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

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 67 ASSESSMENT OF SPEED AND SPECIFIC ENDURANCE DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS USING MICROGATE RACETIME 2 TECHNOLOGY Sh. Erkinov Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Uzbekistan https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17783762 Abstract. 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 “Figure8” 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. Keywords: football players; speed endurance; Microgate Racetime 2; correlation analysis; physical development; young athletes; speed performance. INTRODUCTION. The analysis of existing scientific and methodological literature shows that the improvement of the physical, technical, and tactical training of young football players at the stages of deep specialization and sports perfection, as well as the analysis of their functional and physiological indicators, body composition, and morphofunctional parameters, have not been sufficiently studied. Among national scholars, I.E. Maipas, R.A. Akramov, N.A. Kaypov, and O.A. Kurbanov have carried out research on the programming and optimization of training loads in the comprehensive preparation of young football players, and the application of innovative pedagogical technologies to improve their physical and functional readiness. Similarly, I.A. Koshbakhtiev, Z.R. Nurimov, D.K. Ismagilov, Sh.T. Iseev, J.K. Komilov, and F.R. Makhamadzhanov have conducted studies on the regulation of training loads in the development of technical-tactical, physical, and functional preparedness of highly skilled football players, as well as on the introduction of innovative pedagogical technologies in the management of the training process. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the implementation of innovative methods in the physical and functional training of young football players at various developmental stages. Researchers from CIS countries — N.N. Vengerova, E.N. Komissarova, Yu.A. Klyus, and P.V. Rodichkin — have studied the characteristics of heart rate variability in football players aged SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 68 14–16. According to their findings, the development of numerous anthropometric indicators during adolescence forms the human somatotype, which is essential for accurately diagnosing physiological norms and pathologies. The functional condition of adolescents’ bodies indicates that their physical performance is at a low (37.2%) or poor (36.1%) level. The application of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) results provides opportunities to select the most effective means for improving training processes. During competitions, maintaining high speed throughout the game is particularly challenging due to the intensity of play. Therefore, training during the competitive period must consider each player’s individual abilities to develop personalized speed qualities. Studies by J. Kiely, F. Simona, and G. Cristian have demonstrated that performing complex coordination and jumping exercises significantly enhances young players’ quickness. Other specialists, such as N.G. Ozolin, V.I. Voronkin, Yu.N. Primakov, A.I. Zhilkin, V.S. Kuzmin, and E.V. Sidorchuk, recommend the use of balance-intensive and high-volume shock training methods to improve speed abilities and functional readiness in athletes. METHOD AND MATERIALS The research was conducted during 2018–2019 at the Republican College of Olympic Reserve with 48 football players. The “Microgate Racetime 2” technology was used during the tests, and four control exercises were applied (see Figures 1–2). Figures 1–2. Practical use of the “Microgate Racetime 2” technology for measuring speed. The first and second control exercises consisted of 10-meter and 30-meter sprints, designed to evaluate the acceleration and maximal sprinting speed of the players. Before initiating each sprint from a standing start, timing devices were precisely installed at three critical points: the “Start” line, the “10 meters from start” line, and the “Finish” line. This setup allowed for accurate measurement of split times, enabling a detailed analysis of the acceleration phase during the initial 10 meters and the subsequent maintenance of speed over the 30-meter distance. During the 30meter sprint, the running speed at both 10 and 30 meters was simultaneously recorded, providing a comprehensive profile of each player’s sprint performance and highlighting individual differences in acceleration and speed endurance. The third control exercise was the “5×30-meter shuttle run,” which introduced an additional technical element by requiring players to dribble a football while performing the sprints. To ensure precise time measurement, “Microgate Racetime 2” sensors were positioned at the intersections of the “Start” and “Finish” lines. The sensors were calibrated to record the time only when the player completely crossed these lines, thus allowing for highly accurate tracking of the total shuttle run duration. This method not only assessed the players’ speed and agility but also SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 69 incorporated ball control skills, reflecting a more sport-specific performance scenario relevant to football. The fourth