THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS TRAINING IN SPECIALIZED ICE HOCKEY CLASSES

Effective selection of children with talent for sports requires longitudinal research based on innovative approaches in confrontation with training practice and scientific knowledge. The paper presents a partially innovated approach to the selection and sports training of children with talent for sports. The process of primary assessment included a measurement procedure assessing 4 body dimensions: body height, body mass, chest girth and head girth. These data form the basis for the evaluation of the symmetry of body morphology. The state of the musculoskeletal system was assessed, through administration of muscle balance tests in 6th and 7th grade hockey players during 2013/2014 hockey season. After baseline assessment of muscle balance, hockey players participated in an intervention program that included exercises aimed to moderate the extent of muscle imbalance. Upon the completion of the intervention program statistically significant changes were observed in shoulder and hip joint flexibility.