On the Question About Olympiad Tasks of the Practical Tour in the “Gymnastics” Section for Girls of 7-8 Classes

The article reveals the issue of preparing secondary school students for participation in the Olympiad in Physical Educa-tion (practical round “Gymnastics”). The purpose of the study is to study the specifi cs of preparing girls in grades 7–8 for the Olympiad tasks of a practical round in gymnastics. Research methods: analysis of literary sources, questionnaire survey method. Research results and discussion. The methodological basis of the study was the opinions of specialists on the importance of holding the Olympiad in physical education for students in secondary schools and its main stages (school, municipal, regional and All-Russian). As a result of the study, the importance of the competitive test “Olympiad in Physical Education” for schoolchildren was identifi ed in relation to increasing motivation for physical education and sports, as well as for monitoring the assimilation of school curriculum material in theoretical and practical blocks. The role of physical education teachers in preparing students for Olympiad tasks is outlined, and the requirements for their professional competence in this matter are presented. The requirements for conducting a practical round in gymnastics are considered. The main positions on the set of gymnastic elements are indicated, the emphasis is placed on the main er-rors and deductions provided for this. The evaluation methodology for performing an acrobatic combination is analyzed. The opinions of physical education teachers on the content of classes to prepare for the Olympiad tasks of the practical round in the section “gymnastics” for girls in grades 7–8 are presented. There are some diffi culties with teaching girls acrobatic exercises; there is a lag in the students' level of development of physical qualities. There is a need for a process of optimizing the teaching of basic motor actions in the program section “Gymnastics” in a secondary school and an ac-tive focus on preparing for all stages of the Olympiad in physical education, in particular with regard to practical rounds. Conclusions. The main features of conducting Olympiad tasks of a practical round in gymnastics have been identifi ed. The results of the questionnaire revealed the level of awareness of physical education teachers on the issue being studied, their attitude towards the Olympiad tasks and the “Gymnastics” section, and diffi culties in teaching exercises. The section “gymnastics” in schools is given due attention. Physical education teachers try to prepare students for the requirements of the Olympiad tasks, but girls have diffi culties mastering motor actions, and there is also a lag in the level of develop-ment of physical qualities. In this regard, physical education teachers need to optimize the process of teaching girls in grades 7–8 the basic motor actions of the “gymnastics” program section and improve the methods of preparing students for all stages of the Olympiad in physical education of this practical round.