Small-sided Games Training Research Articles

Effects of Different Recovery Duration on External and Internal Load Measures during Bouts of Small-Sided Games.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of different recovery times between bouts of small-sided games (SSG) on external and internal load variables in semi-professional soccer players. Sixteen male semi-professional soccer players performed three 4 vs. 4 + goalkeeper SSG training sessions, each with different recovery bout duration: short (1 min) (SSG1), medium (2 min) (SSG2), and long (4 min) (SSG4). Time motion and neuromuscular measures were collected during all SSGs, in addition, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. Results showed a significant increase in the total number of accelerations (p = 0.016, ES = 0.97, large) and decelerations (p = 0.022, ES = 0.81, large) in SSG4 compared to SSG1. In terms of the internal load, SSG2 showed significantly higher RPE values (p = 0.011, ES = 1.00, large) in comparison with SSG1. If the sessions' focus is on neuromuscular training, longer recovery times between SSG bouts should be used. Conversely, if the aim is to reach a higher total and running distance at different intensities, a 2-min recovery period between bouts may be more appropriate.

Effect of Small Sided Games Training on Anaerobic Endurance and Fatigue Index in U-17 Soccer Athletes

Coaches in implementing training programs in an effort to improve the physical condition of their athletes have been done in various ways, one of which is by optimizing anaerobic endurance and fatigue that occurs in athletes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of small-sided games training on anaerobic endurance and fatigue index of U-17 soccer players. This research uses a quasi-experimental approach. The method used the experimental method one group pre-test post-test, the sample design used amounted to 30, with sampling techniques using purposive sampling and data analysis techniques for hypothesis testing using paired sample t test and two-track ANOVA test. This found that there was a significant influence on Small Sided Games training on Anaerobic Endurance and Fatigue Index in U-17 Football Athletes with data on the results of the Small Sided Games training method there was an influence on increasing anaerobic endurance tcount 9.595 ≥ ttable 2.144 and decreasing fatigue index tcount 5.241 ≥ ttable 2.144. So it can be concluded that the Small Side Games training method has an influence on increasing anaerobic endurance and decreasing fatigue index in U-17 soccer players. However, from the Small Sided Games exercise method in addition to the influence is also very effective for increasing anaerobic endurance and endurance (decreasing fatigue index) more using Small Sided Games exercises.

The Effects of 8 Aerobic Endurance Training Weeks of 4vs.4+GK Small-Sided Games versus Traditional Training on Physical Fitness and Skills among U18 Football Players

The aim of the research was to identify the effect of 4vs.4 small-sided games (SSGs) with goalkeepers (4vs.4+GK), applied twice a week, for 8 weeks, on U18 football players’ physical ability, compared to that of the athletes who performed specific aerobic endurance training. The research included 40 football players U18, divided into two groups: 20 in the experiment group (EG) aged 17.49 ± 0.61 years and 20 in the control group (CG) aged 17.66 ± 0.54 years. From the initial test (IT) to final tests (FT) performed on the parameters, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and 10 m and 20 m sprint and agility with and without a ball showed a significant increase for both groups. The first and last SSG training was monitored, using total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR—high-speed running) and maximum intensity distance (VHSR—very-high-speed running). Comparative analyses of EG and CG parameters at the FT shows that the differences between the means of two groups are statistically significant in favor of the experimental group in terms of all parameters, except 10 m sprint (p < 0.05). Referring to SSGs, the experimental group had a 7.78% increase rate in TD (p < 0.0005), a 30.90% (p < 0.0005) increase rate with HSR and no significant differences (p > 0.05) with VHSR. The experimental training program of 4vs.4+GK SSGs, applied to U18 football players, produced significant progress in the physical, and functional parameters.

The Effect Of Small Sided Game Training On Passing Accuracy And Dribbling Ability In 10 Years-Old Junior Soccer Players

This study aims to determine the effect of small-sided game training on the accuracy of passing and dribbling skills in 10 years old junior soccer players. This study uses an experimental method that uses a qualitative approach, with a one-group pre-test post-test design. The subjects of this study were 30 junior soccer players aged 10 years old. The instrument used to measure passing accuracy and dribbling ability is a basic soccer ability test. Data analysis in this study used a t-test with a significant value of 0.05. The dribbling data hypothesis test uses the paired t-test, while the passing data uses the Wilcoxon test. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that there was a significant effect of small sided game training on improving the dribbling abilities of junior soccer players (p = 0.000 < 0.05). The results of the Wilcoxon test on passing data showed that small sided game training also had a significant effect on improving the passing abilities of junior soccer players (p = 0.000 < 0.05) as indicated by the N value in the positive ranks of 30, which means that all research subjects experienced an increase. Knowing the descriptive results and testing the hypothesis, it was concluded that the application of small sided game training during training was very efficient in improving basic soccer technical skills, especially passing and dribbling. Small sided game practice has a far greater impact on a player's technical and tactical development than normal play. Players experience more touches on the ball and more learning moments in small sided games compared to normal games.

