Testing children's coordination abilities in football: analysis of existing scales and development of an author's methodology

The article addresses the issue of assessing coordination abilities in preschool children in football. The preschool age (4–6 years) is a period of active development of motor skills, during which children acquire basic elements of body control, balance, and the speed of motor reactions. However, at this age, children's interests can change rapidly, so it is important to develop tests that not only aid in football training but also contribute to the overall development of motor abilities useful for any kind of sport. For the study, more than 20 tests were selected, aimed at assessing various aspects of coordination: balance, reaction speed, accuracy of motor actions, and spatial orientation. Based on the analysis of their effectiveness, accessibility for preschool children, and practical relevance, we selected the five most optimal tests. Our previous research has shown that some tests are too simple for preschoolers, which reduces their diagnostic value, while others may be too complex, making their proper use impossible. An important factor was also the playfulness of the tests, as children at this age best perceive tasks in a game-like format. The five selected tests (squats on a balance platform, walking on balance elements, walking along a line, reaction to light indicators, and reaction to colored objects (balls)) are, in our opinion, the most suitable for assessing coordination abilities in children who are just taking their first steps in football. They allow for the evaluation of key aspects of coordination—balance, accuracy of motor reactions, decision-making speed, and spatial orientation—while remaining accessible for children aged 4–6. Thus, the selected tests provide a comprehensive assessment of children's coordination abilities, ensuring their effective physical development. The results obtained can be used for further improvement of training methods in children's football and for adapting individual training programs according to each child's specific needs.