External load of different format small-sided games in youth football players in relation to age

Abstract

Background Monitoring of training tasks allows coaches to have a better knowledge of the loads applied to their players. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the variations in external load in small-sided games (SSGs) with young players U-12, U-15, and U-23 and compare the external load between age categories in each of the SSGs. Methods A group of 24 male soccer players performed five consecutive different formats of four vs. four SSGs composed of 3 minutes of play/rest. GPS devices were used during the tasks (WIMU PRO™). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, using descriptive statistics, graphical statistics, and ANOVA to compare the results between SSGs and between age groups. Results The increase in field areas promotes the increase of distance (DIST) covered and the high metabolic load distance (HMLd), with and without a goalkeeper (GK). The SSGs with GK recorded fewer PL values compared to SSGs without GK. In the U-12 and U-15 age groups, GK use promotes more acceleration (AC) and deceleration (DEC) of high intensity (>3 m/s2). The results also show that the larger areas are promoters of high-speed running (HSR). Age influences some external load variables (DIST, AC, DEC, HMLd) in the game formats studied. Conclusions The SSG formats analyzed using GK are promoters of high-intensity neuromuscular activity. Larger areas promote more high-speed displacement. Age is an influence on the external load in different SSGs.