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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.

The aim of this study was to present the characteristics of the actions efficiency in elite goalkeepers. 54 observations of 25 goalkeepers participating in 27 matches of the World and the European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America held in the years 2014–2019 were included. The study applied a method of observation. Game data were registered on a self-developed observation sheet. Goalkeepers’ activity, effectiveness, and reliability with a view to implementing the objectives of the game were analyzed in offensive and in defense. It was found that in the elite goalkeepers’ game, offensive actions constitute 62% and defensive 38% of all actions taken in matches. Actions aimed at positioning the game and at preventing a loss of a goal (60% and 22% respectively) dominated. In offensive goalkeepers showed the highest reliability in positioning the game by passing the ball with the foot, while in defense in preventing the loss of a goal by catching the ball. The created models mapping the top-skilled goalkeepers’ actions allow improving the process of coaching by referring their game to objective patterns.