Furthermore, athletes provided saliva samples during eight sessions pre- and immediately post-session. Mid-day cortisol levels decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant change was observed in CAR and physiological responses after the intervention. A significant decrease in cortisol level was observed in BFB sessions in which cortisol level was assessed, except for two sessions. We concluded that short sessions of 7-week HRV-BFB training could be used as an effective method to control autonomic functions and stress of female athletes. Although the present study provides strong evidence for the psychophysiological well-being of athletes, further investigations with larger samples are needed.

Rationale and Practical Recommendations for Testing Protocols in Female Soccer: A Narrative Review.

Beato, M, Datson, N, Anderson, L, Brownlee, T, Coates, A, and Hulton, A. Rationale and practical recommendations for testing protocols in female soccer: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1912-1922, 2023-The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the presented literature on tests (aerobic, speed, changes of direction [COD], strength, power, jump, and anthropometry) of the varied components of female soccer and to draw attention to the most suitable protocols to allow practitioners to accurately track players' fitness status. The 2 most common field tests used to assess aerobic fitness are the Yo-Yo intermittent test (level 1 and level 2) and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test because of an ability to measure multiple players at once with a soccer-specific intermittent profile. The sprinting performance can be assessed on distances of <30 m; however, longer distances (e.g., 40 m) allow for achieving peak speed (flying sprint test), which can be assessed using global navigation satellite system. Changes-of-direction capacity has been found to be an important component of players testing and training programs, although there is no "gold standard" to assess COD or repeated sprint ability performance in female players. Lower-limb power can be assessed using jump tests that can use force platforms, jump mats, and optoelectronic devices, while maintaining a good reliability. Several in-direct tests are currently available for assessing anthropometry parameters, such as skinfold thickness, hydrodensitometry, and ultrasound. However, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the most valid and reliable method for assessing body composition in team sport athletes, with the addition of bone health that is a key measure in female athletes. In conclusion, the evidence reported in this review will be able to aid practitioners, coaches, and researchers to decide which tests meet the requirements of their environment.

Application of athletics equipment in sprinting training of rugby players

Aim – to justify the use of athletics exercises in the sprint training of rugby players. Methods: theoretical methods of pedagogical research. Results and discussion. The modern game of rugby requires a player, regardless of his role and position on the field in the game, to be prepared to execute short, repetitive bursts of running at high intensity. It has been established that the structure of the sprint of rugby players is similar to the actions of a sprinter who has to perform a run from the start or an instant powerful acceleration in motion. The results of the analysis of the scientific and methodological literature and pedagogical modeling showed that in order to improve the rugby player's sprinting performance, the physical training coach should include in the training program plyometric exercises, fast squats with a barbell, towing a sled and exercises aimed at improving the technique of sprinting. It is these practical and scientifically proven means in the field of athletics that determine the impact on the structure of sprinting abilities of rugby players, identical to the sprinting characteristics of a player on the field. Conclusions. It has been established that rugby players need the ability to perform powerful quick movements in accordance with the structure inherent in short-distance runners. Therefore, there is an opportunity to build a sprint training program using exercises and training methodology for short-distance runners. Sprinting exercises should be selected taking into account the powerful short sprints that are inherent in the actions of a rugby player during the game. At the same time, the need for readiness for their serial implementation should be taken into account. Therefore, it is promising to develop a methodology for applying elements of sprinter training in the construction of sprint training for rugby players.

“Train as you play”: Improving effectiveness of training in youth soccer players

Purpose The present study investigates to what extend de-contextualized practice is necessary to acquire technical skills in developmental soccer training. Typically, open play is considered beneficial for acquiring tactical skills, whereas specific drills are used to support the development of technical skills like passing and shooting. Therefore, a field-based study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a Nonlinear Pedagogy (NP) approach in contrast to a classical Deliberate Practice approach to improve passing performance in young developmental soccer players. Method Forty young male players (age 10 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to three groups (PLAY, PRACTICE, and CONTROL). The PRACTICE group performed classical passing drills, whereas the PLAY group underwent a NP training regime. Passing skill was assessed before and after a 5-week training program using a standardized passing test according to the German Football Association. Additional retention testing was performed 5 weeks later. Results The results indicated that, although the test design showed no specificity to the learning environment of the PLAY group, both groups improved passing skills after training, but the PLAY group displayed better results during retention testing (PRACTICE: p = 0.004, d = 0.48; PLAY: p = 0.001, d = 0.53) compared to the PRACTICE group. These findings are suggestive of general transfer learning in dynamic learning environments. Conclusion The findings indicate that even when there is an emphasis on “technical skill” enhancement, more effective improvement in young development players may be observed through dynamic learning environments. Consequently, this study encourages coaches to design training regimes that afford players to train as they play.

