Features of flexibility development in 6–8-year-old gymnasts during the selection and initial training phase

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide experimental justification for the use of specialized flexibility training routines with female gymnasts aged 6–8 years during the selection and initial training phases in artistic gymnastics. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of flexibility training methods in the context of artistic gymnastics training: optimal demonstration of flexibility in specific conditions. The main feature of the experimental flexibility development methodology is that there is a specific flexibility development methodology for each type of artistic gymnastics all-around. The study involved 20 girls aged 6–8 years who practice artistic gymnastics. The experiment lasted 2 months. The following research methods were used during the experiment: analysis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation; pedagogical testing; pedagogical experiment; expert assessment method; methods of mathematical statistics. Research results. A study of the gymnasts’ functional capabilities was conducted using standard tests. Flexibility was assessed using tests from the artistic gymnastics program for children’s and youth sports schools. Technical proficiency was determined on a 10-point scale using expert evaluations. In the experimental group, stretching exercises were performed during training for each event in the combined events. The recommended pace of movement with a small range of motion (leg swings, arm jerks, etc.) was approximately 60 movements per minute, and for other movements (bends) – 40–50 movements per minute. After the stretching exercises, relaxation exercises had to be performed. In the control group, a set of exercises for developing flexibility was proposed, which was performed during the preparatory and final parts of the main training session. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that the proposed methodology contributed to an increase in flexibility indicators, which to a certain extent influences the quality of performance of specific technical exercises in gymnastics all-around events. The methodology for compiling exercise complexes to improve flexibility was further developed, taking into account their structural motor similarity to competitive exercises.