Small-sided Football Research Articles

The effects of time pressure and numerical unbalance on football players’ interpersonal coordination and movement uncertainty

ABSTRACT The study compared interpersonal coordination (vector-coding technique) and movement uncertainty (Shannon Entropy) on the longitudinal and lateral axes during offensive and defensive phases among football small-sided games with (TP) and without time pressure (noTP), in numerical equality (NE) and numerical superiority (NS). Forty under-17 football players participated in the study. Positional data were obtained through GPS devices. Data between the conditions were compared using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for interpersonal coordination and the Kruskal–Wallis test for entropy measures. Results showed higher in-phase time on the x-axis during defensive phases in TP+NE vs. noTP+NE (p = 0.037) and on the y-axis during offensive phases in TP+NE (p = 0.031) and noTP+NS (p = 0.023) vs. noTP+NE. Additionally, higher y-axis entropy in the defensive phase was observed in noTP+NE vs. TP+NE (p = 0.047). A higher entropy in the y-axis during the defensive phase was found in noPT+NE (p = 0.038) compared to other conditions. In conclusion, the presence of time pressure rules increased the percentage of time in the in-phase pattern on the y-axis during the offensive phase and on the x-axis during the defensive phase. Protocols without time pressure generated higher entropy values in the defensive phase.

“11 for Health” in China – Effects on physical fitness in 9–11-year-old schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that the school-based physical activity programme entitled “11 for Health” has been effective in improving the physical fitness, well-being and overall health profile of European children. The main purpose of the present study was to examine whether the “11 for Health” programme can have a positive impact on the physical fitness of primary school pupils in China. A total of 124 primary school pupils aged 9–11 years were included in the experiment, randomly divided into the experimental group (EG, n = 62) and the control group (CG, n = 62). EG carried out three weekly 35-minute sessions of small-sided football for a total of 11 weeks. All data were analysed by a mixed ANOVA with the Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc test. The results showed greater improvements (p<0.001) in EG than CG in relation to systolic blood pressure (−2.9 vs +2.0 mmHg). Moreover, greater improvements (all p<0.05) were observed in postural balance (13 vs 0%), standing long jump (5.0 vs 0.5%), 30-metre sprint (4.1 vs 1.3%) and Yo-Yo IR1C running performance (17% vs 6%). In both EG and CG, physical activity enjoyment was observed to be higher (P<0.05) compared to the start of the intervention with increases of 3.7 and 3.9 AU respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that the “11 for Health” programme has positive effects on aerobic and muscular fitness, and it appears to be a relevant tool in the physical activity promotion in the Chinese school system.

Comparison of the physiological responses and time-motion characteristics during football small-sided games: effect of pressure on the ball.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of pressure on the ball on physiological responses and time-motion characteristics during football small-sided games between elite youth male players. Methods: 56 elite male youth football players (age: 15.43 ± 0.52years) performed a 2+GK vs. 2+GK game on a 30m × 15m pitch area with two playing conditions: 1) free play (FP), the player has no limitation to play; 2) pressure on the ball (PB), the player has directly and aggressively closed down space (located within 1.5m) between themselves and the opposition player with the ball and can compete for possession. The percentage of time spent in different maximum heart rate (HRmax) zones, mean heart rate, blood lactate acid concentration, total distance covered, distance covered in three speed zones (sprint, high speed, and moderate speed), number of high speed runs, number of sprint runs, top speed, number of direction changes, and ball recovery time were monitored. Results: We found very significantly higher number of high speed runs (p < 0.001; ES = 1.154), number of direction changes (p < 0.001; ES = 2.347), ball recovery time (p < 0.001; ES = 3.529), percentage of time spent in 90%-100% HRmax (p < 0.001; ES = 3.033), mean heart rate (p < 0.001; ES = 1.940), blood lactate acid concentration (p < 0.001; ES = 2.245) and significantly higher high speed running distance covered (p = 0.004; ES = 0.520) in the PB condition. Conversely, the FP condition showed very significantly higher moderate speed running distance covered (p < 0.001; ES = 1.814) and significantly higher percentage of time spent in 80%-90% HRmax (p = 0.012; ES = 0.440). No significant differences were revealed on sprint running distance covered (p = 0.407; ES = 0.140), number of sprint runs (p = 0.103; ES = 0.279), top speed (p = 0.130; ES = 0.258) and percentage of time spent in 60%-70% HRmax (p = 0.106; ES = 0.276), 70%-80% HRmax (p = 0.358; ES = 0.155). Discussion: We found that pressure on the ball had a substantial impact on the intensity of training, as evidenced by a significantly increased high speed running performance, number of directional changes, percentage of time spent at 90%-100% of maximum heart rate, mean heart rate, and blood lactate acid concentration. Additionally, ball recovery time decreased significantly.

