Sports games

Adaptive wheelchair basketball in the physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of combat veterans

Halyna Lavrin — 2026-02-07

The full-scale war waged by the russian federation against Ukraine has led to an increase in the number of war veterans with disabilities, highlighting the need for effective approaches to their physical, psychological and social rehabilitation. Traditional medical and rehabilitation measures are complemented by adaptive sports, which combine physical recovery with psychosocial support, the formation of a sense of belonging and a return to active social life. Wheelchair basketball occupies a special place, combining intense physical activity, teamwork and emotional involvement. The practice of holding national competitions, regular training sessions and adaptive sports clubs in Ukraine indicates a growing interest in this sport and its rehabilitation potential. At the same time, the scientific and methodological justification for the use of adaptive basketball for war veterans in Ukraine remains insufficiently systematised. The aim of the study is to theoretically substantiate and analyse the role of adaptive wheelchair basketball in the system of physical and psychosocial rehabilitation of war veterans in Ukraine. Research methods: analysis and generalisation of domestic and foreign scientific sources, content analysis of reports and practical cases, comparative and systematic analysis of international and Ukrainian experience, generalisation of practical experience in conducting training sessions, master classes and competitions. Research results. Analysis of literature and practical experience shows that adaptive wheelchair basketball contributes to the development of upper limb muscle strength and endurance, improved coordination, speed and strength qualities, and overall physical performance. Participation in sporting events has a positive effect on the psychosocial state of veterans: it reduces stress and anxiety, increases psychological well-being, motivates them to lead an active life and forms social bonds. Team play promotes a sense of belonging, social integration and the formation of veteran communities. At the same time, the development of adaptive basketball in Ukraine is limited by uneven access to sports infrastructure, the high cost of equipment, a limited number of specialists and psychological barriers among participants. Conclusions. Adaptive wheelchair basketball is an effective means of comprehensive rehabilitation for war veterans, combining physical recovery with psychosocial support and social integration. Further research should focus on systematising scientific and methodological approaches, evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes, and studying the impact of participation on the social and professional reintegration of veterans.

The effects of stroboscopic visual training on elite athletes in game sports.

Olena Ryepko — 2026-02-07

Stroboscopic training is a technique that involves the use of intermittent visual signals during motor actions. Stroboscopic glasses are increasingly used in sports training, as they allow you to simulate specific visual conditions. The glasses rhythmically switch between transparent and opaque phases, reducing the available amount of visual information and forcing the athlete to adapt the speed of its processing. The concept of stroboscopic training involves performing an exercise in which intermittent visual stimuli are used. This creates an additional load on the visual-motor system and contributes to better performance in conditions of normal vision.
Purpose: to review the effectiveness of using stroboscopic visual training in elite athletes in game sports.
Material and methods. To achieve the goal, theoretical methods of pedagogical research were used. To select articles for analysis on the effectiveness of stroboscopic visual training in elite athletes in game sports, Internet resources were used - databases Scopus, Web of Science, CrossRef, PubMed, Google Scholar.
Results. Stroboscopic visual training has a positive effect on reaction speed and acceleration of sensory information processing and its analysis, which, in turn, helps athletes in their efficiency of motor actions in various situations on the field. However, no effect was found on the speed of motor movements and their accuracy, and no additional positive effect of stroboscopic visual training in warm-up was observed compared to traditional warm-up.
Conclusions. The use of stroboscopic visual training is effective for elite athletes when it is used in the main part of the training, it can be recommended for the development of perceptual abilities of players. However, further research is needed before stroboscopic visual training will be regularly used in sports training.

Pedagogical conditions for implementing game technologies in distance physical education lessons for students in grades 1-4.

