The game of football is one of the team sports that stands out for its various physical, skilful, strategic, and mental abilities. These abilities play an active role in achieving the highest artistic level of the game. The elevation of this level can only be achieved through a balanced scientific training that encompasses all aspects of the training process, whether physical, strategic, or mental. It aims to enhance everything that contributes to demonstrating a good artistic level during competition or matches. The effort exerted by the player during the game is not limited to physical and skilful effort, but rather involves a complete interaction between the functional and mental body systems to produce a good artistic level by linking physical and skilful attributes in complete harmony, granting the player a pleasing performance to the observer [1-2].

It has been found that compound exercises performed by the player play a significant role in developing the mentioned preparation aspects, as mentioned by Arnold, stating, "The learner is required to apply various forms of skill execution in different situations and train to perform the skill in situations similar to real play as much as possible." Performing compound exercises that impose a set of mental skills on the player, starting from attention and concentration, leading to the performance of the required motor tasks. Compound exercises raise the level of players' performance due to their impact on both skilful and mental aspects. Functional indicators play a role in motor behaviour practiced by the athlete by reducing unnecessary movements and precision in decision-making, resulting in precise motor responses and, consequently, reaching the integrated player needed for football [3-5].

Hence, the importance of the research lies in providing diverse exercises to enhance essential functional indicators and develop some basic skills. This contributes to improving the levels of football players, especially youth players, enabling them to achieve better results in matches.            

Research Objectives

The research aims to: 

• Prepare compound exercises for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum

• Examine the impact of compound exercises on developing some functional indicators for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum

• Examine the impact of compound exercises on developing some basic football skills for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum

Research Hypotheses

• Compound exercises have a positive effect on some functional indicators for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum

• Compound exercises have a positive effect on some basic football skills for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum

Research Fields

• Human Field: Players of the Youth Housing Football Forum for the sports season 2022-2023

• Time Field: The period from 3/4/2023 to 1/7/2023

• Spatial Field: Youth Housing Forum football field

Research Method

The best research approach is determined by the nature of the problem and the goals of the study. Because the experimental approach was appropriate for the nature of the research challenge, the researcher employed it with a single group. "Represents the most accurate coupling to solve many problems scientifically and theoretically" (1) is how the experimental approach puts it.

Research Community and Sample

Thirty-five athletes, representing the youth housing sports forum, were identified as the research community for the 2022–2023 sports season. As indicated in Table (1), the research sample, which consisted of thirty players, was evaluated and randomly split into two groups (control and experimental), each with fifteen players, using the straightforward approach of a lottery.

Table 1: Shows the Sample Individuals and the Methodology Used

Homogeneity and Equality of Sample Individuals

In spite of the fact that the sample represented a cohesive mix, the researcher employed procedures targeted at controlling influencing variables (scoring, suppression, ball control) in order to achieve homogeneity and equality among the individuals in the research sample. To guarantee the homogeneity and equality of the research sample individuals, the data was processed using the proper statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and the t-value for independent samples). The control and experimental groups' equality and homogeneity are shown in Tables (2).

Table 2: Illustrates the Homogeneity and Equality of the Control and Experimental Groups

Values ​​of the tabulated t at a degree of freedom of 28 and a significance level (0.05) = 2.05

Tools, instruments, and devices used in the research

Research tools:

• Arabic and foreign scientific sources and references

• Personal interview

• Observation

• Experimentation

• Assistant work team

Tools and devices used in the research:

• Legal football field

• Footballs (20)

• Cones (30)

• Balls of various sizes and weights (45)

• Height and weight measurement device

• Digital watch for measuring to the nearest 1/100 second

• Whistle

• Cones

• Goalkeeper dividing ropes

• Fabric measuring tape

• Tests used in the research

• Functional test

Pulse Rate Test

• Measurement Unit: Beats per minute

• Tool: Medical device for measuring pulse rate

Pulse rate can be determined from either the carotid artery site on the side of the neck below the jaw (on either side). The examiner needs to press on that side with two or three fingers until feeling the pulse.

The pulse can also be felt from another site, the brachial artery site above the elbow joint and above the wrist joint with the hand extended and spread, and the palm upwards (i.e., on the side of the arm at the wrist joint with the hand extended and spread).

The pulse rate is determined by measuring the number of pulses within 10 seconds, for example, then multiplying the result by 6, or measuring the number of pulses within 15 seconds and multiplying the result by 4 and so on to obtain the pulse rate per minute.