Working Memory in Overweight Boys during Physical Education Classes.

This study examined the effect of small-sided football games (SSFG) and small-sided Ultimate Frisbee games (SSUFG) on working memory, response times, and feeling mood of boys with overweight. Twenty-eight boys (age 12.23 ± 1.58 years) participated in two trials during physical education lessons (20-min SSFG and 20-min SSUFG) in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design. The response times and feeling mood were measured for all participants post-exercise through the Sternberg paradigm and feeling scale. For the response times, the paired samples t-test revealed a significantly better reaction time after SSUFG at the "One item level" of the Sternberg paradigm (p = 0.014, Hedges' g = 0.27, small effect) and (p = 0.010, Hedges' g = 0.74, medium effect), at "Three item level" (p = 0.000106, Hedges' g = 1.88, very large effect). The SSFG also showed vigor at the "Five item level" (p = 0.047, Hedges' g = 0.61, medium effect). For the feeling mood, the feeling score was significantly higher after the SSUFG session than the SSFG session and the increase in feeling scores observed after switching from SSFG to SSUFG was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the decrease observed in feeling scores after switching from SSUFG to SSFG. Therefore, the results of the study allow the teacher to introduce new sports and reflect on the motor tasks he or she proposes for boys with overweight during physical education classes.

Football training as a non-pharmacological treatment of the global aging population-A topical review.

In the present topical mini-review, the beneficial impact of small-sided game football training for the increasing elderly global population is presented. As a multicomponent type of physical activity, football training executed on small pitched with 4-6 players in each team is targeting a myriad of physiological systems and causes positive adaptations of relevance for several non-communicable diseases, of which the incidence increases with advancing age. There is strong scientific evidence that this type of football training promotes cardiovascular, metabolic and musculo-skeletal health in elderly individuals. These positive adaptations can prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia and osteoporosis, and lower the risk of falls. Also, football training has been proven an efficient part of the treatment of several patient groups including men with prostate cancer and women after breast cancer. Finally, regular football training has an anti-inflammatory effect and may slow the biological aging. Overall, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that recreational football training can promote health in the elderly.

How many creatives are enough? Exploring how manipulating the number of creative players in the opposing team impacts footballers' performance during small-sided games

This study explored how varying the number of creative opponents affects youth players' performance during football small-sided games (SSGs). Initially, 60 players from 3 different age groups with n = 20 in each (under-9, U9; under-11, U11; and under-13, U13) were tested during SSGs to rank them according to their creative potential. Based on these rankings, four players shown to possess with a medium creative potential were assigned to the intermediate team for each age group. This team competed against a team on which players with high creative potential were progressively included (from one to finally all four players, 1C to 4C) during a 4-a-side plus goalkeeper SSG. The results showed that U9 players increased the individual space explored when facing more creative opponents (p = .012), while the U11 (p = .026) and U13 (p < .001) only increased when facing 2C and 3C. Playing against more creative opponents induced more variability in the distance to own (p = .046) and the opponent team's centroid (p = .046) in the U9, regularity in the U11 (team centroid, p < .001; opponents' centroid, p = .001) and lower regularity in the U13 (team centroid, p = .013 opponents' centroid, p = .009). These distinct movement patterns seemed to reflect the differences in players' perceptual and motor skills. A higher creative score was found against 1C (vs 2C and 4C, p = .006) and 3C (vs 4C, p = .006) in the U9. The results from the effect sizes indicated higher values on the players' attempts, fluency and versatility when facing 1C to 3C, whereas a clear decrease was observed against 4C for all age groups. Hence, moderate and high demanding scenarios prompt the emergence of new behaviours while extremely high demanding scenarios (i.e. 4C) seem to constrain all the creativity components. Overall, adding creative players mostly impacts the team's collective behaviour rather than the players' creativity-related skills.

Clustering ball possession duration according to players' role in football small-sided games.

