Experienced academy soccer coaches’ perceptions of evaluating talented youth soccer players’ skilfulness in small-sided games: a mixed-methods study

Olthof, SBH, Frencken, WGP, and Lemmink, KAPM. A match-derived relative pitch area facilitates the tactical representativeness of small-sided games for the official soccer match. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 523–530, 2019—Small-sided games (SSGs) are a promising training format in soccer to replicate (situations of) the official match across all age groups. Typically, SSGs are played on a smaller relative pitch area (RPA; i.e., <150 m2) than the match (320 m2 RPA), which results in different tactical demands. To create a more precise replication of tactical match demands in SSGs with less than 11 players per team, a match-derived RPA (320 m2) may be considered because this affords a similar playing area per player. In addition, subgroup analysis is necessary to deal with the different number of players in match and SSGs. Therefore, this study aims to investigate tactical demands of matches and various SSGs—with a different number of players and played on 320 m2 RPA—in talented youth soccer players. Twelve elite soccer teams in 4 age categories (under-13, under-15, under-17, and under-19) played official matches and 4 vs. 4 + goalkeepers (GKs), 6 vs. 6 + GKs, and 8 vs. 8 + GKs. Positional data were collected to calculate tactical variables (interpersonal distances, length, width, and surface areas) for all players and for 2- and 4-player subgroups. Corresponding tactical variability (coefficients of variation expressed as percentages) was determined for all players. Results demonstrated that in each age category, with an increase in number of players, team distances increased and tactical variability decreased. Subgroup analyses revealed similar team distances in matches and SSGs with the exception of larger interpersonal distances in 4 vs. 4 + GKs than the match in under-13, under-15, and under-17. Match-derived RPA in SSGs facilitates the tactical representativeness for the match. Soccer coaches can use such SSGs for an optimal tactical match preparation.

This study investigates the effects of manipulating the number of ball touches (free play vs. two touches) on the physical and technical actions of elite male youth soccer players during 5v5 + 2 goalkeepers (GKs) small-sided games (SSGs). Players played in two different SSGs: 1) free play, where the number of touches per possession was not restricted; and 2) two touches, where players were limited to a maximum of two touches per ball possession. A total of 24 male elite youth soccer players (age: 14.79±0.71 years; body mass: 56.02±1.41 kg; body height: 164±2.12 cm) participated in the study. Players' physical metric and technical performance data were captured using a global positioning system and video camera, respectively. A paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was employed to examine differences in players' technical performance variables depending on SSGs' ball-touch rules. The results show significantly more unsuccessful passes (t=-3.48; P=0.04; d=1.92) when players were limited to two touches than when there were no pass limits. The physical metrics indicate that total distance covered (Z=-2.90; P=0.001; d=0.07), meters per minute (Z=-3.44; P=0.001; d=0.11), low-speed running (Z=-2.25; P=0.02; d=0.04) and high acceleration (Z=-1.90; P=0.05; d=0.28) were significantly higher when touches were unlimited than when they were not. Soccer coaches should decide the number of touches per ball possession they allow depending on their tactical and/or physical objectives in training.

Skill assessments are essential to elite soccer coaches and clubs, to provide an evidence-based approach to player evaluation. Valid methods thereby support talent identification and development procedures (e.g. scouting and training strategies). However, it remains a complex challenge. Small-sided games have emerged as a promising tool, due to high ecological validity. Until now, no review has focused on their discriminative power. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether technical–tactical skill assessments of small-sided games can discriminate between individual players and between teams of different skill levels (i.e. higher vs. lower playing levels and older vs. younger players) in soccer. A scoping review of PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A total of 23 studies were included, all but one of which showed at least good methodological quality (i.e. &gt; 50% score in quality assessment). For technical skills, small-sided games indicate discriminative power for passing skills, but only when comparing players of different playing levels, as supported by two of the included studies. Tactical categories, such as movement variability and decision-making, were more pronounced in higher level and more experienced players. However, the most conclusive finding among individual skill assessments was that the technical–tactical overall performance (a total score comprised of different subcategories) of individual players showed a positive relation to skill level in three studies. Team performance assessments in small-sided games showed that older and higher level teams mainly distinguish themselves from less-skilled peers by using the available space more efficiently. With the influence of different assessment instruments and several small-sided games modifications in mind, it may be concluded that technical–tactical skills in small-sided games can discriminate between players and teams of different skill levels. An interesting future avenue is to examine a more consistent approach to skill assessments in small-sided games, which can warrant their use for scouting and talent identification purposes.

