The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Technical Skills among Football Players in the Pre-Training Stage

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the prolonged interruption of training sessions and sports competitions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on selected fundamental technical skills among under-15 football players. A descriptive comparative approach was adopted. The study sample consisted of 25 U15 football players from MC Oran Football Club. Data were collected using a battery of technical tests adapted from the assessment protocol developed by Dieter R. et al. (2000). The tests included ball juggling with both feet and the body, ball dribbling, and short- and long-pass accuracy tests. The results revealed a noticeable decline in the technical performance level of the players compared with the reference values reported in the European study. Lower scores were recorded in ball juggling, short- and long-pass accuracy, and ball-dribbling tests. These findings suggest that the prolonged interruption of training and competitive activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the acquisition and development of fundamental technical skills among football players in the pre-training stage. The study concludes that compensatory training programs should be implemented to improve the technical abilities most affected by the interruption period. Particular attention should be given to the development of basic football skills in order to reduce the observed performance gap and ensure the continuity of the players’ long-term development process.