The effect of swimming exercises on some basic skills development and physical parameters in young football players

In this study, the effect of eight-week regulated water exercises on some basic skills and physical parameters in young football players was investigated. In this research, the mean age was 16.93±0.96 (years), mean height was 173.33±8.33 (cm), Body Weight (BW) 61.93±4.99 (kg), Body Mass Index (BMI) 20.62±1.51 of 15 experimental group with; mean age 16.93±0.96 (years), mean height 173.33±8.33 (cm), BW 61.93±4.99 (kg), BMI 20.62±1.51, 15 (kg / m²) of whom were in the control group of a total of 30 people were included. The population of the study consisted of young players aged 16-18 playing football in local clubs in Dhoke, Northern Iraq, while the sample consisted of 30 young football players aged 16-18 playing at Peris Sports Academy in Dhoke, Northern Iraq. All participants continued their active football training for 90 minutes a day, 3 days a week. Apart from football training, the experimental group was given basic swimming exercises for 90 minutes a day, 3 days a week. Measurements were taken twice, before and after 8 weeks of football and swimming training. In the measurements made, electronic photocell with a sensitivity of 1/1000 sec for the 30-meter running test, sit-reach test for determining the flexibility values, jump meter for vertical jump test measurements, takei brand digital hand-dynamometer for hand-claw strength measurements, Takai brand for back-leg strength measurement dynamometer was used. SPSS-26 statistical program was used in the analysis of the raw data obtained from the measurements. Paired sample T-test was applied to see the change between pre-exercise and post-exercise measurements of all participants in the study. Independent Sample T-test was used for the difference between different groups. A statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison of pretest and posttest measurement averages of the test and control groups' push-up test, back-leg strength, back strength and medicine ball throwing parameters (p<0.05). Likewise, the 30-meter sprint, flexibility, horizontal jump, vertical jump, hand grip strength values of all participants before and after exercise were not statistically significant (p>0.05). A significant difference was observed in the comparison of the pretest and posttest measurement averages of the head and ball bouncing test parameters of both groups (p<0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was observed in the comparison of the slalom, shot to goal and ball bounce values of the experimental control group before and after the exercise (p>0.05). In conclusion; It is thought that planned swimming exercises may indirectly contribute to some motor skills and soccer skill performance of football players.