ASSESSMENT OF SPEED AND SPECIFIC ENDURANCE DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS USING MICROGATE RACETIME 2 TECHNOLOGY

This study was conducted during 2018–2019 at the Republican College of Olympic Reserve with 48 football players aged 14–17. The main purpose was to examine the relationship between athletes’ body composition and their speed and endurance performance indicators. Four control exercises were performed using the Microgate Racetime 2 technology: a 10-meter sprint, a 30-meter sprint, a 5×30-meter shuttle run with ball control, and the “Figure-8” test. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software package to determine correlations between general and specific speed abilities. The results showed that 14-year-old players had the strongest correlation between 30 m sprint and 5×30 m shuttle run (r = 0.7), while this relationship weakened with age (r = 0.08 in 17-year-olds). The findings suggest that general speed and special endurance develop non-proportionally in older age groups. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was used to assess body composition, providing a modern approach to understanding the physical characteristics influencing football performance. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of individualized training programs to balance speed and endurance development in young football players.