Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) analyze the variations of internal and external load between intermittent regimens (6 × 3’ and 3 × 6’) during a small-sided game (SSG); and (ii) analyze the variations of internal and external load within-intermittent regimens (between sets). Ten male amateur soccer players (age: 21.7 ± 2.1 years) participated in this study. Almost certain large decreases in total distance (−8.6%, [−12.3; −4.8], Effect Size (ES): −1.51, [−2.20; −0.82]) and running distance (−34.0%, [47.0; −17.8], ES: −2.23, [−3.40; −1.05]) were observed when comparing the 3 × 6’ and 6 × 3’. Very likely moderate and large decreases in total accelerations (−24.0%, [−35.1; −10.9]; ES: −1.11, [−1.75; −0.47]) and total of decelerations (−26.7%, [−38.8; −12.1]; ES:−1.49, [−2.36; −0.62]), respectively, were found when comparing the 3 × 6’ and 6 × 3’. Very likely increases in rated of perceived exertion in the set 3 in comparison to the 1st during the 3 × 6’ SSG (34.5%, [12.4; 61.0], ES: 1.35, [0.53; 2.16]) and the 6 × 3’ (29.9%, [11.6; 51.2]; ES: 1.17, [0.49; 1.85]). Longer sets increase the perception of effort and contribute to a large decrease in total and running distances, and total of accelerations and decelerations. Meaningful decreases in time-motion demands occur between sets 2 and 3 while perceived effort increases.
Highlights
Small-sided games (SSGs) are very popular exercise drills designed by coaches to replicate official match dynamics and increase the intensity and individual participation of players during soccer training sessions [1,2]
Descriptive statistics of internal and external load variables in both small-sided game (SSG) training regimens can be found in Table 1
Between-SSG training regimens revealed that shorter sets (6 × 3’) almost certainly largely increased total and running distances and very likely moderately and largely increased total accelerations and decelerations, respectively, in comparison to longer sets (3 × 6’) while likely small increases in rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
Summary
Small-sided games (SSGs) are very popular exercise drills designed by coaches to replicate official match dynamics and increase the intensity and individual participation of players during soccer training sessions [1,2]. SSGs are often used to promote new affordances and to adjust the tactical complexity to the main goal of the coach, improving the decision making of players [7]. Small variations in these games may promote a significant change in the player’s behavior, resulting in consequences for the overall intensity of exercise [8]. Despite these games being promoted for improving the collective
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