The influence of tactical models of team play on the dynamics of interaction indicators in small-medium groups and team interaction of young football players

Abstract

Background and purpose of the study: Tactical models of team play in football are organized schemes that determine how a team will act on the field. These models include the location of players (arrangement), their movement, as well as the principles of interaction in both attack and defense. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of tactical models of team play on the dynamics of indicators of low-medium group and team interaction at the stage of specialized basic training of football players.

Materials and methods: The study involved 30 16-year-old football players from the football academy of the Metalist-1925 club in Kharkiv, who were divided into two groups, control and experimental, based on equal indicators of physical and technical fitness. Each group had the same number of training sessions (5) in a weekly microcycle. The content of the training sessions of the experimental group used tactical models of team interaction, which were supposed to help improve the quality of accurately executed ball passes in: “interaction in a small group” with the participation of up to 3 players; “interaction in a medium group” with the participation of up to 6 players; “team interaction” with the participation of more than 7 players. In the training process of the control group, tactical models of small-medium and team interaction were not used, instead, exercises of a technical and tactical orientation provided for by the football curriculum recommended by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine were used. Players of the control and experimental groups participated in control matches during the 8-month experiment, on the basis of which the dynamics of changes in technical and tactical performance indicators were determined.

Results: In the experimental group, at the end of the 8-month experiment, the indicators of accurately executed ball passes during small group interaction (up to 3 players) significantly (p<0.01) improved. Such interactions are necessary for overcoming defensive lines, creating playing space and overcoming the resistance of opponents. They are the building blocks for implementing team tactics. The success of the team often depends on how well the players understand and execute these mini-combinations. Also, the number of accurately executed passes during medium group interaction (up to 6 players) significantly (p<0.01) increased. Successful medium group tactical interaction allowed creating a numerical advantage in different areas of the playing field, overcoming the opponent's defense with the help of quick and unpredictable combinations, and increasing the effectiveness of improvisation and individual actions. In addition, the quality of passes performed during team interaction (more than 7 players) significantly (p<0.05) increased. This type of tactical interaction turned out to be a key element of team play, which helped players work together as a single unit to achieve a common goal. Thus, the results of the 8-month experiment indicate that “tactical models” in the training process have many positive effects, because they transform a set of individual players into a coherent and unified mechanism.

Conclusions:

The proposed tactical models of team play can be considered a productive type of small training tactical games, here are some key advantages that they provide:

A systematic approach to the game. Instead of chaotic actions, the team works according to a clear scheme. This allows players to understand their tasks in any situation - both in attack and defense. They know where to run, who to pass to and how to interact with partners. Control and predictability. The tactical model allows the team to control the course of the match and impose its style of play on the opponent. If the model is well-developed, players can predict each other's movements, which significantly increases the effectiveness of team actions. Using the strengths of players. The coach chooses the tactical model that best reveals the potential of his team. Adaptation to the opponent. A well-prepared team should have several tactical models that it can use depending on the opponent. This will allow it to be flexible, adapt to the opponent's weaknesses and effectively counteract his strengths. In view of this, it is necessary to actively introduce experimental tactical models of team play into the training process of young football players at the stage of specialized basic training. They not only help the team to play and interact in the middle of the game scheme, but also create a unique playing style that distinguishes it from others.