Physical fitness assessment of young football players using an integrated approach

Abstract

The aim of the article is to study the level of physical fitness of young football players using an integrated approach.Materials: young football players aged 12-13 participated in the study. The total number of football players who participated in the study was 40 pupils. The study of the general and specific physical fitness level using an integrated approach was conducted under the same conditions, which is a necessary component in the objectivity of final results. As a set of tests we have specially chosen those that are a part of the program for children and youth sports football schools, determine the level of development of the main leading motor abilities of football players, reveal the features of their manifestation during the exercise training. Results: assessment criteria were worked out and assessment criteria using an integrated approach were calculated for all tests that base on the program for specialized football sports institutions. Improvment of the positive tendency level of general and special physical conditioning of young athletes was revealed. Thus, with regard to overall physical fitness, it was found that high and above average levels of training improved by 20.0%. Low and below average levels decreased by 25.0% among young football players.Similar changes in indicators occurred when comparing the complex assessment of the special fitness of young football players. High and above average indicators increased by 25.0%, but low and below average indicators decreased by 35.0%.It is established that the difference between the initial and final results of an integrated assessment of physical fitness proved reliable. Thus, changes in indicators of general physical fitness were 40.6 points (t = 3.762 at p <0.05), and changes in indicators of special physical fitness were 17.6 points (t = 3.716 at p<0.05). Conclusions: the use of an integrated approach for the overall assessment of the physical conditioning level allows coaches to obtain an objective picture of the young football players’ fitness, as well as to influence the training process quickly and efficiently, with an emphasis on those motor qualities that need further growth. That is, there is every reason to consider the end of the preparatory training period for young football players to be positive. Key words: assessment criteria, training, testing, coach, ball, ability.