The Influence of Small-Sided Games Training on Football Passing Accuracy in Dekate FC Bangkalan Players

The passing technique is the technique most often used in football games. Passing is a technique for passing the ball between one player and another. The problem in this study is that many passes are not on target by players so the game becomes ineffective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of small-sided games on improving the accuracy of football passing. This research is experimental research with a matching-only design. The research sample used was 20 players from the DESEAD FC Bangkalan team aged 12-14 years. The division of the experimental and control groups will use the MSOP technique. The results of the descriptive analysis of the experimental group obtained the mean pretest and mean posttest, while for the control group the mean pretest and mean posttest. For the results of the paired sample t-test in the experimental group, the Sig. 0.000 <0.05, so there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest data. Meanwhile, in the control group Sig. 0.148 > 0.05 there was no significant difference in the pretest and posttest results of the control group. From the results of the independent sample t-test, the value of Sig. (2-tailed) 0.001 <0.05 There is a significant difference between the post-test results of the experimental group and the control group. For the percentage increase in data on passing test results, the experimental group had a significant increase of 21.59%. Meanwhile, the control group did not have a significant increase of 1.53%. So it can be concluded that small-sided games training is very influential in increasing the accuracy of football passing.

Acute physiological, perceived exertion and enjoyment responses during a 4-week basketball training: a small-sided game vs. high-intensity interval training.

Although previous research found that small-sided game (SSG) training was more enjoyable than high-intensity interval training (HIT) in various sports, no data were provided during longer training period in basketball. Furthermore, the comparison of internal loads between the two training approaches needs to be further examined. Thus, this study aimed to examine the acute physiological, perceived exertion and enjoyment responses during 4-week progressive basketball SSG or HIT programs. Nineteen female collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to two groups that performed either HIT (n = 10) or SSG (n = 9) 3 times per week for 4 continuous weeks. Average and percentage of maximal heart rate (HRmean and %HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were determined during each training session. There was a main group effect in PACES (p < 0.001; = 0.44, moderate), and SSG had higher PACES than HIT in each week (p < 0.05). There were no significant interactions or main group effects in HRmean, %HRmax or RPE, but a main time effect was found in HRmean (p = 0.004; = 0.16, minimum), %HRmax (p < 0.001; = 0.25, minimum), and RPE (p < 0.001; = 0.31, moderate), respectively. In the SSG group, although no significant differences were found in HR responses, %HRmax was below 90% in week 1 and week 2. Accompanied with changes in %HRmax, RPE in week 1 and week 2 was lower than that in week 3 and week 4 (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that SSG and HIT elicit similar acute HR response and RPE level, but SSG is perceived as more enjoyable and therefore it is more likely to increase exercise motivation and adherence comparing to HIT. Moreover, it seems that half-court, 2 vs. 2 SS Gtraining format with modified rules and lasting ≥ 7.5 min should be prescribed as an enjoyable training alternative to provide optimal cardiovascular stimuli (> 90% of HRmax) for female basketball players.

The effect of circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games on maximum oxygen consumption capacity building in futsal players

Purpose : This research aims to assess the effect of circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games on futsal players' maximum oxygen consumption capacity.&#x0D; Material and methods. This research was carried out at the Upik Indoor Futsal Banjarmasin field from May to June. The treatment consists of 16 meetings held three times a week. This research applies a random pre- and post-test control group design. Players from the FFC BSM Junior Futsal Club make up the population.&#x0D; The results. As a result of the employment of sampling formulas and inclusion and exclusion criteria, forty individuals were included in this study. The adopted instrument is a multistage fitness test with a validity of 0.408 and reliability of 0.875. Data analysis using the help of SPSS includes normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis tests. The findings of this study's normality test indicated that the mean of each group achieved a significance level of &gt; 0.05. Therefore it can be assumed that the data were normally distributed. Meanwhile, the homogeneity test results got a significance value of &gt; 0.05, which can be considered homogeneous or the same data. This study showed that the three training groups showed a significant increase in the maximum oxygen consumption capacity of futsal players by obtaining a significance value of &lt; 0.05. In contrast, the control group got a significance value of &gt; 0.197, and It can be concluded that there was no significant influence. The study also showed that small-sided game training groups improved better than circuit training groups, fartlek groups, and control groups. The increase obtained from the small-sided games group, judging from the average difference value of the small-sided games training group, increased by 4.11, the circuit training group increased by 3.71, the fartlek group increased by 3.78, and the control group increased by 0.48.&#x0D; Conclusion. Thus, it can be concluded that circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games positively impact the improvement maximum oxygen consumption capacity in futsal players. However, the small-sided game training methods group found the greatest improvement in training methods in this study.