Background Problems: Due to the intricate nature of the game and the requirement for proficiency in core skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning, basketball players frequently have difficulties developing their technical abilities. Traditional training approaches may not focus enough on these skills, leaving room for growth. Research Objective: This study investigates how well basketball players' technical skills may be improved through game-based instruction, particularly small-sided basketball games. The study aims to address the need for a more focused approach to technical elements by highlighting the value of focused practice in pertinent game scenarios. Methods: The type of research used was quantitative research with a sample of 12 amateur athletes. The instrument used is the game performance evaluation tool (GPET). Quantitative data from pre- and post-assessments were examined using the appropriate statistical techniques, such as paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the study, basketball players with various skill levels were listed. Small groups of participants received specialised training to develop their technical abilities. Findings and Results: Participants' technical proficiency significantly improved after strategically focused practice using small-sided basketball games. The outcomes show that this game-based method works well for improving basic abilities, including passing, dribbling, shooting, and positioning defensively. The results highlight how effective it is to use small-sided games to help basketball players enhance their skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that small-sided basketball games are an effective strategy for improving basketball players' technical proficiency. Notwithstanding several constraints, such as a comparatively limited sample size and consistency in participant skill levels, the findings indicate that focused practice in pertinent gaming environments produces notable enhancements. To better understand the potential of this strategy for players of different skill levels, future studies should include additional variables like training amounts and differences in small-sided game structures.

Making assessments regarding postural control and balance is very important for injury prevention in soccer. However, there has been no study that has associated postural control variables with branch-specific technical properties in a game. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between variables designating postural control levels and technical performance variables in different (1:1, 2:2 and 3:3) small-sided games (SSGs). Sixteen trained male amateur soccer players volunteered to take part in the study (age 17.2 ± 1.02 years, body height 176.25 ± 0.07 m, body mass 67.67 ± 13.27 kg). Following familiarization sessions, postural control was evaluated using one-leg and both-leg quiet-stance positions by measuring postural sway with a Tekscan HR Mat™ in anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions. Later, 1:1, 2:2 and 3:3 SSGs were performed at two-day intervals and the technical variables specified for each game were analyzed. A Spearman’s rank-order correlation analysis demonstrated the relationship between postural control and soccer-specific technical variables in 1:1 (r-values ranging from 0.582 to 0.776), 2:2 (rvalues ranging from 0.511 to 0.740) and 3:3 (r-values ranging from 0.502 to 0.834) SSGs. In addition, a Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed differences between SSGs in terms of several variables. The results of the study showed that higher postural control levels are among the important variables that affect success in the performance of technical skills under rival pressure and suddenly changing conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that in addition to its use for injury prevention purposes, balance training should be conducted to improve branch-specific technical skills and to increase the levels of their successful performance in a game.

The present study aims to compare the tactical behavior of youth academy and professional players, in order to ascertain the contribution of full- and small-sided games for the development process. One hundred and eighty individuals were selected from three age groups (U-8, U-10 and U-12). A competition was held in which all teams faced each other once in each format (Full- and Small-Sided Games). In addition, 9 matches of the 2018 Brazilian Championship were analyzed. The paired t tests, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests was performed to the comparison between the tactical behavior of youth academy players in each game format with the professional players (p &lt; 0.05). Youth academy matches generated more and shorter offensive sequences, interactions were less frequent and less variable, and players cooperated less with one another. In the small-sided game, specifically, there was a demand for ball circulation in terms of velocity and amplitude similar to that of professional matches. Elements were found that support the need to use small-sided games in training, as it provides similar stimuli to what players will find in the professional category in the future. The speed and width of ball circulation, a large number of shots on goal, and the constant exchanges of ball possession - which helps in the development of cooperative and oppositional relationships between the phases and moments of the game - are enough elements to sustain that the game settings discussed here are beneficial for player development.

