Comprehensive training for young football players: Technical, physical, and psychological readiness for global competitions

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing the effectiveness of training football players in adolescence to achieve high results at the international level. The study used methods of analysing scientific literature, observing training processes and competitions, and experimental approaches to assessing athletes’ physical and psychological fitness. It included 136 football players: men (n = 92; 67.65%) and women (n = 44; 32.35%). The age range was 14–22 years old and the average age 19.6. The results showed that adapting training programmes to the individual needs of athletes and considering the sociocultural context plays a key role in ensuring their competitiveness in international competitions. The analysis of technical and tactical indicators of young football players before and after the implementation of practical recommendations showed significant improvements: an increase in the number of short and medium passes forward (from 74±23 to 105±24, p<0.05) and backward (from 62±19 to 84±25, p<0.05), which indicates better ball control and pace of the game. The decrease in technical errors confirms the improvement in technical stability, while the number of long passes remained unchanged (p>0.05), probably due to their selective use. The study’s results may be helpful for coaches, sports psychologists, and sports institution managers in developing training programmes for young athletes.