Influence of Small-Sided Games and Motor Ability in Performance Games Development

The purpose of this study is to be able to determine whether there is an influence of small sided games and motor ability on athlete performance in volleyball games. The method in this study is an experimental method where the design of this study uses factorial design. The results of this study show that small-sided games training methods, block system programs and random system programs have a significant effect on games performance, small-sided games training has interactions with motor ability that have different effects on games. While the small-sided games training method block system and random system programs have a significant effect on games performance in the high motor ability group, small-sided games training methods, block system programs and random system programs, do not have a significant effect on games performance in the low motor ability group. So that in providing volleyball training programs, especially the random system program, it should be given to athletes who have high motor ability. But for low motor ability can be used both programs, both block system programs and random system programs. Keywords: Performance Games, Small-Sided Games, Motor Ability, Volleyball Information System

Conditioning Strategies for Improving Handball Throwing Velocity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

Ball throwing velocity is essential for scoring goals in handball; the crucial question is how to develop throwing velocity in highly trained handball players. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize effective conditioning strategies to improve throwing velocity in elite male players and to perform a meta-analysis on which training system can provide the highest increase in throwing velocity. The literature was analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thirteen studies (sample n = 174) were included: five resistance training studies, one core training study, one study on repeated shuffle sprint training with small-sided games, and one on eccentric overload training. Effect size comparison showed that resistance training is the most effective strategy for improving throwing velocity in elite handball players (d > 0.7). Core training showed a small effect (d = 0.35). Small-sided game (SSG) training showed different results, from a significant positive effect (d = 1.95) to a negative effect (d = -2.03), and eccentric overload training showed a negative effect (d = -0.15). Resistance training is the most effective strategy for improving throwing velocity in elite handball players, while core training and SSGs can improve throwing velocity in youth athletes. Due to the small number of studies focusing on elite handball players, there is a need for more studies on advanced resistance training methods, e.g., contrast, complex, ballistic training, because much greater demands are placed on handball performance assumptions.

Effect of interval and continuous small-sided games training on the bio-motor abilities of young soccer players: a comparative study

ObjectiveThe present study compared the effects of two different small-sided game (SSG) training methods, interval (ISSG) and continuous (CSSG) on the bio-motor abilities of young soccer players.MethodsSixteen young soccer players (age: 19.5 ± 0.5 years; height: 177 ± 4.72 cm) were ranked based on the result of a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and randomly divided into two groups: CSSG (n = 8) and ISSG (n = 8). The training protocols were performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week. Participants were assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) to estimate their anaerobic capacity with the RAST, aerobic capacity with Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, body fat percentage with a bioimpedance analysis, speed with a 30-meter run test, and agility with the Illinois agility test. During the training session, the rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (mean and maximum) were recorded to assess the training load.ResultsIn general, aerobic and anaerobic capacities improved after ISSG (p < 0.05, for all). The between-group analysis with repeated measures ANOVA revealed higher values for ISSG than CSSG groups post-intervention in anaerobic power (p = 0.042, ηp2 = 0.264). In addition, the independent t-test results indicated that ISSG presented lower values of mean heart rate (p = 0.023, effect size [ES] = 0.85) and RPE (p < 0.05, ES = 0.88) than CSSG. Moreover, higher values for maximum heart rate were revealed for ISSG than for the CSSG group (p = 0.004, ES = 0.85).ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings of this study suggests that ISSG can lead to better improvements in anaerobic power and aerobic capacity than CSSG. Additionally, the ISSG led to a lower mean heart rate and RPE than the CSSG. Therefore, coaches and trainers may want to consider incorporating ISSG into their training programs for young soccer players to enhance their bio-motor abilities.