This study aimed to explore which offensive variables best discriminate the ball possession duration according to players specific role (defenders, midfielders, attackers) during a Gk+3vs3+Gk football small-sided games. Fifteen under-15 players (age 13.2±1.0 years, playing experience 4.2±1.0 years) were grouped according to their positions (team of defenders, n = 5; team of midfielders, n = 7; team of attackers, n = 3). On each testing day (n = 3), each team performed one bout of 5-min against each team in a random order, accounting for a total of nine bouts in the following scenarios: i) defenders vs midfielders; ii) defenders vs attackers; iii) midfielders vs attackers. Based on video, a notational analysis process allowed to capture individual and collective actions. According to each playing position group, discriminant analysis was used to identify relevant variables that discriminate different ball possession sequences (short, medium, and long). The analysis revealed the existence of three clusters according to ball possession duration, classified as short sequence (~4 seconds), medium sequence (~10 seconds) and long sequence (~18 seconds). The number of touches per possession was the variable that discriminates the ball possession duration from all playing positions while passing actions were related to midfielders and attackers. In addition, different ball possessions sequences in the attackers were also discriminated by the number of players involved per possession. Accordingly, to increase the duration of the offensive phase during small-sided games, coaches should foster the players’ ability to stay on the ball, as it may amplify their opportunities to maintain the ball possession. In addition, coaches may also include reward rules to encourage midfielders and attackers’ passing actions and the number of attackers involved during the attack to promote longer ball possessions durations.

Correction to: Acute arm and leg muscle glycogen and metabolite responses to small-sided football games in healthy young men

Correction to: Acute arm and leg muscle glycogen and metabolite responses to small-sided football games in healthy young men

Acute arm and leg muscle glycogen and metabolite responses to small-sided football games in healthy young men.

Studies have indicated upper body involvement during football, provoking long-term muscular adaptations. This study aimed at examining the acute metabolic response in upper and lower body skeletal muscle to football training organized as small-sided games (SSG). Ten healthy male recreational football players [age 24 ± 1 (± SD) yrs; height 183 ± 4cm; body mass 83.1 ± 9.7kg; body fat 15.5 ± 5.4%] completed 1-h 5v5 SSG (4 × 12min interspersed with 4-min recovery periods). Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. deltoideus (DE) pre- and post-SSG for muscle glycogen and metabolite analyses. Blood lactate samples were obtained at rest, middle and end of the SSG. Muscle glycogen in VL decreased (P < 0.01) by 21% and tended (P = 0.08) to decrease in DE by 13%. Muscle lactate increased in VL (117%; P < 0.001) and DE (81%; P < 0.001) during the game, while blood lactate rose threefold. Muscle ATP and PCr were unaltered, but intermuscular differences were detected for ATP at both time points (P < 0.001) and for PCr at pre-SSG (P < 0.05) with VL demonstrating higher values than DE, while muscle creatine rose in VL (P < 0.001) by 41% and by 22% in DE (P = 0.02). Baseline citrate synthase maximal activity was higher (P < 0.05) in VL compared to DE, whereas baseline muscle lactate concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in DE than VL. The upper body may be extensively involved during football play, but besides a rise in muscle lactate in the deltoideus muscle similar to the leg muscles, the present study did not demonstrate acute metabolic changes of an order that may explain the previously reported training effect of football play in the upper extremities.

The effects of individual and collective variability on youth players’ movement behaviours during football small-sided games

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the effects of playing with additional individual (IND), collective (COL) or individual-collective (MIX) variability on youth football players’ performance during small-sided games. Twelve youth football players (U17, age = 16.1 ± 0.9 years) played a goalkeeper (Gk) + 6 outfield players a-side (Gk+6vs6+Gk) under four conditions: (i) playing in the 1:2:3:1 formation without any other rule (control condition, CTR); (ii) 1:2:3:1 formation with additional body restrictions changing each minute (individual condition, IND); (iii) using different tactical formations modified each minute (collective condition, COL; (iv) using different tactical formations and body restrictions varied each minute (individual-collective condition, MIX). Generally, there were similar behaviours across conditions, especially for the CTR and the MIX. Nevertheless, the CTR condition presented moderate higher values in the lateral direction (p ≤ .05), while also higher longitudinal synchronization compared to the IND (p ≤ .05). The COL condition presented higher spatial exploration (p ≤ .05), which may justify the higher values for distance covered while running and sprinting (p ≤ .05). Overall, coaches may use the IND condition to refine players’ technical actions, while the COL condition to develop players’ ability to perform in different playing positions and team structures.