Self-controlled video feedback on tactical skills for soccer teams results in more active involvement of players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 4-week small-sided games (SSG) and high-intensity interval training with changes of direction (HIT-COD) on physical performance and specific technical skills in female collegiate basketball players. Nineteen players were divided into SSG (n = 9) and HIT-COD (n = 10) groups, that performed either SSG or HIT-COD three times per week for 4 weeks during the pre-season. Players’ heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion responses (RPE) were assessed during the intervention. Before and after the intervention period, performances were assessed with 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT), repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, modified agility T-test (MAT), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, shooting accuracy test, 1 min shooting test, passing test, defensive movement test and control dribble test. Both training interventions led to similar physiological and perceived exertion responses, showing no significant differences in HR ( P = .49, d = 0.2) and RPE ( P = .77, d = 0.1) between groups. Significant improvements were observed in 30-15IFT (SSG: 4.1%, d = 1.5; HIT-COD: 4.2%, d = 1.7), RSAmean (SSG: −2.2%, d = 1.0; HIT-COD: −1.9%, d = 1.0), RSAbest (SSG: −2.0%, d = 0.9; HIT-COD: −2.1%, d = 1.1), MAT (SSG: −7.2%, d = 1.7; HIT-COD: 5.7%, d = 1.5), defensive movement test (SSG: −5.1%, d = 2.1; HIT-COD: −5.8%, d = 1.8) and control dribble test (SSG: −3.4%, d = 1.0; HIT-COD: −2.6%, d = 1.0). The only significant group × time interaction was found ( P = .032, [Formula: see text] = 0.24), with SSG improving 1 min shooting (22.4%, d = 1.0) and HIT-COD performing slightly worse (−2.6%, d = 0.1) after a 4-week intervention. The current study suggests that using SSG is more effective than HIT-COD for female collegiate basketball players in pre-season, since SSG improves physical performance and basketball-specific movements as well as shooting abilities after a 4-week intervention.

In soccer, skill is significantly influenced by motor skills and physical constitution. In addition, perceptual‐cognitive abilities are thought to affect sport‐specific performance. Nevertheless, there are hardly any studies investigating the relationship of general cognitive abilities with sport‐specific performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze relationships between general perceptual‐cognitive abilities and soccer‐specific performance in competitive youth sports. Thirty highly talented male youth soccer players aged 12–14 years completed various perceptual‐cognitive (selective attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory, peripheral perception, and choice response) and sport‐specific on‐field tests. Cognitive abilities were assessed using a computer‐based test system. Soccer‐specific performance skills were evaluated by two sport‐specific on‐field tests. The relation between perceptual‐cognitive abilities and soccer‐specific performance was examined using a correlation analysis as well as a four‐stage regression analysis. Overall, the expression of general perceptual‐cognitive abilities was found to have an impact on performance in soccer‐specific test situations, particularly cognitive flexibility and selective attention. Our results suggest that general cognitive tests could be an important tool for the evaluation of cognitive abilities in soccer. This study brings together key approaches in expertise research and makes a significant contribution to a better understanding of expertise in soccer.

Introduction: Soccer coaches are critical to academies as they are central to identifying players with the potential to succeed (i.e., talent). Research suggests coaches perceive skill as determining players’ potential. Regardless, researchers only broadly explored their views and quantified players’ skill using objective measures, which is problematic as coaches still rely on their subjective intuition. A plausible reason is that skill assessments do not meet coaches’ needs. Objective: So,this study explored academy soccer coaches’ perspectives on skilfulness. Methods: Participants required a minimum B-level AFC/FA Pro Coaching Licence and five years’ experience for inclusion. Australian soccer coaches (n = 4) and academy directors (n = 7) (M age = 35.90 ± 8.36 years; M experience = 14 ± 7.02 years) participated in semi-structured interviews (M time = 50.73 ± 7.33). Results: We analysed coaches’ responses using reflexive thematic analysis, generating four themes describing skilful players as i) technically proficient, ii) adaptable, iii) effective decision-makers, and iv) influential to their team’s success. We produced three themes on the situational and contextual nature of their views, perceiving skill through a v) developmental lens, relying on their vi) experiential knowledge, and their views were vii) context-specific. Conclusion: Additional research is needed to create a refined conceptual model for assessing soccer skilfulness.

