The influence of the 26-day pre-competition training program for football reserve players on the indicators of muscle fatigue and athletic performance. Practical experience

Relevance. The study of the pre-competitive training process for young football players is a crucial aspect of modern sports. It is essential to develop programs that help manage fatigue and maintain peak performance by the time the competition begins. Purpose. To investigate the effect of a 26-day pre-competition training program on markers of muscle fatigue and athletic performance in 14-year-old football players. Methods. The study involved 34 football players from the Zenit junior team (aged 14). Over 26 days, their vertical jump height was measured daily before and after training sessions, using the Smart Jump electronic system to monitor muscle fatigue. The training program consisted of 6 sessions of different types, with a microcycle including a deload in the fourth week. Results. The undulating dynamics of the jump height were revealed: a decrease in the first two microcycles (by 0.5–2.9 cm and 0.7–1.4 cm) and a subsequent increase in the third and fourth microcycles (0.3–0.6 cm and 0.8–1.8 cm, respectively). The players in the experimental group demonstrated significant superiority in athletic performance, with no losses or ties, and an increase in goals scored by 3.2 and a reduction in goals conceded by 2.7, compared to the opposing teams’ players. Conclusion. The 26-day pre-competition training program developed, which includes a microcycle for reducing stress, has proven to be effective. This program helps manage fatigue, promotes supercompensation, and significantly improves the sports performance of young football players.