Soccer labour market equilibrium and efficient training of players

This paper develops a two-period model of the soccer labour market. The first period is devoted to the selection of players and training, while the second period corresponds to the beginning of the players’ professional career. Between the two periods, players can be hit by idiosyncratic shocks, thus generating mismatches between players and clubs. Some players are transferred in exchange for the payment of a transfer fee by the poaching club to the training club, while others may renegotiate their wages. Our model emphasises the key allocation role played by transfer fees: a training club may benefit from training, even if the player moves to another club at the end of the training period. Using the simulated method of moments, we estimate the impact of transfer fees on training, capitalising on an original data set on the Big-5 European soccer leagues. We show that the presence of transfer fees allows the selection and training of players to get closer to the efficient allocation. Counterfactual experiments then highlight that a significant share of players would not have been trained in the absence of transfer fees.

Analysis of contents oriented to the process of training soccer players

The training process is a fundamental issue in sports, especially in high performance. Know the activities, techniques, and tools used to help athletes develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes to improve their performance and achieve their sporting goals. This process implies the planning and execution of specific training programs and attention to psychological and emotional aspects. Therefore, qualitative research methods were considered, and interviews with semi-structured questions were applied to six Guayaquil Soccer Institute soccer area teachers to verify the impact of the continuous training of coaches regarding the set of contents oriented in the process of soccer player training. As a result, it was possible to determine that formative football contributes to the integral development of footballers in technical-tactical, physical, and psychological aspects to develop their full potential.

The acute effects of concurrent endurance and resistance training on circulating microRNAs in trained rugby players

MicroRNA (miR) are small noncoding RNA involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and may serve as biomarkers of muscle fatigue and muscle adaptations. The present study aimed to explore the acute responses of cycling vs. running endurance exercises within a concurrent endurance/resistance training on some specific miR. We hypothesized miR would acutely reveal greater muscle damage during the running endurance exercise as compared to cycling that would affect muscle protein synthesis biomarkers.Twenty-five trained rugby players participated in three randomized experimental sessions: 1) cycling endurance training session followed by a resistance session (CYCLE), 2) running endurance training session followed by a resistance session (RUN), and 3) a single resistance training session (CONTROL). Cycling and running endurance sessions were conducted in the morning and consisted in three sets of six 6-s maximal (cycling or running) sprints with 24 seconds passive recovery. Four hours later, volunteers conducted the resistance training (afternoon) composed of several upper- and lower-body strength exercises with heavy loads and low repetitions. During CONTROL, volunteers only performed the resistance training during the afternoon. Blood samples were collected before (PRE), immediately after (POST) and 3h after (POST3) the resistance training sessions. Extracellular vesicular miR were subsequently extracted and quantified using a real time quantitative PCR.The statistical analyses revealed that hsa-miR-203a-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-miR-184 were not affected by our experimental procedures (p&gt;0.05). hsa-miR-9-5p and hsa-miR-1290 were significantly higher during CONTROL as compared to CYCLE (p=.033 and p=.039, respectively). hsa-miR-206 was significantly higher POST during RUN as compared to CYCLE and CONTROL (p=.018 and p=.014, respectively). hsa-miR-19-3p was significantly higher during RUN as compared to CONTROL (p=.38).Taken as a whole, our results revealed some differences in circulating miR as a result of a running endurance exercise as compared to no endurance or cycling endurance exercise. Confirming our a priori hypothesis, the higher values of circulating miR suggested greater muscle damage (i.e., hsa-miR-206) after running that could affect the muscle protein synthesis pathway expected by a subsequent resistance training session. Indeed, the higher hsa-miR-19-3p after RUN could have an inhibitory effect on Akt/mTOR. It is therefore suggested that conducting cycling endurance exercises within a concurrent training program could lower the likely interferences between endurance and resistance training in trained individuals. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Changes in Sprint Force–Velocity Profile in International Para Footballers

Force production is crucial in football, and it is the main limitation of people with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to describe the changes in sprint force-velocity (Fv) profile after a period of 25weeks of regular training in international football players with CP. The sprint Fv profile and other physical performance variables (ie,linear sprint, vertical jump, change of direction, and intermittent endurance) of 14 international players from the Spanish national team were assessed during 2 consecutive training camps. Pretesting and posttesting sessions were carried out 1week before and after the 25-week intervention period. The intervention consisted of 2 strength sessions per week added to the usual football training. The repeated-measures analysis of variance showed changes in players' physical performance (linear sprint: F = 18.05, P < .01; change of direction: F = 16.71, P < .01; and endurance: F = 31.45, P < .01) and in some variables of the sprint Fv profile (maximal horizontal force, maximal power, slope, maximal ratio of force, and decrease of ratio of force; F = 14.28-37.81; P < .01), whereas players' maximal velocity (theoretical and actual) did not change (F = 0.13 and 0.01; P = .72 and .98, respectively). This study showed that the implementation of 2 strength-training sessions per week, for 25weeks, is effective to improve CP football players' physical performance. The main finding of this study is the improvement of force application in the acceleration phase (sprint Fv profile), which is the main attribute in many physical performance tests and is the main limitation of the CP population.