The Influence of Small-Sided Football Games with Numerical Variability in External Training Load

Small-sided games (SSGs) are a motivational strategy and effective training method to develop skills and physical fitness at optimal intensity. This study investigates the influence of variability in the number of players on the physiological response using SSGs. The sample was composed of 10 field players with an average age of 15.9 ± 0.50 years old. Three sessions were held on 3 different days to collect information. The 10 min SSG exercise with temporal numerical variability was repeated twice on each day. The numerical ratio of players involved changed every 2 min without disrupting the practice. In a game space with 35 × 25 m, the exercise always started in a situation of 3 vs. 3. External training load metrics (i.e., physical activity counts, activity intensity, and energy expenditure) were assessed using Actigraph WGT3X accelerometers. The 3 vs. 3 format game had higher physical activity counts (i.e., higher vector magnitude) and requested more time spent in very vigorous physical activity intensity. Consequently, the 3 vs. 3 format in young football players had higher energy expenditure (i.e., a higher METs) than that in the other studied game formats. This study confirms the influence of SSGs with numerical variability in external training load.

The Influence of an 8-Week Training Program with Small-Sided Games on the Anaerobic Capacity of Junior Football Players

"ABSTRACT. Introduction. The level of development of anaerobic capacity at footballers requires the achievement of sporting performance. Objective. The study analyses whether the anaerobic capacity is developed as a result of the participation of the athletes in a training program with small-sided football games. Methods. A group of 40 athletes aged 16-18 years old were grouped in two equal teams, named: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). During the period of the study, which was between 5.01.2021 – 27.02. 2021, the two groups were exposed to different training programs: the EG in a smallsided football games training program and the CG in a classic way. The following technology was used: Hosand GT.a – to measure HR – and the WittyGateMicrogate2 system for timing of the stress sample. Subjects took the YYIRTL1 sample. SPSS program, variant 23 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results. The results taken in the initial test (IT) between the two groups had no statistical significance in YYIRTL1 field sample was concerned, but there could be noticed significant differences in the final test (FT) for the parameter indicating the hold time in the anaerobic zone&gt;81%HRmax (U = 67.50, N1 = 20, N2 = 20, twotailed p = .000336, d = 1.46). Conclusions. The study shows that the anaerobic capacity of subjects has developed through the implementation of an 8-week period program where small-sided football games have been used."

Developing Speed Endurance through the use of Small-Sided Football Games to 16-18-Year-Old Juniors

"ABSTRACT. Introduction. Training with small-sided games has proven to be effective in the training of football players. Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the participation of 16-18-year-olds in a small-sided football games program on speed-resistance (SE). Methods. The subjects of this study were 34 16-18-year-old sportsmen divided into two equal groups: Experiment group (EG) and control group (CG). Both groups participated in 18 workouts for 6 weeks – EG in a small-sided game content training program; CG in a training program structured on classic methods. The following equipment has been used: Hossand GT.a – to measure HRmax – and the WittyGate Microgate2. Subjects performed the YYIRTL1 and the 7x34.2 field test. The data collected was processed with the SPSS program, variant 23. Results. In the field test 7x34.2 there were no significant differences in the initial testing (IT) of the two groups, but in the final testing (FT) the differences were significant. The difference between the best time (BT) scores averages in the two groups was significant at FT (Mann-Whitney U = 39.5, N1 = 17, N2 = 17, two-tailed p = 0.000) and for the fatigue index averages (FI, U = 66.5, N1 = 17, N2 = 17, two-tailed p=0.007). Conclusions. The study revealed that through the application of a 6-week time program, in which small-sided football games were used, speed endurance developed."

Validation of Player and Ball Tracking with a Local Positioning System

The aim of this study was the validation of player and ball position measurements of Kinexon’s local positioning system (LPS) in handball and football. Eight athletes conducted a sport-specific course (SSC) and small sided football games (SSG), simultaneously tracked by the LPS and an infrared camera-based motion capture system as reference system. Furthermore, football shots and handball throws were performed to evaluate ball tracking. The position root mean square error (RMSE) for player tracking was 9 cm for SSCs, the instantaneous peak speed showed a percentage deviation from the reference system of 0.7–1.7% for different exercises. The RMSE for SSGs was 8 cm. Covered distance was overestimated by 0.6% in SSCs and 1.0% in SSGs. The 2D RMSE of ball tracking was 15 cm in SSGs, 3D position errors of shot and throw impact locations were 17 cm and 21 cm. The methodology for the validation of a system’s accuracy in sports tracking requires extensive attention, especially in settings covering both, player and ball measurements. Most tracking errors for player tracking were smaller or in line with errors found for comparable systems in the literature. Ball tracking showed a larger error than player tracking. Here, the influence of the positioning of the sensor must be further reviewed. In total, the accuracy of Kinexon’s LPS has proven to represent the current state of the art for player and ball position detection in team sports.

