Aim – to justify the use of athletics exercises in the sprint training of rugby players. Methods: theoretical methods of pedagogical research. Results and discussion. The modern game of rugby requires a player, regardless of his role and position on the field in the game, to be prepared to execute short, repetitive bursts of running at high intensity. It has been established that the structure of the sprint of rugby players is similar to the actions of a sprinter who has to perform a run from the start or an instant powerful acceleration in motion. The results of the analysis of the scientific and methodological literature and pedagogical modeling showed that in order to improve the rugby player's sprinting performance, the physical training coach should include in the training program plyometric exercises, fast squats with a barbell, towing a sled and exercises aimed at improving the technique of sprinting. It is these practical and scientifically proven means in the field of athletics that determine the impact on the structure of sprinting abilities of rugby players, identical to the sprinting characteristics of a player on the field. Conclusions. It has been established that rugby players need the ability to perform powerful quick movements in accordance with the structure inherent in short-distance runners. Therefore, there is an opportunity to build a sprint training program using exercises and training methodology for short-distance runners. Sprinting exercises should be selected taking into account the powerful short sprints that are inherent in the actions of a rugby player during the game. At the same time, the need for readiness for their serial implementation should be taken into account. Therefore, it is promising to develop a methodology for applying elements of sprinter training in the construction of sprint training for rugby players.

Aim – substantiate the effectiveness of the method of comprehensive development of strength abilities of boxers aged 17-19. Objects: qualified men boxers aged 18.05±1.50 (n=16), who were divided into control (CG; n=8) and experimental (EG; n=8) groups. Methods: data analysis of scientific and methodical literature; pedagogical observation, verification and experiment; methods of mathematical statistics. Research results and discussion. Based on the analysis of the data of modern science and practice in the field of strength training of boxers, a comprehensive methodology for strength training of boxers aged 17-19 years in the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle was developed and tested. Its feature was the combined use of specific and non-specific means of strength training for boxers, which were grouped according to the block principle and implemented within 12 weeks. It was established that, compared to the traditional approach to improving the strength of qualified boxers, the experimental technique effectively and comprehensively influenced the dynamics of the strength indicators of the muscles of the arms and shoulder girdle, strength endurance, as well as the speed and strength qualities of the test subjects. Therefore, in the process of forming sports preparedness, which continues from cycle to cycle, there is an opportunity to qualitatively increase the strength of boxers already in the preparatory period without harming the technical side of sportsmanship. Conclusions. Complex development of strength abilities allows to optimize the process of strength development in boxers aged 17-19 at the stage of sports improvement in the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle.