Tactical games and action-research models for skill development in youth football

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Date
2026
Authors
Di Lascio, Giuseppe
Cusano, Pompilio
Kaçurri, Arben
Kasa, Agron
Giardullo, Giuseppe
Ceruso, Rosario
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Servicio de Publicaciones. Universidad de Murcia
Abstract
In the football context, the Tactical Games Model (TGM) emerges as an innovative approach that integrates technical and tactical learning through realistic game situations. Despite the fact that the TGM is widely used in physical education to develop students' tactical and decision-making skills, its use in the training of young footballers is still limited. This study employed a quasi-experimental design (non-randomized) to evaluate the effectiveness of a new methodological approach, TGM, compared to action research, in improving learning and the development of key competences related to technical-tactical performance in football. The sample included 40 young footballers between the ages of 11 and 13, divided into an Experimental Group (EG) and a Control Group (CG), with equal distribution based on age and experience. Using an action-research approach, the EG followed the TGM while the CG followed a traditional approach. Two distinct 9-month training protocols were implemented. Performance was evaluated using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI), administered before and after the intervention. The EG benefited significantly from the TGM approach, with a significant increase in total scores, from a pre-test average of 15.25 to a post test average of 22.45. Statistical analysis confirmed the difference between groups (p = .00026). This study shows that TGM represents a promising methodology for the development of technical-tactical skills in young footballers.
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Keywords
Ecological-Dynamic Approach , Game-Based Learning , Skill Development , Technical-Tactical Skills , Cognitive Learning
Citation
SPORT TK. Year 2026. Volume 15. Article 34
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10201/231121
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Sport TK Vol.15 (2026)
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