Study of the pedagogical variables in grassroots football training tasks by competitive mesocycle. A case study

The aim of the present study was to assess the tasks designed by a youth football team coach, as well as to analyze the differences between the independent variable Type of Mesocycle (TMe) and the dependent pedagogical variables influencing the design of training tasks performed during a two-months competitive period in the U-18 category. A total of 89 tasks, distributed in 14 sessions between February (n=8) and march (n=6) were analyzed. The tool utilized for task analysis was the Integral System to Training Tasks Analysis (SIATE, in Spanish), where the following pedagogical variables were registered: Playing situation (SJ), Goalkeeper presence (POR), Playing phase (FJ), Type of content (CONT-G), Sport initiation means (MIE), Opposition level (NO) and Playing role (LJ). The results showed a progression in the complexity of the designed training tasks, finding differences between the analyzed mesocycles. The variables POR and LJ obtained a low grade of association. Designing trainings where different lines of play are worked is essential. Therefore, the SIATE has shown to be an optimal tool for registering and analyzing training tasks in grassroots football.