Note that the pulse rate was measured using a medical stethoscope.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Test Goal: Determine blood pressure.

Steps

• Prepare the person before measurement, in a calm state for at least five minutes

• Wrap the rubber bag of the device around the arm at heart level

• Determine the passing point of the brachial artery above the elbow joint and usually the point is in the lower-middle part of the forearm, where it can be marked with a pen. The ability to quickly identify this point and important assisting factors in obtaining accurate results. The inability to place the medical stethoscope over this point reduces the ability to hear the heart sound

• Inflate the air pressure inside the rubber bag until it reaches the level of 18 mm mercury when measuring at rest, and during training, it may reach (200-220) mm mercury. Place the stethoscope above the indicated point

• Listen to the first heart sound called Korotkoff sound, which occurs as a result of the sudden rush of blood when the artery opens. This sound is attributed to systolic blood pressure, and this moment is the first stage of changes in heart sound

• After reading the systolic blood pressure, the cuff continues to gradually lower the air pressure in the rubber bag until just before the pulse sound disappears, where the reading at this indicates the value of diastolic blood pressure

Vital Capacity

•      Measurement unit: Litres and parts

•      Tool: Spirometer for measuring vital capacity

The laboratory technician held the rubber blowing tube attached to the spirometer while sitting on the chair, then began to take the maximum possible inhalation. After that, he exhaled the maximum possible exhalation into the rubber tube. A nasal mask was placed to ensure that no air leaked out through the nose. During this time, the device recorded the readings on a clear screen with litres and parts (Figure 1-2).

Tests of some basic football skills

• Test First: "Rebounding Handling on the Wall for 20 Seconds"

• Test Purpose: Measure the speed and accuracy of handling

Figure 1: Illustrates the Test of Rebound Handling On the Wall for 20 Seconds

Figure 2: Illustrates the Test of Rolling Between 5 Cones Back And Forth

• Tools Needed a line drawn in front of the wall at a distance of three metres, and a smooth wall with a designated area of 1.5 metres by 2.20 metres. - Football games 3 - Electronic timer 2

• Performance Parameters: The player behind the starting line smashes the ball on the wall upon receiving the start signal, and when it bounces off the wall, hits it once more, and so on, until the test is over. It is best to wait to hit the rebounding ball until it is behind the starting line. One of the other two cards may be taken without pausing if the player loses control of the ball. Any foot, or any component of a foot, can be used to hit the ball

• Assessment: Number of accurate ball hits should be noted towards

Test Two

"Rolling Between 5 Cones Back and Forth"

• Test Purpose: Measure the ability to roll quickly by changing direction

• Required Tools: A place for test performance where the starting line is marked at a distance of (2m) from the first cone, and four consecutive cones with a distance between each cone and the next (1.5m), so that the test distance is 8m and the number of cones is 5. Two footballs. Electronic timer

• Performance Specifications: After hearing the player's start signal, they roll the ball quickly, passing the five cones and returning by passing the cones again and reaching the starting and ending line in the fastest time

Test Instructions

• The player can start by passing the first cone from either the right or left side

• The player's movement should not stop during the test

• If the ball goes out of the player's control, the attempt is not counted

• The player is given two attempts, and the shorter time recorded is counted for them

Test Three

Accuracy of Scoring

• Test Purpose: Measure the accuracy of scoring in football

• Required Tools: Football field, footballs 10, tape to define the shooting area for the test, measuring tape

• Test Procedures: Place 10 footballs in different positions on the line and inside the penalty area, as illustrated in the figure below. The player targets the test's specific regions in order of significance and difficulty, going through each one in turn. Running is the mode of operation for this test

Ball number 1 is where the exam begins, and ball number 10 is where it finishes. If there are no goals scored—three on each side—the attempt is deemed unsuccessful.

Method of Recording

Using either foot, count the number of goals that enter or touch each of the four designated goals on each side. Among the ten balls, give each ball the following number of points:

• Points for scoring in area number 3

• Points for scoring in area number 2

• point for scoring in area number 1

• points for the remaining areas of the other goal

• The player is given only one attempt

Scientific Foundations of the Tests Used in the Research

To ensure the scientific conditions of the tests, the researcher applied the tests under study in the pilot experiment to a group of youth players, numbering 10 players (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Measuring the Accuracy of Football Scoring

Test Validity

To ensure the validity of the tests used, the researcher presented them to a group of experts and specialists. Valid tests suitable for the study and regulated by logical validity were selected. The researcher presented a questionnaire form to choose the most appropriate test for each skill from the basic football skills under study to a group of experienced individuals specialising in the field of testing, measurement, and football. Presenting the forms to experts and specialists is considered content validity (Table 3).

