The main purpose of this study is to assess the relations between training loads and selected blood parameters in professional soccer players during a preseason sports camp. Fifteen professional soccer players (age: 24.3 ± 5.25 year; height: 182.6 ± 6.75 cm; weight: 76.4 ± 6.72 kg) participated in the 12-day training camp. All the training sessions and friendly games were accurately analyzed with a GPS system. Blood samples were taken from the players and analyzed before the camp (PRE), in the middle (MID), and one day after the camp (POST). Mean total distance covered by the players during the camp was 85,205 ± 2685 m, high-intensity running 12,454 ± 1873 m, and sprinting 639 ± 219 m. The highest aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were observed after six days of the camp. The application of intensive training during a 12-day sports camp can be associated with chronic muscle pain with high activity of some blood enzymes (CK, AST) and a high concentration of myoglobin (Mb). During training camps longer than 10 days, it would be necessary to apply, every second or third day, one day of rest, and the training load should not exceed two units every day.

Background. Football game analysis is a key resource used in the training process. Such knowledge is achievable thanks to modern and advanced technologies whose task is to analyze traffic. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the values of game effectiveness indicators achieved by teams with a high percentage of possession of the ball (HPBPT)and teams with a lower percentage of ball possession (LPBPT). Materials and Methods. The study used analyzes of the performance of teams in 64 matches played during the football world cup - Qatar 2022. The study used platform for match analysis OPTA Sportsdata. The study used 31 performance indicators, which were divided into four groups. STATISTICA 13 PL (TIBCO Software, PaloAlto, CA, USA) software in it a discriminant function and the t – Student test were used to conduct statistical analysis. Results. Higher values of all analyzed parameters of shots, passes and offensive actions were obtained by HPBPT. Defensive action indicators such as: interceptions, clearances and block a shot miały wyższe wykonanie wśród LPBPT. The greatest impact on the effectiveness of the game had: creating goal action, shot reliability, shot pass reliability, medium pass reliability, possession of the ball, passes attempted from, free kicks and through passes. Conclusions. The study showed the importance of higher ball possession percentages for HPBPT teams. The study brings a new perspective on ball possession as a complex phenomenon that requires systematic monitoring. Teams with high sports mastery are able to put pressure on opponents by keeping possession of the ball longer during the game building phase.

The aim of this study was to present the characteristics of the actions efficiency in elite goalkeepers. 54 observations of 25 goalkeepers participating in 27 matches of the World and the European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America held in the years 2014–2019 were included. The study applied a method of observation. Game data were registered on a self-developed observation sheet. Goalkeepers’ activity, effectiveness, and reliability with a view to implementing the objectives of the game were analyzed in offensive and in defense. It was found that in the elite goalkeepers’ game, offensive actions constitute 62% and defensive 38% of all actions taken in matches. Actions aimed at positioning the game and at preventing a loss of a goal (60% and 22% respectively) dominated. In offensive goalkeepers showed the highest reliability in positioning the game by passing the ball with the foot, while in defense in preventing the loss of a goal by catching the ball. The created models mapping the top-skilled goalkeepers’ actions allow improving the process of coaching by referring their game to objective patterns.

Cognitive support in teaching football techniques: Study aim : To improve the teaching of football techniques by applying cognitive and imagery techniques. Material and methods : Four groups of subjects, n = 32 each, were studied: male and female physical education students aged 20 - 21 years, not engaged previously in football training; male juniors and minors, aged 16 and 13 years, respectively, attending mastery School of Sports (football); their training experience amounted to 6 and 3 years, respectively. Every group was divided into two subgroups (n = 16 each) - control and experimental. All subjects underwent a course consisting of 40 sessions lasting 90 min each, once weekly. Before and at the end of study period the participants were subjected to 3 specific tests assessing their knowledge, motor fitness and game skills. Results : Subjects from all experimental groups achieved significantly (mostly p<0. 001) better results than the respective control groups in all three areas - knowledge, motor fitness and game skills. The levels of acquired knowledge significantly (p<0. 05 - 0. 001) correlated with specific motor fitness and game skills in all groups of subjects. Conclusions : Cognitive approach improves the results teaching football techniques and may serve as a valuable tool in training.