Effects of short bout small-sided game training on acid-base balance markers in youth male soccer players

This study aimed to compare the effects of 1 × 1 small-sided games (SSGs) with different bout durations on external (ETL) and internal training loads (ITL) in youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups performing six 1 × 1 SSGs with 30 and 45 s bout durations on a playing field of 10 by 15 m. ITL indices, including the percentage of maximum heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa) level, pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) level, and base excess (BE) level, were measured at rest, after each SSG bout, and 15 and 30 min after the entire exercise protocol. ETL (Global Positioning System metrics) was recorded during all six SSG bouts. The analysis showed that the 45 s SSGs had a greater volume (large effect) but a lower training intensity (small to large effect) than the 30 s SSGs. A significant time effect (p < 0.05) was observed in all ITL indices and a significant group effect (F1, 18 = 8.84, p = 0.0082, ƞ2 = 0.33) in the HCO3− level only. Finally, the changes in the HR and HCO3− level were smaller in the 45 s SSGs than in the 30 s SSGs. In conclusion, 30-s games, characterized by a higher intensity of training effort, are more physiologically demanding than 45-s games. Secondly during short-bout SSG training the HR and BLa level have limited diagnostic value for ITL. Extending ITL monitoring using other indicators, such as the HCO3− and BE levels, appears reasonable.

The influence of small-sided games training on passing and endurance ability in BMI men's futsal team

Passing is one of the basic techniques of futsal that players really need. While Endurance is a state or physical condition of the body that is able to work for quite a long time. This study aims to determine the effect of the small-side games training method on the passing and endurance abilities of BMI Majalengka male futsal athletes. The research method used was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group design, the population in this study were BMI male futsal athletes. The sampling used is probability sampling with the condition that all objects are BMI male futsal athletes. The number of samples in this study was 20 players. The instruments used in this study were passing tests and endurance tests. Data analysis used the T-test. The results of the T-test for passing abilities obtained tcount = -3,644 with sig 0.002 &lt;0.05 so HO was accepted, and for endurance T-test results obtained tcount = -5710 with sig 0.000 &lt;0.05 so HO accepted. The conclusion is that there is an influence on the ability of passing and endurance between the Experiment group and the Control group after being given different exercises for 12 meetings.

The Positive Impact of Small-Sided Games Training on VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; max and Passing Accuracy in Futsal Players

The Positive Impact of Small-Sided Games Training on VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; max and Passing Accuracy in Futsal Players

Integration of Obese Children in Physical Education Sessions: An Exploratory Study.

We investigated the effect of the role of the joker in children with obesity (OCs) on integration and physio-psychological responses during small-sided games (SSG) training programs. Sixteen OC students (age 13.8 ± 0.73 years) performed training programs consisting of two sessions a week for three weeks. The experimental protocol consisted of 16 teams of 4 children (3 of normal weight and 1 OC). The 16 teams were divided into 2 groups, one with an OC playing as the joker (SSG-J) and the other group with OC playing as non-joker (SSG-NJ). Maximum heart rates (HRmax), blood lactate concentration [La] and OMNI-Child perceived exertion were measured at the end of each SSG. A physical activity enjoyment Scale (PACES) was accomplished during physical activity for the evaluation of feelings in OCs. Additionally, the profile of mood states (POMS) was measured before and after the SSG-J and SSG-NJ programs. HRmax, [La], perceived exertion, and PACES scores were significantly higher after the SSG-J compared with SSG-NJ (increments of 6.4%, 31.7%, 19.5% and 18.1%, respectively). The score of the POMS variables was positively increased in the presence of jokers. The vigor score increased by 30%, while tension and total mood disturbance scores decreased by 27.6% and 4.5%, respectively. These findings suggest that the joker role could be effective in improving integration, physical enjoyment, physiological responses and mood states in OCs when a team game is used during PE sessions. PE teachers could then program joker exercises with the aim of improving OCs' physical commitment willingness to play.

The effect of maximal aerobic speed training combined with small-sided games on performance parameters in soccer

The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) training, small-sided games (SSG) training, and combined training (CT) on sprint, agility, lactate accumulation, repeated sprint, aerobic, and anaerobic endurance performances. Thirty under-16 male players participated in a 6-week randomized training study. Pre- and post-training all players completed a test battery involving body composition (body height and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-DEXA), sprint tests (10 m, 20 m, and 30 m), Yo-Yo 1 test, Arrowhead agility test, blood lactate test, and Yo-Yo 2 test. A global positioning system (GPS) was used for monitoring. After the pre-tests, the players were randomly assigned to three groups as MAS, SSG, and CT. Mixed two-way ANOVA was used to compare the pre-test and post-test performance of the three groups. While the CT group had higher changes in body composition, repeated sprint, aerobic, and anaerobic endurance parameters compared to the MAS training group (p&amp;lt;.05); the SSG training group had similar changes as the CT group (p&amp;gt;.05). In conclusion, coaches and sports scientists are advised to choose CT for more efficient training, considering the differences between the MAS training and CT methods.

