The Effect of Complex Defensive Tactical Drills Using the Pressing Style of Play on Developing the Most Important Bio-motor Abilities for Youth Football Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to design complex defensive tactical exercises based on a pressing style for youth football players, as well as to identify the effect of these exercises on key biomotor abilities.The researcher adopted an experimental method using a pre-test and post-test design with two equivalent groups: an experimental group and a control group. The research sample was selected randomly through a lottery method and consisted of (20) players from Al-Numaniyah Sports Club. The sample was divided into two groups: (10) players in the experimental group and (10) players in the control group, representing (10.6%) of the total population of (188) players. Homogeneity of the sample was confirmed in variables such as height, body mass, chronological age, and training age using the skewness coefficient. Additionally, equivalence between the two groups was established in these variables prior to the implementation of the experiment. The experimental group followed a complex defensive training program based on pressing situations, ball recovery, and space reduction, whereas the control group followed traditional defensive training methods commonly used in regular training sessions. Biomotor variables were measured using standardized field tests, including transitional speed, reaction speed, speed-strength, agility, and coordination. Performance was analyzed through video tracking using the LiveTag Pro software to record and document situations both temporally and spatially. After presenting, analyzing, and discussing the results, the researcher concluded that the complex defensive tactical training using a pressing style had a positive effect on biomotor abilities, due to its high similarity to real competitive match situations in football. Accordingly, the researcher recommends adopting complex defensive tactical training with a pressing style as an effective training approach in preparing youth football players in line with the demands of modern football.