Physiological and performance effects of high-intensity interval training in tennis players: a systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to overview the physiological and performance effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in tennis players. Searches for this review were performed by using four electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus with Full-Text, and PubMed. Intervention studies investigating the effects of HIIT on tennis players were searched from inception to December 29th, 2021. Seven studies met all of the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The findings revealed that tennis players who participated in HIIT interventions had improved their aerobic capacity and tennis performance. Fluctuating results were reported for agility, sprint, and jump performances. In conclusion, the results of the review may suggest that HIIT is more beneficial for tennis players to achieve improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and technical abilities regardless of age, gender, and competitive level.

Absolute and relative maximum strength measures show differences in their correlations with sprint and jump performances in trained youth soccer players

Speed strength performances are heavily dependent on maximum strength. However, various strength testing methods determined inconsistent relationships between absolute and relative strength and sprint and jump performances. The aim of the study was to calculate the one tailed correlation coefficients between both the One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) and 1RM in relation to body mass (1RM/BM) in parallel squats and different jump (squat jump and countermovement jump) and sprint performances (5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m) in youth soccer players (n= 63, 17.9±2.1 years old). Relative strength showed significantly larger correlations with jump performances (r= 0.52 to 0.58) than absolute strength (r= 0.16 to 0.26, z= -1.81 to -1.90, p= 0.029 to 0.035). However, the r values between relative strength measures and sprint performances (r= -0.32 to -0.42) were of non-statistical difference to the correlations of absolute strength measurements with sprint performances (r= -0.19 to -0.3, z= 0.349 to 1.17, p= 0.121 to 0.363). The results of this study support findings in previous literature of enhanced speed strength performances by higher levels of maximal strength in youth soccer players, with faster and more powerful athletes being able to generate larger forces against their own body weight. The data suggests that strength expressed relative to body mass might be considered as a superior predictor of speed strength performance in general.

Air pollution and elite adolescent soccer players’ performance and well-being; an observational study

IntroductionExercising outdoors may inadvertently lead to individuals inhaling levels of air pollution that may be detrimental to their health and activity-related performance. Endurance athletes are a particularly susceptible subgroup due to their high ventilation rates sustained over prolonged periods of time coupled with high training loads that often occur outdoors. In this study, we estimate the effects of air pollution on a series of athletic performance parameters in an elite adolescent soccer team. Methods: External, internal, and subjective loads and wellness questionnaires were recorded for the 26 matches and 197 training sessions carried out during the 2018–19 season for a U19 team competing in Germany. Each session was combined with hourly information on the concentration of PM10, O3 and NO2 in spatial proximity to each playing field for the duration of training or playing. Results: Increases in PM10 and O3 had significant (p <.001) associations with decreasing total distance (m) ran per session. Furthermore, increases in O3 and NO2 concentrations were related to an increase in average heart rate (p <.05). Moreover, increases in PM10 concentration was associated with increased rating of perceived exertion (p <.001). Last, the total inhaled dose of O3 and NO2 over one session was linked to significant (p <.05) decreases in athletes’ wellness scores on the following morning. Discussion: We find supporting evidence of the negative effects of air pollution in elite adolescent soccer players in both matches and training. The negative impacts observed on several aspects of performance are present within an elite team that regularly trained in pollution levels well within the normal ranges of what the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports to be suitable air quality. Therefore, mitigation strategies such as monitoring the air quality at the training pitch are recommended to reduce athlete exposure to air pollution even when exercising in moderate air quality.

ASPECTS OF TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL TRAINING OF YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Training of sports reserve for professional football has always attracted much attention. This is evidenced by a significant number of studies devoted to this issue, within which experts in professional children's and youth football emphasize the lack of necessary engagement in elite sport young athletes, well-prepared in terms of technical and tactical skills. One of adequate responses in the considered aspect is further improvement of efficient training of a prospective competitive sports reserve based on intensified improvement of quality of scientific and methodical support during training process. The aim of the research work is to substantiate scientific approaches to formation of a step-by-step management system within the long-term process of developing football players’ technical and tactical skills. We have carried out the analysis of program documents, literature sources and practical activities of children's coaches in the process of implementing long-term training programs for young football players in leading European football academies and national federations. A number of fundamental and systemic differences between traditional and progressive approaches to arrangement of educational and training process have been shown. It has been determined that the existing “organized” football, the system of conducting children's and youth competitions, as well as pedagogical approaches to training young talents, are aimed at speeding up training process, achieving instant results, team-group form of conducting classes, which do not contribute to individual development and training of a smart player, capable of creatively approaching the solution of tactical and technical tasks. We have substantiated approaches to making changes in the practice of long-term training for young football players based on application of situational game method, which is a key point for effective training, development of individual capabilities and formation of game intelligence. A strategy for managing training process has been determined based on the introduction of a phased (gradual) system of tactical and technical training for young football players, which will further determine player's potential at professional level. We have indicated the necessity of making changes to pedagogical approaches of managing sports activities for young football players and evaluating the effectiveness of children's coaches’ work.