SPECIAL PHYSICAL TRAINING IN SUMMER BIATHLON: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMPREHENSIVE 12-WEEK PROGRAM IN YOUNG ATHLETES

Section: Articles Published Date: 2026-05-03 Pages: 220-227 Views: 0 Downloads: 0

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Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive special physical training program in summer biathlon aimed at developing special endurance, speed-strength qualities, postural stability at the firing line, and shooting accuracy after load. The study involved 24 biathletes aged 16–18 years, divided into an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). The pedagogical experiment lasted 12 weeks during the preparatory period. The experimental program included a larger volume of specific work on roller skis on terrain close to competitive conditions, combined "load-shooting" exercises, speed-strength training of the shoulder girdle and core stabilizer muscles, as well as breathing and postural exercises at the firing line. Methods: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, control testing, heart rate monitoring, and methods of mathematical statistics. It was found that after the experiment, athletes in the experimental group improved their results in the comprehensive test by 6.9%, in the control test "6 km on roller skis with a rifle" by 4.7%, shooting accuracy after load by 16.3%, time spent at the firing line decreased by 9.2%, and heart rate after 1 minute of recovery decreased by 9.4%. The improvements were statistically significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.001–0.013). The obtained data confirm the high effectiveness of a targeted combination of specific cyclic, speed-strength, and shooting training in the summer biathlon system.

Keywords

summer biathlon, special physical training, roller skis, shooting after load, young biathletes, training process.