Abstract
<jats:p>The article considers the problem of optimizing the transition from the power block of training to the pre-competition stage in youth athletes specializing in pankration. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that after a long period of strength training, athletes often experience a decrease in speed and strength indicators, an increase in muscle fatigue, and a deterioration in the effectiveness of performing technical and tactical actions. This requires the search for effective training tools and methods that will facilitate the rapid transition from strength work to the development of speed-strength endurance and special functional fitness. The purpose of the study is to develop and substantiate a game fitness technology for training U-15 pankration athletes, aimed at optimizing the transition from the strength block to the pre-competition stage of training. The study used theoretical methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, modeling of the training process and systematization of modern approaches to the training of athletes-wrestlers. The developed technology involves a combination of functional fitness complexes with multiple repetitions of exercises (16–18 repetitions) in a limited time mode and the use of game training methods. In particular, modified contact basketball with elements of rugby is integrated into the training process, which provides high motor activity, development of speed-strength endurance and coordination abilities of athletes. The biomechanical features of dribbling the ball are similar to repeated striking movements of the hand, which contributes to the formation of special endurance necessary in fights. The technology is implemented for 2 months (8 weeks) and includes three stages: adaptive, basic and final. The effectiveness criteria are the level of functional adaptation of the body, indicators of speed-strength endurance, coordination abilities, the effectiveness of technical and tactical actions and the psycho-emotional involvement of athletes. The proposed game fitness technology can be used in the practice of training young athletes-combatants in order to increase the effectiveness of the training process and improve their readiness for competitive activity.</jats:p>