Management of Methodologies for Offensive Technical and Tactical Training in Youth Soccer Players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/2539-3669/gestion_libre.21.2026.14155Keywords:
Grassroots Soccer, Sports Management, Introductory Sports, Training Methodology, Technical-Tactical PreparationAbstract
Introduction: Developing offensive technical-tactical skills in novice soccer players requires specific methodologies that balance developmental objectives with athletic performance. In school-based sports training programs, this challenge is compounded by variations in skill levels, limited training time, and the need to integrate technical proficiency with tactical understanding of the game.
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the methodological approaches employed in the offensive technical-tactical training of soccer players aged 13 to 15 at a school-based sports initiation academy, identifying critical factors that may affect their development and informing the design of a specific methodological model.
Methodology: A descriptive approach was adopted through a single-case study conducted at a school in Guantánamo, Cuba. The research employed a mixed-methods, descriptive-propositional design involving 25 school-age soccer players, three coaches, and one technical director. Over a six-month period, 48 training sessions were observed, a questionnaire was administered to the players, and interviews were conducted with the coaching staff.
Results: Traditional methodologies were used in 58.33% of the observed sessions, whereas integrated approaches were employed in 41.67%. Player satisfaction was higher during integrated sessions (M = 4.30) than during traditional sessions (M = 3.70; p < 0.01). Furthermore, 88.00% of the players reported perceived improvements in technical skills, compared with 72.00% who reported perceived improvements in tactical skills. Three critical factors were identified: systematic planning, specialized training for coaching staff, and the implementation of integrated, game-based methodologies.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that effective training management in school-based sports programs requires the integration of three key factors: systematic planning, specialized training for coaching staff, and integrated, game-based methodologies. Based on these findings, a four-component methodological model is proposed, comprising strategic planning, teaching methodology, resource management, and evaluation. Given the single-case design and descriptive nature of the study, the findings do not support the establishment of causal relationships.
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