Liudmyla Shesterova — 2026-02-07

Purpose. To analyze the pedagogical conditions for adapting traditional and multimedia outdoor games to physical education lessons in a limited home environment.
Material and Methods. Theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature allowed us to clarify the status of solving the problem of implementing gaming technologies in distance learning. In the process of work, the works of domestic and foreign scientists were studied, dedicated to the impact of physical inactivity on the body of younger schoolchildren, the peculiarities of the psychophysiological state of students in grades 1-4, as well as modern trends in the digitalization of education. Methods of system analysis and comparison were applied to study the effectiveness of traditional outdoor games and innovative multimedia tools, in particular exergaming, in the context of their adaptation to limited home space. The empirical component of the study was based on the study and generalization of pedagogical experience in using digital platforms (YouTube, Wordwall) and mobile applications with movement tracking technologies (Active Arcade, Plaicise, Just Dance Now). Through pedagogical observation and analysis of existing methods, the most effective game models were identified that provide a combination of motor activity with cognitive development and interdisciplinary integration.
Results. Based on a comprehensive analysis of leading researchers’ works, the article substantiates the role of play-based activities as a fundamental tool for the physical education of primary school children, promoting the harmonization of their psychophysiological state and the intensification of physical activity. It is determined that in the context of distance learning and increasing physical inactivity (hypodynamia), the gamification of the educational process gains particular relevance through the implementation of exergaming (active video games), immersive technologies (VR/AR), and interactive platforms (Wordwall, LearningApps, Active Arcade), which allow for the conversion of screen time into productive physical activity. Research findings demonstrate that the systematic integration of gaming techniques not only facilitates the improvement of locomotor skills and morphofunctional indicators of the body but also minimizes destructive behavior while enhancing students’ intrinsic motivation and cognitive performance. Special attention is paid to the necessity of adapting active games to limited home spaces and the importance of parental involvement in supervising asynchronous sessions to ensure safety and the overall effectiveness of pedagogical influence within a digital educational environment.
Conclusions. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, it can be concluded that gaming activity and gamification are fundamental tools of modern physical education, enabling the effective adaptation of the learning process to the psychophysiological characteristics of students in a digital environment. The systematic integration of active games, immersive technologies (VR/AR), and exergaming (active video games) provides a comprehensive impact on the individual: ranging from strengthening somatic health and developing motor skills to stimulating cognitive processes and overcoming physical inactivity during distance learning. The use of interactive platforms (Wordwall, LearningApps) and gaming methodologies allows for the transformation of routine exercises into high-tech educational activities, which significantly increases students’ intrinsic motivation, minimizes disruptive behavior, and ensures a holistic approach to a child’s health and harmonious development.

Assessment of the effectiveness of shots at the basket in competitive activities of wheelchair basketball teams

Maksym Mishyn — 2026-02-07

Purpose. Research objective: to determine the effectiveness of shots at the basket by wheelchair basketball teams during the All-Ukrainian tournament "Cup of Titans 2025".
Material and Methods. The research material consisted of official statistical data on the performance of six teams. A total of 10 matches were analyzed (6 group-stage games and 4 final-stage games) held within the framework of the national tournament «Titans Cup 2025».
Results. Group stage: Group A – Titans-Lviv 86:21 (+65), Invictus 14:44 (–30), Kyiv Lions 24:59 (–35); Group B – Kharkiv-Basket 123:24 (+99), Tytanovi 26:78 (–52), Odesa-Basket 30:77 (–47). Final stage: Kharkiv-Basket 110:27 (+83), Titans-Lviv 53:57 (–4), Tytanovi 26:41 (–15), Invictus 15:79 (–64). Overall tournament results: Kharkiv-Basket 233:51 (+182), Titans-Lviv 139:78 (+61), Tytanovi 52:119 (–67), Invictus 29:82 (–53), Odesa-Basket 30:69 (–39), Kyiv Lions 24:59 (–35).
Conclusions. The analysis of average indicators across all teams confirmed the clear leadership of «Kharkiv-Basket», which scored an average of 58,3 points per game while conceding only 12,8 (difference +45,5), demonstrating offensive stability and high defensive efficiency. The second position was taken by «Titans-Lviv» with an average of 34,8 points scored and 19,5 conceded per game (+15,3), showing strong opening and closing segments but instability in the middle of matches. The remaining teams finished the tournament with the following averages per game: «Tytanovi» – 13:29,8 (–16,8), «Invictus» – 7,3:20,5 (–13,3), «Kyiv Lions» – 12:29,5 (–17,5), «Odesa-Basket» – 15:34,5 (–19,5). These results indicate insufficient offensive effectiveness and weak defensive organization, which prevented them from achieving relative competitiveness with the leaders.