Table 3: Shows the Validity, Reliability, and Objectivity Scores of the Tests under Study

Test Reliability

To calculate the reliability coefficient, the test was applied to a sample of 10 randomly selected players from the research community for the first time. Afterward, the test was re-administered after one week on the same sample and under the same test conditions. The researcher made every effort to conduct the first and second tests under the same conditions in terms of time, staff, and test location. Reliability depends on the correlation of the true scores of the test with itself when the test is repeated on the same group. The simple correlation coefficient (Pearson) between the scores of the two tests is calculated.

Objectivity

The researcher must verify objectivity by recording the test results simultaneously by two referees. The calculated correlation coefficients showed a high correlation in the tests.

Exploratory Experiment

The exploratory experiment was conducted on a sample from the research community, totaling 5 players. The skill tests were applied during the period from 3/4/2023. The aim was to train the assistants, test the tools and devices used, examine the tests under study, reach the final format for data recording forms, and identify any obstacles and difficulties the researcher might face during the measurement procedures. Results of the initial exploratory study:

• Ensuring the validity of the sports club and the tools and devices used

• Designing registration cards

• Confirming the validity of the tests and their measurement methods

• Determining and calculating the time required to complete the recreational activity

Main Experiment

It included

Preliminary Tests

The preliminary test was conducted on 5/4/2023, Tuesday, at 2:00 PM, on the sports field of Al-Diwaniya Sports Club. The research sample was tested in motor compatibility and basic football skills (dribbling, ball control, and shooting). The scores were recorded on special forms.

Compound Exercises

The researcher prepared qualitative compound exercises and training intensity variations for weeks and training units based on previous studies and research in the field of sports training and football. This included:

Ensuring diversity in the used exercises to prevent players from feeling bored.

• The training period lasted for 8 weeks, with 3 units per week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday), totaling 24 units, using the periodized training method

• The exercises were implemented from 10/4/2023 to 5/6/2023

• The researcher used a training load of (1-1) to ensure continuous player development

Post-Tests

After completing the application of qualitative exercises, the post-tests were conducted on 7/6/2023, Wednesday, at 2:00 PM, on the sports field of Al-Diwaniya Sports Club. The research sample was tested in motor compatibility and basic football skills (dribbling, ball control, and shooting) under the same conditions as the preliminary test.

Statistical Methods

• The statistical package (SPSS) was utilized by the researcher

Presentation of Differences in Some Functional Indicators and Basic Football Skills for Preliminary and Post-Tests for the Control Group

Table 4 shows variations in some functional indicators of basic football skills (pulse, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity, handling, rolling, and scoring) between the pre and post tests for the control group based on the data extracted for  the individuals in the research sample. Using the t-test for correlated samples, the computed differences 6.437, 18.330, 29.000, 7.483, 12.909, 6.179, 10.983 were obtained. At a significant threshold of 0.05 and a degree of freedom of 14, they are less than the tabulated value of 2.093, indicating that the differences in the control group's pre- and post-test scores in a number of functional markers and fundamental football skills were arbitrary.

Presentation of the differences in some functional indicators and fundamental football skills for the pre and post tests of the experimental group, and their analysis and discussion.

Table 4: Shows Differences In Preliminary and Post-Tests In Functional and Skill Indicators for the Control Group

Table 5 presents the differences in pre- and post-test scores for a few functional indicators of basic football skills between the experimental group based on data extracted for the research sample (pulse, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity, handling, dribbling, and scoring). The computed values 8.671, 7.6130, 6.081, 5.976, 17.654, 6.676, 27.465 that were obtained when the t test for correlated samples was used to extract the differences are smaller than the tabular value 2.093 at a degree of freedom 14 and a significance level 0.05, respectively. This demonstrates that the differences between the experimental group's pre- and post-test results in a number of functional indicators and fundamental football skills are coincidental.

Presenting the results of the differences in the values of some functional indicators and basic football skills, analyzing them, and discussing them for the control and experimental groups in the post-test.

