The modified, author-developed circuit training methodology as a means of integrated preparation for young futsal players aged 7–8 years

Modern youth futsal requires comprehensive development of physical qualities and technical-tactical skills already at the initial stage of sports training. Circuit training is considered one of the most promising approaches to address this problem; however, its application as a means of integrated training for young futsal players aged 7–8 years remains insufficiently substantiated.Purpose. Purpose – to develop, experimentally verify and scientifically substantiate the author's modified circuit training methodology as a means of integrated training for young futsal players aged 7–8 years.Material and Methods. The study involved 16 young futsal players aged 7–8 years (CG=8, EG=8) attending the Volna Youth Sports School (Kharkiv). The pedagogical experiment lasted eight weeks. The control group followed the standard futsal curriculum, whereas the experimental group trained according to the author's modified circuit training methodology based on the principle of integrated training effects. Literature analysis, pedagogical observation, testing, pedagogical experiment and methods of mathematical statistics were applied.Results. The findings demonstrated positive changes in fitness indicators in both groups. The most pronounced improvements were observed in the experimental group, where statistically significant gains were recorded in four of six sport-specific and technical fitness indicators (p < 0.05–0.01). Changes in general physical fitness indicators were less pronounced.Conclusions. The author's modified circuit training methodology provides statistically significant improvements in sport-specific and technical fitness parameters in young futsal players aged 7–8 years and can be recommended for implementation in beginner-level training groups of youth sports schools.