Classification and theoretical justification of competitive and game-oriented means in the training of qualified swimmers aged 13–16

Оlena Politko — 2026-02-07

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and classify the arsenal of competitive and game-oriented means for optimizing the training process of qualified swimmers at the stage of specialized basic training.
Material and Methods. The study used a set of scientific methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, analysis of curricula of youth sports schools and youth sports schools, pedagogical observation of the training process of representatives of Ukrainian and foreign training schools using remote monitoring of media content. An expert survey of 20 coaches of the highest and first categories with over 10 years of experience was conducted. The results were processed using mathematical statistics methods.
Results. The study confirmed the existence of a contradiction between the need to intensify loads and the risk of psycho-emotional burnout of adolescents due to the monotony of cyclical work. It was found that in domestic practice the game method is used fragmentarily (only 10% of respondents). About 90% of specialists do not consider the game as a full-fledged means of developing special qualities. The main obstacles to the implementation of the game method were identified as a strict schedule of training sessions (60%), a shortage of specialized methodological developments (25%) and limited inventory in state institutions (15%). Based on the analysis of international experience, a set of 26 competitive and game-oriented exercises was developed and systematized. The proposed author's classification includes five functional groups: 1) improvement of technical skills; 2) development of speed-strength and ballistic abilities; 3) development of coordination and "feeling of water"; 4) development of strength and speed endurance; 5) team cohesion and psychological mobilization. Based on the analysis of advanced international experience, the effectiveness of the practical application of musical accompaniment as an additional factor that allows swimmers to maintain the tempo-rhythmic structure of the stroke and reduces the level of subjective perception of the severity of the load was established.
Conclusions. It has been proven that the integration of competitive and gaming equipment and modern equipment (fitballs, expanders, noodles) allows you to transform exhausting routine work into a productive process that brings emotional satisfaction. The introduction of a classified arsenal of exercises contributes to the formation of variable motor skills, stimulates the ability to make instant decisions and ensures soft mobilization of functional reserves without the risk of premature cessation of sports. Methodological provisions for the safe and effective use of the developed equipment in the annual macrocycle of training have been determined.

Training on different types of surfaces as a means of training football players

Roman Nakonechnyi — 2026-02-07

Background and purpose of the study. Modern football is characterized by an increase in the intensity of competitive activity, their technical skills, physical fitness and the ability to act effectively in various game situations. In this regard, the search for innovative approaches to the organization of the training process is becoming more urgent, in particular the use of different types of training surfaces as a means of comprehensive influence on the fitness of football players. The experience of leading European academies, in particular the Feyenoord FC academy, demonstrates the effectiveness of using different types of surfaces in the practice of training young players.
Purpose - theoretically analyse the feasibility of using different types of surfaces in the training of young footballers.
Material and Methods. Information sources on this issue were analysed using a set of methods: analysis and synthesis, generalisation, comparison.
Results. The article considers the peculiarities of training young footballers using different types of surfaces (sand, concrete, natural and artificial grass). Natural grass provides comfort and natural movement, artificial grass provides stability and accessibility, and hybrid surfaces provide a balance between the two. The comprehensive use of sand, concrete pitches, natural and artificial turf helps to accelerate adaptation processes and develop players' fitness. The feasibility of using different types of surfaces as an effective means of training players (in particular, improving technical skills and developing physical qualities) is justified.
Conclusions. Training on different types of surfaces is a means of improving the quality of training for young footballers. Each type of surface has a specific impact on the development of athletes' physical, technical and tactical abilities. The use of different types of surfaces in football training is an important factor in optimising sports training. This approach should be implemented in football academies and sports schools in Ukraine.

Indicators of speed abilities of qualified female rugby sevens players at the beginning of the preparatory period

