Current approaches to optimizing the process of special physical training for qualified 16–17-year-old football players

The article is devoted to the issues of optimizing the special physical training of young professional football players aged 16-17 years. It discusses the features of the physiological development of athletes in this age group, key aspects of planning the educational and training process aimed at enhancing the level of athletic readiness, reducing the risk of injuries, and achieving high sports results. The purpose of the study is to develop methodological recommendations for the improvement of the system of special physical training for football players aged 16-17, which have a positive impact on the educational and training process and contribute to achieving stable positive results in competitive activities. Research methods and organization: analysis of scientific publications and educational-methodical manuals on the sports training of football players of various ages; pedagogical observation of the progress of educational and training sessions at leading football clubs in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region; mathematical and statistical processing of data regarding the health status and injuries of football players based on the results of the annual health assessments conducted for students of sports schools; pedagogical testing to determine the level of development of physical qualities of the participants in the experiment; interviewing experts – coaches, doctors, sports psychologists, and others. Research results and conclusions. During the pedagogical experiment, a trend was identified towards an increase in the attendance rates of group training sessions in specialized physical training – an increase of 25% in the experimental group and 10% in the control group. The average number of injuries during competitive and training activities decreased by 20% in the experimental group. It should be noted that there is a positive trend in the flexibility development indicator in the experimental group, which increased by 2.93 cm, representing a significant gain given that this physical quality is not a priority for the chosen sport of football.