control exercise was the “Figure-8” test, which focused on agility, dribbling skills, and the ability to change direction rapidly while maintaining control of the ball. In this test, four cones were arranged in a rectangular formation, with one cone placed at the center. The distance between each cone was standardized at 10 meters to maintain consistency in test conditions. Players were required to dribble the ball as quickly as possible from a corner cone toward the center cone, navigating around the cones in a figure-eight pattern. Timing sensors were installed at both the start and finish lines to accurately capture the duration of the exercise. This test provided valuable data on players’ coordination, spatial awareness, and technical execution under dynamic conditions. To analyze the collected data, the SPSS statistical software package was employed. SPSS offers a wide range of analytical tools, including both parametric and nonparametric methods, which are suitable for performing correlation analyses, determining statistical significance, and interpreting complex relationships between variables. The use of SPSS allowed for a rigorous quantitative assessment of the athletes’ performance metrics, ensuring that the results were statistically valid and reliable. A confirmatory pedagogical experiment was chosen to implement and evaluate innovative training methods at the stage of advanced specialization. This experimental design was specifically aimed at testing the effectiveness of modern approaches in enhancing the physical, technical, and tactical capabilities of football players. The experiment was conducted at the advanced specialization stage of the Republican College of Olympic Reserve during the 2018–2019 training seasons. The pedagogical experiment was structured into three main stages: 1. Planning and preparation of the research – This stage involved selecting the participants, designing the control and experimental exercises, calibrating timing devices, and ensuring all methodological procedures adhered to scientific standards. 2. Conducting the research – During this phase, the players completed the control exercises under controlled conditions, and all performance data were recorded systematically. The experimental training interventions were applied, and continuous monitoring of progress was performed. 3. Interpreting the results and formalizing the work – In the final stage, the collected data were statistically analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the innovative training methods. The findings were then documented both theoretically, by linking them to existing scientific literature on football training and motor skill development, and practically, by providing actionable recommendations for coaches and sports practitioners. Table 1 Results of control exercises among 14–15-year-old football players (n = 12) # Initials of first name and last name 30-meter sprint (sec) 10-meter sprint (sec) 5×30-meter shuttle run (sec)” “Figure-8 test (sec) 14 age 15 age 14 age 15 age 14 age 15 age 14 age 15 age 14 age 15 age 1 Т-K. А-J. 4,62 4,42 2,06 1,84 30,61 31,94 14,08 15,56 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 70 2 G-F. Қ-J. 4,87 4,88 1,95 2,02 34,48 32,70 16,25 15,31 3 B-А. J-S. 4,68 4,43 2,03 1,76 31,61 30,20 15,27 15,02 4 B-J. А-N. 4,65 4,48 2,10 1,90 32,08 30,00 15,39 14,65 5 P-М. G-О. 4,70 4,93 2,08 2,10 32,29 33,21 15,33 16,38 6 Х-S. Е-А. 4,53 4,25 1,90 1,48 30,41 30,71 14,41 14,90 7 D-S. RM. 5,20 4,62 2,04 1,95 39,00 30,61 16,57 14,90 8 F-L. О-D. 4,59 4,65 1,98 1,93 32,48 32,05 14,25 14,85 9 U-А. P-I. 4,65 4,55 1,95 1,95 33,64 33,16 15,84 15,20 1 0 Т-R. F-А. 5,01 4,32 2,04 1,79 36,20 32,00 16,96 15,20 1 1 P-S. J-J. 4,49 5,28 1,97 2,05 34,65 34,36 15,33 16,51 1 2 МА. S-N. 5,00 4,41 1,99 2,00 35,60 32,11 15,4 16,77 4,74± 0,06 4,60±0 ,08 2,00± 0,01 1,89± 0,04 33,58± 0,72 31,92± 0,38 15,42± 0,25 15,43± 0,20 σ 0,22 0,29 0,06 0,16 2,52 1,33 0,89 0,71 t 1,38 2,15 2,02 0,04 p >0,05 <0,05 >0,05 >0,05 These findings show that over years of preparation, training loads must be aligned with the game’s actual speed requirements. This is important for developing speed endurance in young players. The 2019 research included four age groups (12 players each, n = 48) tested using the “Microgate Racetime 2” system and four control exercises (see Table 1). The average 30-meter sprint time for 14–15-year-olds was 4.7 s and 4.6 s, respectively. Fifteen-year-olds showed better 10-meter sprint results than fourteen-year-olds. The average 10-meter sprint time for 14-year-olds was 2.0 s, and six of them performed even better. Thus, results in the 30 m sprint, 10 m sprint, and 5×30 m shuttle run varied sharply between 14–15-year-olds, suggesting that training should be individualized. Seventeen-year-olds achieved better 10-meter sprint results (1.87 s) than sixteenyear-olds (1.97 s). However, in the 30 m sprint, 16-year-olds performed slightly better (4.37 s vs. 4.47 s). Similar patterns appeared in the 5×30 m shuttle and “Figure-8” tests, where 16-year-olds also outperformed 17-year-olds (see Table 2). Table 2 Results of control exercises among 16–17-year-old football players (n = 12) # Initials of first name and last name 30-meter sprint (sec) 10-meter sprint (sec) 5×30-meter shuttle run (sec)” “Figure-8 test (sec) 16 age 17 age 16 age 17 age 16 age 17 