Artem Hlynka — 2026-02-07

The outcome of a rugby sevens match largely depends on the physical preparedness of female athletes. Speed abilities play a significant role in the structure of physical training of qualified female rugby sevens players.
The purpose of the study was to determine indicators of speed abilities in qualified female rugby sevens athletes.
Materials and methods. The study involved 30 female athletes from the women’s rugby sevens teams «Lionesses» (Lviv) and «Odesa National Team» (Odesa), who were preparing to participate in the Ukrainian Rugby Sevens Championship. Speed abilities of qualified female rugby sevens players at the beginning of the preparatory period were assessed using a 50 m sprint from a standing start, with split times recorded at 10 m, 20 m, and 40 m, as well as a standing vertical jump.
Results. Indicators of speed abilities of qualified female rugby sevens athletes at the beginning of the preparatory period were determined. These indicators create prerequisites for the rational assessment of the current state of speed development in female rugby sevens players. A comparison of speed preparedness indicators showed that in the 10 m sprint test, the «Lionesses» team achieved 88% of the performance level of world-class athletes, while the «Odesa National Team» reached 76%. The highest indicators relative to the world-class level were observed in the 20 m sprint for the «Lionesses» team (96%) and the «Odesa National Team» (97%), as well as in the 40 m sprint for the «Lionesses» team (97%) and the «Odesa National Team» (94%). The standing vertical jump reached 89% in the «Lionesses» team and 88% in the «Odesa National Team» compared to world-class rugby players. The developed indicators may subsequently be used as benchmarks for pedagogical control in educational programs in rugby and rugby league for women in institutions of physical culture and sport.
Conclusions. The mean indicators of both teams in the 50 m sprint and the standing vertical jump were lower than the normative values. None of the athletes from either team met the standard for the 10 m distance; four athletes (26.7%) from each team met the standard for the 20 m distance, and six athletes (40%) from the «Lionesses» team met the standard for the 40 m distance.
It was found that at the beginning of the preparatory period, the development of explosive strength of the leg muscles in qualified female rugby sevens athletes was below the norm. Only five athletes (33.3%) from the «Lionesses» team and three athletes (20%) from the «Odesa National Team» met the standard for the standing vertical jump.
Compared to the athletes of the «Odesa National Team» players of the «Lionesses» team demonstrated better starting speed (t = −10.10, p < 0.01) and a greater ability to maintain maximal running speed for a longer duration (t = −4.94, p < 0.01), whereas the Odesa athletes showed better indicators of maximal running speed (t = 7.36, p < 0.01). Thus, qualified female rugby sevens athletes at the beginning of the preparatory period demonstrated lower levels of speed abilities compared to qualified world-class athletes.

The use of sports games in training skiers of different ages and skill levels

Serhii Kotliar — 2026-02-07

Relevance. Given the scientific interest in integrating sports games into the long-term training of cross-country skiers of various skill levels, research on this topic is relevant to modern sports science and practice, as it can contribute to improving the quality of training and creating more flexible and effective training models.

Objective: to determine the impact of sports games on the development of physical qualities and psychological characteristics of skiers of different ages.

Materials and methods. The study is based on a comprehensive methodological approach that includes: theoretical analysis of scientific sources, the method of generalisation and synthesis of theoretical developments and empirical data, comparative analysis of existing studies, pedagogical experiment, psychophysiological studies, methods of mathematical and statistical processing of research results. The study was conducted over a 2-year cycle. During the study, 4 experimental groups (EG) of different ages from the Children's and Youth Sports School were formed, consisting of 26 athletes.

Results. It has been established that the inclusion of the game method (2–4 times a week depending on the training groups) significantly improves explosive strength and endurance indicators (p<0.05). After the introduction of game-based training, athletes in the initial group showed a significant increase in speed, coordination, and speed-strength indicators: 30 m sprint improved by 15.4%; standing long jump increased by 18.1%; 4×9 m shuttle run improved by 16.6% (p<0.05). Athletes in the basic training group showed a significant improvement in performance: 30 m sprint improved by 15.5%; 1000 m run improved by 6.5%; long jump – an increase of 11.9% (p < 0.05). In the specialised training groups, the following indicators increased significantly: 3000 m running improved by 4.7%; 4×9 m shuttle running improved by 10.9%; classic style roller skiing improved by 8.7% (p<0.05). Athletes in the groups training for higher athletic performance showed improvements in the following indicators: 3000 m running by 8.9%; time to cover the control distance on roller skis 5 km in classic style by 5.4% (p<0.05). The results of psychological testing showed a positive effect of sports games on the psycho-emotional state of athletes. In the initial and basic training groups, the level of situational anxiety decreased by an average of 23–27%, and attention concentration indicators according to the Burdon–Anfimov test increased by 14–16% (p<0.05). In the specialised training group, game-based activities contributed to stabilising the psycho-emotional state and increasing motivation for the training process, as confirmed by a reduction in the variability of psychological test results.

Conclusions. The use of sports games in the long-term training of ski racers is an effective means of developing general physical qualities and improving psychological characteristics. The methodologically grounded inclusion of games allows for the optimization of the training process, increases motivation and the resistance of athletes to physical and psycho-emotional loads, and contributes to the formation of comprehensive sports mastery. It is proven that basketball most effectively develops coordination and operational thinking, football enhances aerobic power, and volleyball improves psychological stability and reaction accuracy.