Special abilities and qualities of young fencers aged 10-12 as criteria for success in sports

Background and purpose. The success of young athletes depends on many personality characteristics and elements of the training system. The purpose of the study is to identify the most significant special abilities and qualities of young fencers aged 10-12 years old at the initial stage of training. Material and methods. Leading coaches and qualified fencers of sports clubs participated in the study (n=21). The participants were selected according to their rating among Ukrainian specialists, most of whom are representatives of fencing clubs in Kharkiv (Ukraine). A questionnaire containing questions about the main elements of general training of young fencers was used. Results. The main indicators of a fencer's general readiness are: intellectual development (knowledge, skills, abilities); physical development (anthropometric data and psychosomatics); physical qualities; technical readiness; tactical preparedness (understanding, ability, skills). The levels of significance of the specified indicators of the young fencer's personality have been established. The most important indicators are: intellectual skills (95.23%) and skills (90.47%); development of dexterity (61.90%) and speed (42.85%); the fencer's understanding of the purpose of performing technical techniques (71.42%). Conclusions. At the initial stages of training young fencers, it is recommended to pay attention to the special abilities and qualities of young fencers. This approach makes it possible to promote the success of young fencers in sports.