Ivanov, Danail
Unknown Affiliation

Published : 3 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 3 Documents
Search

Comparative analysis of body composition in youth elite football players: Insights from professional academies Ivanov, Danail
Tanjungpura Journal of Coaching Research Vol 3, No 2 (2025): Tanjungpura Journal of Coaching Research
Publisher : Universitas Tanjungpura

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26418/tajor.v3i2.90501

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Body composition plays an important role in determining athletic performance in soccer. Optimal levels of muscle mass and body fat percentage are key factors that influence speed, endurance, strength and overall physical readiness. Understanding and monitoring these parameters is crucial for player development, allowing coaches to design effective training programs tailored to their individual needs.Material and Methods. This study examined the body composition profiles of 66 football players from the academy of PFC Levski Sofia, categorized into four age groups: U15, U16, U17, and second team. Measurements were taken using the InBody 230 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, which assesses key metrics such as skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, BMI and fat-free mass. To identify significant age-related trends, advanced statistical methods were used, including descriptive analysis, ANOVA, and regression analysis.Results. The ANOVA results validated these findings, by showing statistically significant differences between age groups (F-statistic = 1199.91, p 0.05). These results confirmed that anthropometric indices, including weight, height, BMI, and body fat percentage, varied significantly across different age categories, highlighting the importance of customized training and nutrition strategies at each stage of development. The findings revealed a consistent increase in body weight, height and BMI with age, accompanied by a significant decrease in body fat percentage. These trends are in line with existing literature, which reinforces the importance of body composition monitoring as part of player development.Conclusions. This study underscores the importance of body composition monitoring in optimizing performance, preventing injury, and guiding individualized training programs for elite youth soccer players. Customized training and nutrition strategies are essential to ensure optimal physical development and long-term success in competitive soccer.
Coaching diversity in Bulgarian youth football: A factorial, cluster, and SWOT analysis of methodologies and development strategies Ivanov, Danail
Tanjungpura Journal of Coaching Research Vol 3, No 3 (2025): Tanjungpura Journal of Coaching Research
Publisher : Universitas Tanjungpura

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26418/tajor.v3i3.96271

Abstract

Background. Contemporary youth football development requires evidence-based coaching methodologies that align with both theoretical models and practical demands. However, discrepancies between elite and grassroots coaching approaches remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify prevailing pedagogical profiles among Bulgarian youth football coaches and to analyze the systemic factors shaping coaching practice. Methods. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining exploratory factor analysis (EFA), cluster analysis, and SWOT (strengths"“weaknesses"“opportunities"“threats) diagnostics. Data were collected from a national sample of 392 UEFA-licensed coaches working at different age and club levels. Results. Three pedagogical profiles emerged: game-based (28.1% variance, α = 0.85), technical/traditional (21.4%, α = 0.77), and tactical/structured (15.8%, α = 0.79). While elite academies favored tactical frameworks, grassroots coaches predominantly used isolated drills (λ = 0.82), revealing a clear gap between coaching theory and field application. SWOT findings indicated strong coach dedication and player motivation (95 mentions), but also systemic weaknesses such as methodological inconsistency (52 mentions) and infrastructural deficits. Opportunities included the integration of digital tools and sports science, whereas threats focused on talent emigration and limited funding. Conclusions. There is a need for greater coherence between pedagogical models and everyday coaching practices, particularly at the grassroots level. Contributions: This study introduces the first data-driven typology of Bulgarian youth coaches and offers actionable insights for modernizing coach education systems through frameworks such as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA).
Stimulation of physical fitness through traditional games in elementary school students: A systematic review in Indonesia Suryadi, Didi; Ivanov, Danail; Zulnadila, Zulnadila
Journal of Applied Movement and Sport Science Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Journal of Applied Movement and Sport Science
Publisher : Khatulistwa Education Center

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.65575/jamss.v1i3.92

Abstract

Background Physical fitness plays a crucial role in supporting elementary school students’ ability to engage in learning activities without experiencing excessive fatigue. Adequate fitness levels enable students to maintain concentration and participate actively in school tasks. In Indonesia, information regarding the physical fitness of elementary school children remains limited, despite its importance for promoting overall health and learning readiness. Objectives This systematic review aims to examine the existing scientific literature on the role of traditional games as a learning strategy to improve physical fitness among elementary school students in Indonesia. Methods A systematic search was conducted across four major databases—ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords, including (“traditional games” OR “play model”) AND “physical fitness” AND “students” AND “elementary school.” The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, including screening, eligibility assessment, and data extraction from relevant studies. Results The findings indicate that traditional games positively contribute to improving students’ physical fitness. These games are typically designed using a play-based approach and incorporate activities aligned with children’s fundamental motor skills and developmental stages. Improvements occur because traditional games encourage active participation, increase movement engagement, and support effective fitness development within physical education settings. Conclusion Traditional games represent an effective and culturally relevant strategy for enhancing physical fitness among elementary school students in Indonesia. Their integration into physical education classes can promote active learning and contribute to better health outcomes. This review provides comprehensive evidence on the pedagogical value of traditional games in improving children’s physical fitness, highlights their relevance for culturally grounded physical education practices, and offers insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers seeking to optimize school-based fitness interventions.