Developing a methodological plan to enhance the technical performance of under-13 football players in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop a methodological plan to enhance the technical performance of under-13 football players in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a pragmatism philosophy and employed convergent parallel mixed-methods research designs to guide the data collection and analysis process. Data was collected from experienced youth football coaches, technical football experts, and administrators of football clubs. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from fifty (50) randomly sampled experienced youth football coaches, technical football experts, and football administrators. Interviews were used to collect data from twenty-five (25) football administrators, technical football experts, and experienced youth coaches using snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using quantitative data by means of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21, and NVivo version 12 for Windows software was used to organize qualitative data into themes. The data was visually presented using tables and charts. The research showed that Zimbabwean youth football coaches are not effectively using a methodological plan to enhance the technical performance of under-13 football players. The study showed that youth coaches are marginally using training methods such as skills tests, performance analysis, theoretical lessons, effective communication, and random play on the technical preparation of the under-13 football players. The findings revealed that most Zimbabwean youth football coaches are still relying on traditional methods like demonstrations and small-sided games. The study also noted the lack of resources, appropriate equipment, and facilities to enhance the technical performance of under-13 football players as major gaps. The study recommended that responsible authorities should craft sport policies that promote youth participation and sponsor tournaments and festivals, especially in wards, districts, and remote areas. The findings were used to develop an effective methodological plan to enhance the technical performance of under-13 football players in Zimbabwe.