International Perspectives of Strategic Team and Player Development in Diverse Amateur/Grassroots 60+ Small-Sided Football Contexts

Despite the significant growth of amateur/grassroots over-60s (60+) small-sided football in diverse indoor and outdoor settings around the world, scant attention has been afforded to related research, coach education, and strategic team and player development initiatives within these unique seniors‘ football contexts. Drawing upon case study methodology using multiple-case design, this paper examines whether and how Strategic Team and Player Development (STPD) initiatives are implemented in diverse amateur/grassroots 60+ small-sided football coaching contexts. Data suggest there is substantial interest among players and coaches for age-appropriate STPD initiatives, which require organization-specific support structures and integrated, progressive, and evidence-based activities customised for the unique needs and competitive circumstances of players/participants. STPD initiatives can significantly enrich participant experiences and maximize program outcomes such as player and team skills and sustained participation. STPD initiatives in these contexts are still in the early stages, both theoretically and practically. While there are many challenges and areas for improvement, strategic organizational support including a commitment to customised football coach education can be the basis for implementing STPD in diverse amateur/grassroots 60+ small-sided football contexts. Key challenges and implications for customised football coach education are discussed.

Danger zone assessment in small-sided recreational football: providing data for consideration in relation to COVID-19 transmission

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity has increased, and a wide range of sporting activities locked down, with possible long-term implications for public health. Football is the most popular sport...

Feasibility and safety of a walking football program in middle-aged and older men with type 2 diabetes

AimsThis study aimed to analyze the feasibility and safety of a community-based walking football program in middle-aged and older men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodsThirty-one male (age, 64.4 ± 4.5 years old; glycated hemoglobin, 6.7 ± 1.0%; body mass index: 28.8 ± 3.3 kg/m2) patients with T2D were recruited from primary health care units in Porto, Portugal. The participants engaged in a 12-wk walking football program (three sessions per week of 60 min; consisting of strength and conditioning exercises, technical skills drills, and small-sided walking football games). Exercise intensity was planned to be gradual throughout the program in three 4-wk phases (phase I, light-intensity; phase II, moderate-intensity; phase III, vigorous-intensity) through the manipulation of game constraints, and monitored by OMNI scale and heart rate reserve (HRR). Sessions' enjoyment level, and exercise-related injuries and adverse events were recorded in all sessions. ResultsThe median (P25–P75) adherence to the program was 86.1% (77.8–97.2%). The median enjoyment levels reported by participants was 5 (4–5) points in phase I, 5 (5–5) points in phase II and 5 (5–5) points in phase III. Sessions' average subjective exercise intensity was 3.0 ± 0.6 points in OMNI scale in phase I, 3.5 ± 0.4 points in phase II, and 3.8 ± 0.4 points in phase III. Sessions' average HRR was 35.8 ± 6.7% in phase I, 41.6 ± 4.2% in phase II, and 37.3 ± 4.3% in phase III. Most participants attained vigorous-intensity peaks in all phases. Falls (n = 25) and musculoskeletal injuries (n = 8) were the most frequent adverse events. 31% of these events interfered with exercise participation, but no harm has resulted from it. ConclusionA community-based walking football program for T2D patients revealed high levels of adherence and enjoyment, and light-to-vigorous exercise intensity. The adverse events were according to the expected for the population and activity. Therefore, walking football seems to be a feasible and safe exercise strategy, and has the potential for large scale implementation for T2D control. Trial registrationNCT03810846.

Exploring the Effects of Playing Formations on Tactical Behavior and External Workload During Football Small-Sided Games.

Baptista, J, Travassos, B, Gonçalves, B, Mourão, P, Viana, JL, and Sampaio, J. Exploring the effects of playing formations on tactical behavior and external workload during football small-sided games. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2024-2030, 2020-This study aimed to identify the effects of playing formations on tactical behavior and external workload during football small-sided games. Twenty-three semiprofessional footballers integrated 3 different playing formations in a 7-a-side small-sided game, according to their specific player positions: team 4:3:0 (4 defenders and 3 midfielders); team 4:1:2 (4 defenders, 1 midfielder, and 2 forwards); and team 0:4:3 (4 midfielders and 3 forwards). Based on players' movement trajectories, the following individual and collective tactical variables were calculated: total distance covered and distance covered while walking, jogging, running, and sprinting, distance from each player to both own-team centroid and opponent-team centroid, individual area, team length, team width, and surface area. Approximate entropy was computed to identify the regularity of each variable. The team 4:3:0 promoted players' space exploration with moderate physical efforts. The team 4:1:2 promoted compactness and regularity of the team with increase in the physical efforts. The team 0:4:3 promoted team balance and adaptability on space coverage with increase in physical efforts. Concluding, different playing formations support different game dynamics, and variations on external load were directly linked with the variations on tactical behavior. The analysis of tactical behavior through quantification of variability of patterns of play and quantification of distance covered at different velocities were the most useful information for the analysis of the effects of practice task manipulations. Therefore, in a practical sense, strength and conditioning coaches should plan and monitor these tasks in interaction with the head coaches.

Adapted recreational football small-sided games improve cardiac capacity, body composition and muscular fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The usefulness of adapted small-sided games (SSGs) in improving cardiac function in subjects with T2DM is still debated. Here we evaluated the effects of 18 weeks indoor muscular activation training (6 weeks; IMA) followed by adapted SSGs football training (12 weeks) on cardiac function, muscular fitness, body composition and adiponectin expression in sedentary T2DM volunteers. Six T2DM patients underwent IMA protocol of 6 weeks, twice a week followed by 12 weeks SSGs (5-a-side, once a week) training. Glucose, lipid profile and serum homocysteine concentration, body composition (BC), bone mineral density (DEXA), were determined at baseline and after 18 weeks (IMA+SSGs). VO<inf>2max</inf> and muscular fitness were recorded at baseline and after IMA (6 weeks) and SSGs (12 weeks), respectively. No significant differences were found for VO<inf>2max</inf> and muscular fitness after 6weeks of IMA. After 18 weeks (6 weeks IMA + 12 weeks SSGs) of training, significant improvements were found in the following parameters: work capacity, VO<inf>2peak</inf>, Ventilation (VE<inf>peak</inf>), breathing reserve consumption and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (P<0.05); leg fitness (P<0.05), BC (P<0.05), vertebral column T-score (P<0.01) and adiponectin (total and high-molecular-weight; P<0.05). Compared to baseline, a reduction in serum homocysteine occurred after 18 weeks of training (P<0.05). We evidenced that weekly adapted SSGs friendly football matches for 12 weeks improve cardiorespiratory capacity and the expression of independent markers associated with cardiovascular risk in T2DM patients, suggesting an overall reduced CVD-risk in these patients. These preliminary data encourage us to test the efficacy of this type of exercise in a larger population.

Game format alters the physiological and activity demands encountered during small-sided football games in recreational players

BackgroundConditioning in the form of football small-sided games (SSG) is being increasingly utilized as a health-promoting and performance-enhancing activity. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to quantify and compare the physiological responses and activity demands encountered during 3-a-side, 4-a-side, and 5-a-side football SSG in recreational players. MethodHeart rate, blood lactate (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and activity demands were measured across 2 × 20-min football sessions played on a 40 × 20-m pitch in 12 recreationally active college students. Data were collected over a period of two weeks using a repeated-measures crossover design. ResultsMean heart rate was higher (moderate) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side (p = 0.02) and 3-a-side SSG (p < 0.001). BLa tended to be higher (small) in 3-a-side compared to 4-a-side (p = 0.12) and 5-a-side SSG (p = 0.46). The total distance covered was lower (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG (p = 0.02), while the total number of accelerations (p = 0.01) and decelerations (p = 0.02) were higher (large) during 5-a-side than 4-a-side SSG. ConclusionThese data suggest: 1) 5-a-side SSG require a greater intermittent workload and exacerbated HR responses; 2) 4-a-side SSG require more sustained activity (distance); and 3) 3-a-side SSG result in higher BLa compared to other SSG formats. The observed intermittent workload and exacerbated HR response in 5-a-side SSG were likely due to greater turnover rates with more frequent interceptions. Sustained activity in 4-a-side SSG might be underpinned by format-specific structures permitting optimal team work, while isolated guarding of players in 3-a-side SSG may have exacerbated BLa responses.