Aleksei N. Popov, Boris G. Chirva, Vladimir S. Kozlov
Abstract
The first year of football training plays a critical role in the long-term development of young athletes.
This article proposes an evidence-based algorithm for planning and conducting training sessions for boys and girls aged 5–6.
The method is grounded in the principle of high-volume portions of repeated ball actions with breaks of several days,
which has demonstrated effectiveness in developing motor patterns in early childhood.
Two planning models—45-minute and 60-minute sessions—structure the training year into six-week cycles.
The article provides practical recommendations for youth coaches, offering a scientifically sound approach
to the first year of football education.
1. Introduction
Early childhood is a decisive period for the formation of motor skills, coordination, and initial understanding
of sports-specific actions. Ages 5–6 represent the first formal stage of structured football development.
Coaches face challenges in selecting appropriate content and methodology for this group.
The goal of this study is to provide a scientifically grounded, repeatable algorithm for planning football training for 5–6-year-olds.
2. Theoretical Background
The methodology used in this study is based on high-volume repeated ball actions with several-day breaks.
Motor learning principles show that stable motor patterns form only after large numbers of correct repetitions.
Young children require simple, predictable tasks to avoid cognitive overload.
Breaks of 48–72 hours help consolidate motor memory.
Alternating structured cycles increases long-term retention.
This method is widely used in sports like basketball, handball, volleyball, and tennis,
but less often applied to early childhood football.
3. Purpose of the Study
To develop a practical, scientifically grounded algorithm for conducting the first year of football training
for children aged 5–6, based on standardized repetition, structured cycles, and progressive complexity.
4. Methodology
The algorithm divides the first training year into six-week cycles, each containing 3 weekly sessions
of 45 or 60 minutes. Sessions include short standardized blocks of 5–6 minutes dedicated to a specific ball action.
Principles:
1) One technical action per block.
2) Progressive repetition.
3) Gradual variation.
4) Block-based learning.
5) Increase in motor complexity only after stability.
5. Structure of the Training Year
Two planning models are proposed: 45-minute sessions and 60-minute sessions.
Each uses structured repetition blocks to develop technical stability.
Table 1. Six-week cycle (45-minute format)
| Week | Repetition Duration | Action Variant |
| 1 | 5–6 minutes | Variant A |
| 2 | 5–6 minutes | Variant A |
| 3 | 5–6 minutes | Variant B |
| 4 | 5–6 minutes | Variant B |
| 5 | 5–6 minutes | Variant C |
| 6 | 5–6 minutes | Variant C |
Table 2. Six-week cycle (60-minute format)
| Week | Repetition Structure | Action Variants |
| 1 | 2 × 5–6 min | A, B |
| 2 | 2 × 5–6 min | A, B |
| 3 | 2 × 5–6 min | B, C |
| 4 | 2 × 5–6 min | B, C |
| 5 | 2 × 5–6 min | C, D |
| 6 | 2 × 5–6 min | C, D |
6. Discussion
The algorithm proves effective because children aged 5–6 learn primarily through movement, not verbal explanation.
Standardized repetition ensures correct motor pattern formation, while progressive variation prevents boredom.
This approach supports consistent technique development and early correction of mistakes.
7. Practical Recommendations
Coaches should:
• Use standardized 5–6-minute repetition blocks.
• Keep each block focused on one action.
• Avoid long explanations; demonstrations should be brief.
• Introduce new actions only after stable execution of previous ones.
• Alternate action focus every six weeks.
• Use mini-games only after technical blocks.
8. Conclusion
The proposed algorithm offers a structured, scientifically grounded method for planning the first year
of football training for young children. The approach ensures stable development of technical skills
and creates a solid foundation for long-term athletic progression.
References
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5. Golomazov S.V., Chirva B.G. Theory and Methodology of Football. Moscow: TVT Division, 2008.
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