The purpose of this study, in which 113 talented youth soccer players (M = 16.0 yr., SD = 1.5), selected by their age and level of performance participated, was to investigate interval endurance capacity needed to play at the highest level of competition in the age-category 12 through 18. Multivariate analyses of covariance with factors of level of performance and age category showed that players ages 16 through 18 years outscored the players ages 12 through 15 years on the interval endurance capacity (p < .05). In both age categories, elite players outscored less skilled players (p < .05). In the age category 12-15 years, the elite players participated more in soccer training than less skilled players (p < .05), whereas less skilled players participated more in additional training than the elite players (p < .05). No differences were found for total training (p > .05). In conclusion, development of the interval endurance capacity seems crucial for a talented youth soccer player to be successful.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common in soccer players, and reconstructive surgery is often performed to restore knee stability and enable a return to play. Purpose: To investigate whether an ACL reconstruction for talented youth soccer players affects their potential to become elite players at the senior level. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All soccer players who participated in the Swedish National Elite Camp for 15-year-old players between 2005 and 2011 (N = 5285 players; 2631 boys and 2654 girls) were matched with the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry to identify the players who had undergone ACL reconstruction. Information on player participation in Swedish league games and level of play was collected from the Swedish Football Association’s administrative data system. The players with an ACL reconstruction who were injured at the ages of 15 to 19 years were compared with the rest of the players who participated in the National Elite Camp to see whether an early ACL reconstruction affected whether they remained active as soccer players and their chance to play at the elite level as seniors. Results: A total of 524 (9.9%) players had undergone an ACL reconstruction, and 292 (5.5%; 75 male and 217 female) had sustained their injury at age 15 to 19 years. During the follow-up period, 122 (23.3%) players underwent ACL reconstruction: revision (11.5%; n = 60) or contralateral (11.8%; n = 62). Male and female soccer players undergoing an ACL reconstruction at age 15 to 19 years experienced no significant effect on being active or playing at the elite level in the season that they turned 21 years old. Of the youth players who underwent ACL reconstruction, 12% of the male players and 11.5% of the female players progressed to the elite level at the age of 21 years compared with 10.3% of the men and 11.1% of the women among the uninjured players. Conclusion: ACL reconstructive surgery in talented youth soccer players offers them the opportunity to become elite players as seniors and permits an activity level on a par with that of their uninjured peers. However, almost 1 in 4 requires further ACL surgery, so the players’ future knee health should be considered when deciding on a return to play.

A preliminary investigation into the evaluation of possession-based small-sided games and the influence of decision-making ability in identifying talented pre-pubertal soccer players

Background and Study Aim. Despite many evidences showed the effectiveness of small sided games (SSG) to be included in sport training programs, majority of the study was done in soccer, while is very limited in hockey. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of small sided games and traditional training on physical fitness components (cardiovascular endurance, power, speed) and skills (dribbling, hitting, passing) among Under-12 hockey players. Material and Methods. A total of 36 primary schools’ male students aged below 12 that represent their district were randomly divided into three groups; i) 3x3, ii) 4x4 and iii) traditional training (TT). The yo-yo test (cardiovascular endurance), standing long jump test (power) and 30m sprint test (speed) were conducted to measure level of physical fitness performance while the skills of the players was tested based on the skills of dribbling, hitting and passing. Pre- and post-tests were conducted on all fitness and skill level before and after 8 week intervention period. Mixed between within analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences in physical fitness and skills performance between and within the three groups. Results. The results of this study showed all groups managed to improve their physical fitness and skills in the post test. However, the 3x3 and 4x4 SSG have better improvement compared to TT in physical fitness while no significant differences were found in skills tests. Conclusions. In conclusion, SSG interventions were found to be more effective in improving physical fitness but not in terms of skills. Coaches are encouraging to implement SSG in their training program in order to improve both physical and skills among hockey players.

Identifying strategies to mitigate the impact of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on the development of youth basketball players is crucial. This study aimed to compare two methods of player grouping during competitive small-sided games and match scenarios in training sessions, focusing on their impact on physical performance and technical skill development: mixed birthdate quartiles (CON) versus structured grouping based on birthdate quartiles (BG) over a 6-month period. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with forty-one youth basketball players (age: 12.9 ± 0.7 years) at a trained/developmental level. Throughout the study, participants in the BG group (n = 20) were assigned to small-sided games or match competition scenarios based on their birthdate quartiles, while those in the CON group (n = 21) were grouped with players from mixed quartiles. Players were evaluated at baseline and after the 6-month period for physical performance using countermovement jump (CMJ), change-of-direction (COD), and aerobic capacity (YYIRT). Additionally, they were assessed for technical skills in shooting, passing, and dribbling tests. Comparisons were made based on both birthdate quartiles (quartiles q1-2 relatively older, and q3-4 relatively younger players) and group. After 6 months, the CONq3q4 covered a shorter YYIRT distance than the CONq1q2 group (p = 0.040), achieved a lower CMJ height than both the CONq1q2 (p = 0.024) and BGq1q2 groups (p = 0.019), and had a greater COD deficit than the CONq1q2 group (p = 0.046). Additionally, the CONq3q4 group had longer dribbling times than the CONq1q2 (p = 0.002), BGq1q2 (p = 0.004), and BGq3q4 (p = 0.009) groups. In skill assessments, the CONq3q4 group scored lower in passing than both the CONq1q2 (p = 0.015) and BGq1q2 groups (p = 0.025), and scored lower in shooting compared to the CONq1q2 (p = 0.019), BGq1q2 (p = 0.003), and BGq3q4 (p = 0.003) groups. Grouping youth basketball players based on birthdate quartiles during training can mitigate the relative age effect, promoting more equitable physical and technical development by reducing age-related biases. However, these conclusions are limited by the study's duration and require further research over the long term.