Block periodization of the training process as a factor in increasing the physical fitness of rowers at the stage of specialized basic training

<jats:p>The aim of the study was to theoretically substantiate and experimentally verify the effectiveness of implementing block periodization of the training process to increase the level of physical fitness of rowers at the stage of specialized basic training. Methods: analysis of literary sources, pedagogical testing and methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 43 athletes who were evenly distributed into the control (CG, n=21) and experimental (EG, n=22) groups, which at the beginning of the experiment did not have statistically significant differences in the studied indicators (p&gt;0.05), which ensured their homogeneity for further comparison. The battery of control and pedagogical tests for diagnosing the development of strength qualities and strength endurance included: bending and extension of the arms in a supine position; bending and extension of the arms in a hanging position on a high crossbar; raising the torso to a sitting position from a supine position for 60 s; bench press weighing 30 kg in a supine position for 60 s; pulling a barbell weighing 30 kg to the chest in a lying position on a bench in 60 s. Monitoring the levels of physical fitness of athletes at the stage of specialized basic training was implemented in three stages: ascertaining (September 2023) - initial testing at the beginning of the study; intermediate (March-April 2024) - evaluation after the end of the winter preparatory period; final (September 2024) - final control after the end of the summer competitive period. Athletes in the control group trained according to the traditional educational and training program of the Youth Sports School. The training of rowers in the experimental group took place using a block approach to training. Analysis of the dynamics showed positive changes in both groups, which is a natural consequence of the natural biological maturation of adolescents and their adaptation to systematic loads. At the same time, the athletes of the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in most of the measured parameters compared to the control group. It was found that the participants of the control group significantly improved their physical fitness indicators during the experiment, in particular, the value of the index of bending and extending the arms while hanging on the crossbar improved by 13.61% (p˂0.01), raising the torso to a sitting position in 60 s - by 6.49% (p˂0.05), bench press of 30 kg - by 3.70% (p˂0.01), bench press of 30 kg - by 5.01% (p&lt;0.05). The athletes of the experimental group showed a statistically more significant improvement in physical fitness indicators (by the number of times of bending and extending the arms in the supine position by 14.40% (p˂0.01) and in the hanging position by 20.38% (p˂0.001), by the indicator of raising the torso to the sitting position in 60 seconds by 4.30% (p˂0.05), by the indicator of the 30 kg bench press in 60 seconds by 9.41% (p˂0.001) and the 30 kg bench press in 60 seconds by 5.15% (p˂0.001). The scientific and methodological feasibility of using a block approach in the rowing training system at the stage of specialized basic training has been proven, which contributes to the intensification of adaptive restructuring and provides a significantly higher increase in physical fitness indicators.</jats:p>