The Influence of Bout Duration and Rule Modification in Small-Sided Games

Abstract

PURPOSE: Small-sided games (SSG) are an established training method to develop aerobic capacity in team sports (1). However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the variety of variables that influence the outcomes of SSG (2). Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of changes in bout durations and rules on physiological and technical parameters in men’s lacrosse. METHODS: Data of 12 elite male Austrian lacrosse athletes were collected. Prior to the intervention athletes maximum heart rate (HR) and aerobic capacity was evaluated. According to results athletes were assigned to 4 even strength teams. Each team participated in 8 SSG training sessions. SSG consisted of 3 vs. 3 self-regulated match-play on a basketball field with small goals at the end lines. Each team performed two sessions of two different bout (3x6 and 6x3-minute) and rule modification (body/non-body contact) regimes. %HRmax for total session time, time spent in 4 different HRzones, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical actions were collected. Statistical significance was set at p ≤0.05 and for an estimate of effects Cohen’s ES was calculated. RESULTS: Physical and technical parameters showed no difference nor effect between different bout regimes (BR). On the other hand, non-contact regimes (NCR) had lower RPE (15.8 ±0.3; p= 0.01; d= 2.04 ±1.56) values, but didn’t show difference in %HRmax for total sessions. NCR spent more time in HRzone 2 (128.0 ±26.5s; p= 0.04; d= 1.37 ±1.32) and 3 (245.4 ±77.0s; p= 0.05; d= 1.41 ±1.56) compared to the contact regime (CR). Similarly, number of total events (761.5 ±56.3; p= 0.00; d= 2.92 ±1.74), passes (254.3 ±26.7; p= 0.00; d= 2.39 ±1.34), and shots (47.3 ±9.0; p= 0.04; d= 1.51 ±1.62) were higher in NCR. CONCLUSION: The findings show no influence on technical and physical parameters between different BR. Further, rule modifications show effects on intensity and technical actions in SSG. Results indicate less intensity (time spent in HRzones and RPE) and more technical actions when no-body contact is allowed. According to the findings, we recommend to implement NCR into sport specific lacrosse training programs to change the outcome of SSG sessions. REFERENCES: 1) Halouani et al. (2014). J Strength Cond Res, 28(12), 3594-3618. 2) Hauer et al. (2018). PLoS ONE 13(10): e0203832