In the article the influence of speed and strength qualities on the physical fitness of students in the process of wrestling. It was found that wrestling is the most popular sport among student youth. It was found that the modern approach to physical training of freestyle wrestlers in physical education institutions of higher education is characterized by a direct relationship between the level of physical training of the athlete and the success of his personal sports experience. The limitations of this system are due to the empirical approach and the dominance of applied aspects in the development of the entire content of education and teaching methods. Based on the need to take into account the sports interests of students, a survey of students was conducted. It was revealed that game sports, freestyle and national wrestling, as well as folk and national physical exercises and games are the most popular among students. At the same time, the interest of young people in the customs and traditions of the development of the culture of their ethnic group, including national and folk sports. As a result of research the technique of the organization of educational employment for students on groups of specializations taking into account sports interests traditions is developed. It is based on work programs in the specializations "Freestyle wrestling with elements of national wrestling techniques" and "Volleyball with elements of mobile games". Athlete's motor activity involves the implementation of individual movements, as well as motor actions and complex motor activities.

The article reveals the peculiarities of forming students' motivation to exercise. It is established that the formation of motivation for exercise is a complex systemic process that includes many components. One of the indicators of students' health is their motivation to exercise. Exercise is an element that closely connects all aspects of personality in the process of development and formation. The main task of physical education in the educational process is to preserve the health of students, the development of skills necessary for the formation of a competitive specialist. The article focuses on the motivation to exercise not only during the educational process, but also in everyday life, and also substantiates the importance of physical activity for the normal functioning of the human body. Theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained during physical culture and sports practice form a personality's outlook in the field of physical culture and the need for it. The spectrum of these needs is quite wide: this is the need for movement and physical activity, for communication, contacts and spending free time with friends; in games, emotional relaxation, self-affirmation, strengthening the position of one's “I”, in cognition and in physical improvement. Mastering the knowledge system helps to form the need for physical exercises. It also allows students to independently use the means of physical culture, providing adequate self-esteem and self-control. The search for methods of increasing motivation for physical education, it is motivation that is an integral component of successful physical culture and sports activity. Preserving and strengthening the health of the student body will prepare competent specialists who are ready for productive and long-term professional activity.