Changes in tactical behavior during small-sided and conditioned games performed within a training session

Gibson Moreira Praça,Daniel Memmert,Pablo Juan Greco,Raphael Brito E Sousa,Mauro Heleno Chagas,Pedro Emilio Drumond Moreira,Sarah Glória Teles Bredt,Juan Carlos Pérez Morales,Gustavo Fernandes Barbosa

doi:10.1590/1980-0037.2020v22e71126

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to verify the acute effects of 3vs.3 soccer small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG) on the tactical behavior of youth soccer athletes within one training session. Twenty-four soccer athletes (U-13 and U-14 categories) from a professional club participated in the study. They played four 4-minute 3vs.3 SSCG with 4 minutes of passive recovery in-between. All SSCG were recorded and players’ tactical behavior was analyzed using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer. We compared the frequencies and percentages of successful tactical principles over the four 3vs.3 SSCG bouts performed within the training session. Results showed an increased number of defensive unity actions (p= 0.005; large effect size) and a higher percentage of successful defensive principles (p<0.001; moderate effect size) in the fourth bout. We can conclude that players’ tactical behaviors change over the SSCG bouts performed within one training session. This suggests that players adapt their tactical behavior according to the tactical problems presented in the SSCG performed within the training session. We can suggest that the long-term improvement in the tactical skills of soccer athletes may be based on these small acute changes in tactical behavior observed in each training session.

Highlights

Match analysis as a methodological approach in sports science has progressively grown, based on the development of different technological systems, like Global Positioning System (GPS)[1] and the development of observational tools, such as the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT)[2]
The results indicate a tendency towards an increase in defensive unity actions over bouts
There is no information on the acute effects of playing small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG) on players’ tactical behavior, which could help to explain the long-term tactical development found in previous studies

Summary

Introduction

Match analysis as a methodological approach in sports science has progressively grown, based on the development of different technological systems, like Global Positioning System (GPS)[1] and the development of observational tools, such as the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT)[2]. The use of these tools during the training process has been increasing the quality of training prescription since it allows coaches to better comprehend the expected impact of different tasks on players’ responses. The higher number of with-ball actions could increase players’ decision-making demand and, acutely increase performance during the SSCG (i.e. within a session)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion