Load Characteristics of Mini Games in Soccer from the Viewpoint of Improvement in Physical Fitness : The Effect of Rule Changes

Abstract

This study focused on mini games, commonly used as teaching material in soccer classes, and examined the effects of rule changes on load characteristics from the viewpoint of the improvement in physical fitness. Eighteen male junior high school students participated in the present study. They played in three types of mini 4 vs 4 games : a free game, a pass game and a man to man game. The number of ball contacts, the ratio of appearance time of each movement speed (0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6m / sec), the total movement distance, heart rate and RPE during the game were measured. Questionnaires were conducted after all games. Skill tests (pass and dribble tests) and physical fitness tests (50m sprint, 250m sprint with a change of direction (25m × 10 sets with 30 sec rest), and 20m shuttle run) were also performed. The main results were as follows : 1) The number of ball contacts during the game was significantly greater in the pass than in the man to man games. 2) The ratio of movement at lower speeds (1∼2m / sec) was significantly greater in the free than in the man to man games, whereas those at moderate and higher speeds (3∼4, 4∼5 and 5∼6 m / sec) were significantly greater in the man to man than in the free games. 3) Total movement distance was significantly greater in the man to man than in the free games. However, there was no significant difference in heart rate and RPE among the three games. 4) The results of questionnaire showed partial significant differences in technique and fitness aspects among the three games, whereas no significant difference was observed in the psychological aspect. 5) In the free and man to man games, a significant correlation was observed between the number of ball contacts during the game and the results of the pass test, whereas no significant difference was observed in the pass game. These results suggest that the load characteristics of the soccer game from the viewpoint of improvement in physical fitness differ greatly when the rules of the mini games are changed. In addition, the pass game might be available to provide increased opportunity for unskilled children to participate in the games.