Table 5: Shows the Differences in Pre and Post Tests in the Functional and Skill Indicators for the Experimental Group

Based on data collected from the research sample participants, Table 6 displays the fluctuations in values for a few functional indicators of fundamental football skills (pulse, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity, handling, dribbling, and scoring) in the post-test. The aforementioned table shows how the sample characteristics for the experimental and control groups showed differences in the post-test. In the post-test for both the control and experimental groups, the computed values 2.415, 2.630, 2.648, 3.009, 7.456, 2.635, 14.210 were obtained, preferring the experimental group, at a significant level 0.023, 0.014, 0.013, 0.005, 0.000, 0.014, 0.000 with a degree of freedom 28. To isolate the differences, the (t) test for independent samples was employed.

Table 6: Illustrates the Differences in Post-Tests in Some Functional Indicators and Basic Football Skills for the Control and Experimental Groups

Discussion of the results of the study variables for the control and experimental groups in the (post-post) tests.

The findings of the study tests, as shown by the researcher in Tables (4-6) show changes in development as a result of substantial variations in post-test scores between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group performing better. The impact of compound workouts, which are specifically employed to help young football players acquire some functional indicators and fundamental skills, is credited by the study for this improvement. The experimental group's superiority over the control group, notably in handling, rolling, and scoring skills, provides the researcher with an explanation for this development.

The researcher explains the improvement in handling skills as a result of exercises focusing on manoeuvring in various directions. This significantly contributed to the development of handling skills, crucial in football for precise and quick ball control, creating spaces, and exploiting gaps in the opposing team's defence. The researcher attributes the superior performance of the experimental group in rolling skills to the effectiveness of compound exercises involving uick ball movements in different directions, enhancing the players' skill levels.

Regarding the superiority of the experimental group in scoring skills, the researcher attributes this to the nature of compound exercises used, which include scoring skills from various positions and angles, simulating real-game scenarios. The researcher concludes that the continuous application of compound exercises during the training period played a fundamental role in maintaining and improving performance, indicating positive adaptation and development.

• Compound exercises have a positive impact on some functional indicators for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum in Al-Qadisiyah Province

• Compound exercises have a positive impact on some basic football skills for young football players in the Youth Housing Forum in Al-Qadisiyah Province

• Statistical differences appeared between the control and experimental groups in the study variables, favouring the experimental group

Recommendations

• Conduct similar studies on other age groups

• Promote awareness of the importance of compound exercises in maintaining the skill levels of young players

• Integrate specialized exercises as an integral part of training programs and curricula

• Compound exercises are suitable and effective in improving some functional indicators for youth

1. Abu Alaa Abdel Fattah and Mohamed Sobhi Hassanein. Physiology and morphology of sports: Measurement and evaluation methods. 1st ed., Dar Al-Fikr Al-Arabi, n.d.

2. El-Moumen, H. A proposed approach to develop some basic skills and abilities for futsal players. Master’s thesis, University of Baghdad, College of Physical Education, 2001.

3. Hassanein, S.F. Fundamentals of evolutionary psychology. 1st ed., Dar Al-Jabal, 1989.

4. Turki, A. and S. Jabbar. Football: Teaching and training. 1st ed., Al-Nakhil Printing Press, 2009.

5. Al-Hayani, M.K.A. Football for students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. 2nd ed., Dar Al-Kitab for Printing, Publishing, and Distribution, 1999, pp. 215.

Model for Some Compound Exercises

Exercise One: Half a football field (rectangle 10x10m) (4 players serve) 2 attacking players + goalkeepers. The game starts simultaneously from both sides with a serve from the player on the right to the player inside the rectangle, who receives the ball and faces the goal to score. On the left side, the same exercise is performed, but the difference is that the player, upon receiving the ball, controls it with a turning move and then scores on the goal.

Figure 1: Player Serving and Movement Pattern Drill

Figure 2: Illustration of a Small-Sided Game Training Setup

Exercise Two

A football field divided longitudinally into three sections, (2 attacking players vs. 2 defending players + goalkeepers), creating two rectangles (10x20m) with a distance from the goal on each side (23m). The attacking player, after receiving a rolled or regular serve from the teammate, performs a dribble against the defender and enters the rectangle. The player then either passes the ball to a teammate or approaches for a goal exclusively from inside the rectangle, as shown in the diagram. One defending player is allowed to return and defend inside the rectangle, and the attacking players are allowed to enter together to outnumber the defenders and create numerical superiority.