The Effect of Possession-Based Training Drills on the Development of Selected Offensive Skills in Under-19 Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effect of possession-based drills on developing some offensive skills among under-19 football players. The researcher used the experimental method with two equivalent groups (experimental and control) due to its suitability to the nature of the research problem. The research population consisted of youth football players from clubs in Karbala Governorate. The sample was randomly selected from Al-Hussein Youth Club players, totaling (20) players, divided equally into two groups of (10) players each. The experimental group underwent a training program based on possession drills, while the control group continued with the conventional training method followed by the coach. Several skill tests were used to measure the research variables, including dribbling, passing, and ball receiving skills. Data were statistically processed using the SPSS package.

The results showed significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the post-tests of the offensive skills under study, indicating the effectiveness of possession drills in improving players’ skill performance. The researcher concluded that possession-based drills are effective training methods that contribute to enhancing offensive performance by simulating real-game situations and improving players’ interaction and decision-making speed. The study recommended incorporating possession drills into youth football training programs.