age 16 age 17 age 16 age 17 age 1 Т-М. А-F. 4,39 4,42 1,92 1,81 31,76 35,81 15,10 14,92 2 J-М. Т-О. 4,52 4,37 1,09 1,90 32,04 29,62 16,40 15,00 3 Т-Z. H-М. 4,26 4,08 2,11 1,91 28,97 32,16 15,03 16,01 4 E-D. C-А. 4,61 4,79 1,92 2,23 30,86 30,54 15,43 16,05 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 71 5 Т-J. А-B. 4,51 4,54 1,92 2,01 30,64 30,84 15,01 15,10 6 S-S. B-О. 4,41 4,36 1,88 1,90 30,28 31,80 14,36 14,80 7 H-А. М-S. 4,49 4,18 1,96 1,84 30,04 29,58 14,88 14,54 8 G-Х. И-S. 4,50 4,35 1,98 1,96 31,76 32,11 15,38 16,40 9 B-А. S-Б. 4,53 4,36 1,94 1,87 30,58 30,17 14,24 14,26 10 N-Т. R-М. 4,55 4,56 2,00 1,90 31,30 31,68 15,09 15,42 11 R-А. М-М. 4,20 4,21 1,87 1,80 30,43 28,94 14,75 14,63 12 Х-S. R-М. 4,69 4,20 1,90 1,84 32,09 31,33 15,95 16,00 4,47± 0,03 4,37± 0,05 1,87± 0,07 1,97± 0,03 30,89 ±0,26 31,20 ±0,51 15,13 ±0,17 15,26 ±0,20 σ 0,13 0,19 0,25 0,11 0,93 1,79 0,60 0,70 t 1,50 -0,49 -0,55 -0,47 p >0,05 >0,05 >0,05 >0,05 For 14-year-olds, the correlation coefficient between the 30 m sprint (standing start) and 5×30 m shuttle run with a ball was r = 0.7, indicating a strong statistical relationship—the highest among all age groups. For 15-year-olds, the result was r = 0.6, a moderate correlation, slightly lower than that of 14-year-olds. For 16-year-olds, r = 0.5, showing a weak-to-moderate correlation, and for 17-year-olds, r = 0.08, indicating a very weak relationship. Although 17-year-olds achieved the best 30-meter sprint times, their general and specific speed qualities were not proportionally developed. In modern high-intensity football, speed is one of the most essential qualities determining game effectiveness. It must be developed from a young age. Around the world, new methods and tools are constantly being introduced to train young players’ speed abilities. The ability to perform technical actions at game-level speed indicates how well training intensity corresponds to real match conditions. Modern football emphasizes that a player must be able to demonstrate technical mastery at high speed even in difficult game situations. CONCLUSION The accepted test norms (30 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 5×30 m shuttle run, and “Figure-8” test) show that among 16–17-year-olds, higher overall speed abilities corresponded to weak proportional relationships between general speed (10 m and 30 m sprints) and specific speed endurance (5×30 m shuttle run). Although 14-year-olds had the lowest absolute performance, they demonstrated the most optimal relationship between general and specific endurance compared to older groups. Literature review indicates that as athletes age, neuro-hormonal regulation develops, leading to increased muscle mass and improved speed. However, general speed should develop proportionally with specific endurance. This balanced development was particularly evident in 14year-olds, whose strong correlation (r = 0.7) reflected optimal development between sprinting speed and shuttle endurance. For 16-year-olds, high results were observed in three of the four test standards, showing a moderate proportional correlation (r = 0.5) between general speed and special endurance. However, insufficient time was allocated to developing their general speed qualities. REFERENCES 1. Майпас И.Е. Программирование тренировочных нагрузок юных футболистов на этапе начальной подготовки: автореф. дис. … канд. пед. наук. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2004. – 24 с. SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 72 2. Акрамов Р.А. Методика обучения и совершенствования тактики прессинга юных футболистов 12–18 лет: метод. пособие. – Ташкент: ФК «Бунёдкор» ДЮСШ, 2014. – 55 с. 3. Кайпов Н.А. Оптимизация тренировочных воздействий в системе подготовки юных футболистов на этапе начальной подготовки: дисс. … канд. пед. наук. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2005. – 168 с. 4. Курбанов О.А. Методика совершенствования техники игры головой у юных футболистов: дисс. … канд. пед. наук. – Ташкент: УзГИФК, 2005. – 168 с. 5. Кошбахтиев И.А. Управление тренировочным процессом футболистов: метод. пособие. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2001. – 124 с. 6. Нуримов З.Р. Научное обоснование совершенствования групповых тактических действий квалифицированных футболистов: автореф. дисс. … канд. пед. наук. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2004. 7. Исмагилов Д.К. Инновационные технологии подготовки юных футболистов в группах начальной специализации: учеб.-метод. пособие. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2015. – 80 с. 8. Исеев Ш.Т., Комилов Ж.К. Планирование тренировочного процесса футболистов в годичном цикле: метод. пособие. – Ташкент: УзГУФКС, 2016. – 117 с. 9. Махамаджанов Ф.Р. Подготовка юных футболистов с учетом возрастных особенностей: автореф. дисс. канд. пед. наук. – Чирчик: УзГУФКС, 2019. – 55 с. 10. Венгерова Н.Н., Комиссарова Е.Н., Клюс Ю.А., Родичкин П.В. Вариабельность сердечного ритма и состав тела у подростков-спортсменов. – Москва, 2020. 11. Kiely J., Simona F., Cristian G. The role of coordination in speed development for young footballers // Journal of Sports Science. – 2019. 12. Озолин Н.Г., Воронкин В.И., Примаков Ю.Н., Жилкин А.И., Кузьмин В.С., Сидорчук Е.В. Методы ударной тренировки и совершенствования координации // Sports Science Journal. – 2021.