The significance of theoretical training in the development of defensive action skills in young hockey players

The purpose of the study – to assess the impact of theoretical training on the formation of defensive actions of forwards in hockey during the stage of sports specialization (13-14 years old). Research methods and organization: Methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experimentation, and methods of mathematical statistics were employed. The study involved 12 young forwards born in 2009 (14 years old) and 12 young forwards born in 2010 (13 years old) from the Children's and Youth Sports School "Academy of Mikhailov" in Novomoskovsk, who train on indoor ice rink. Research results and conclusions. The increase in the share of theoretical classes to 15-16% significantly improves the indicators of technical and tactical training, reduces the number of errors, and enhances the effectiveness of defensive actions in matches. It has been concluded that there is a need to increase the time allocated for theoretical training to optimize tactical thinking and decision-making among young hockey players.