An Analysis of Young Footballers' Motor Activity and Physical Fitness During Remote Training Sessions During the Pandemic

This article deals with the problems of performing physical exercises by young footballers under pandemic conditions. The restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 led to a decrease in all forms of motor activity, which negatively affected physical conditions and required search for new means, methods and forms of the training process organization under a self-isolation regime. To determine the impact of independent forms of performing physical exercises on motor activity and physical fitness, a study was carried out, in which 18 boys aged 9 and 10, members of a football club, took part. For independent forms of young footballers' exercising, sets of exercises were designed to improve flexibility, strength and coordination abilities; accompanying video footage with methodological guidelines was prepared. An analysis of scientific papers, a questionnaire, a review of self-monitoring diaries, methods of mathematical statistics were used as research methods. Based on the research findings, it was established that the introduction of the self-isolation regime caused a 20.5% (p<0.01) drop in the general level of motor activity; duration of children's stay in motionless position throughout the day rose by 12.3%; specific indicators of motor activity characterizing its amount and intensity declined on average by 32.2%. The analysis of the test subjects' physical fitness at research stages identified an increase in physical strength and flexibility indicators. The result of the flexibility test improved by 20% (p>0.05); the growth in the test of muscular endurance and strength of the arms was 22.6% (p<0.01); of sit-ups and standing jumps 2.6% and 1.3% (p>0.05) respectively. Negative trends of indicators on average by 3% (p>0.05) were found in the tests of general endurance, speed and coordination abilities. To eliminate the imbalance in the level of physical skills development with independent exercising under a self-isolation regime, means of physical fitness should include exercises performed with the use of exercise devices (cardiovascular equipment, bicycle ergometers and other similar technical devices) that promote the development of general endurance and speed abilities. The design of sets of strength training exercises in various forms and the use of tasks based on competitive gaming method in the mode of remote contact with team members can encourage an increase in motivation for independent physical exercising.

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