Functional training as a post-competition recovery method in U-12 soccer. Criteria of specialists/Entrenamiento funcional como método de recuperación poscompetencia en fútbol sub-12. Criterios de especialistas

Recovery is a functional state of the athlete once the physical stimulus stops, which is essential for the bioadaptation of the organism. Functional training, by simulating an activity of daily life in an integral way, can be used for muscle recovery, and is an alternative for post-competition recovery in beginner soccer players. In this sense, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether functional training allows post-competition recovery in U12 soccer players. The research is transversal-correlational, of qualitative orientation, it studies a population of 21 U-12 soccer players, to whom an intervention proposal with functional exercises was implemented, the fatigue index was measured in two moments of the preparation and the criteria of 13 specialists were consulted. The seven phases of the Bangsbo test (Pretest) decreased their effectiveness as the tests went on (Test 1: 7.35s; Test 7: 6.99s) and in the posttest, the effectiveness was better (Min: 7.59s to Max: 7.86s), the fatigue index was reduced by 1 % (from 1.55s to 0.78s). On the other hand, the specialists did not consider that functional training has a significant influence on post competition recovery (Low and Medium 2.54points). The application of functional training evidenced improvements in the fatigue index, it is an effective alternative for post competition recovery in U-12 soccer, although the specialists consulted from the theoretical point of view have not considered the importance of functional training to optimize the processes of organic recovery.