Effects of a small-sided games training program in youth male soccer players: variations of the locomotor profile while interacting with baseline level and with the accumulated load

PurposeThis study aimed to (1) analyze the impact of a small-sided game training program in the locomotor profile of youth male soccer players (while interacting with the baseline level – higher and lower level); and (2) test the relationships between variation in locomotor profile and the accumulated demands in 3v3, 5v5 and match over the period of observation.MethodsThe cohort lasted 3-weeks. Twenty under-17 male amateur soccer players (16.8 ± 0.41 years; experience: 6.35 ± 0.67 years) were assessed twice for their final velocity at 30−15 intermittent fitness test (VIFT), peak speed at 30-m sprint test (PSS) and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR). The PSS was estimated using a Global Positioning System, while the VIFT was estimated using the maximum level attained by the players during the test. Based on the baseline levels, the scores were standardized using the Z-score. The total score of athleticism (TSA) was calculated per player to organize the players into two groups: lower TSA and higher TSA. Over the three weeks of observation, the small-sided games of 3v3 and 5v5 and match demands were monitored using polar team pro. The heart rate responses (mean and peak), distance covered (overall and split by speed thresholds), and peak speed in these games were obtained and summed over the weeks. The repeated measures ANCOVA tested the variations (time) of the locomotor profile of players while considering the baseline as covariable and the group as a factor. The Pearson-product correlation test analyzed the relationships between variations in locomotor profile (Δ, post-baseline) and the accumulated demands in 3v3, 5v5, and match.ResultsBetween-groups analysis (lower TSA vs. higher TSA) revealed no significant differences on VIFT (p = 0.915), PSS (p = 0.269), ASR (p = 0.258) and TSA score (p = 0.138). Within-group (baseline vs. post-observation) analysis revealed significant difference on VIFT (p < 0.001), PSS (p = 0.008), while no significant differences were found on ASR (p = 0.949) and TSA score (p = 0.619). Significant correlations were found between ΔPSS and match total distance (r = 0.444; p = 0.050), match Z2 (r = 0.481; p = 0.032) and match Z3 (r = 0.454; p = 0.044). Significant correlations were found between ΔTSA and match total distance (r = 0.457; p = 0.043), match Z1 (r = 0.451; p = 0.046), match Z2 (r = 0.500; p = 0.025) and match Z3 (r = 0.468; p = 0.037).ConclusionSignificant improvements were observed after the period of observation. However, the fitness baseline level and the accumulated training load in the small-sided games seem to have no significant impact on the observed improvements.

Kick proficiency and skill adaptability increase from an Australian football small-sided game intervention.

This investigation is the first to explore the effect of a 4 week small-sided game (SSG) and traditional training intervention on player kick proficiency and player adaptability in Australian football. Twenty-two amateur Australian football players (mean ± SD; age 22.3 ± 2.46; height 182.4 ± 5.25; weight 82.1 ± 6.10; years playing senior amateur football 3.86 ± 3.09) were randomly selected into either a traditional training group (n = 11) or a SSG group (n = 11). Traditional training involved activities where skills were generally executed in isolation and with minimal contact (e.g., kicking lane drill or possession football). The SSG training group participated in 5v6 competitive games on varied shaped areas (approximately 272 m2 per player) and changing constraints (e.g., game tempo, game rules). All players participated in the team training sessions; however, the SSG group participated in a 4 × 3min training protocol, with 60 seconds recovery, in the last 20-min of the session. The SSG group participated in these alternative sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Results indicated only the SSG enhanced their kick proficiency (17%) and were found to be more adaptable. The intervention group executed more kicks over longer distances (i.e., 20-40 m), made quicker decisions (e.g., executing more kicks in < 1s), applied more pressure to the opposition when they were executing a skill and were more likely to "take the game on" by decreasing the amount of times a skill was executed from a stationary position. The results of this study can be used by coaches when designing and implementing training programs as different training strategies will elicit different player behavioral adaptations.

Comparison of the Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Responses of the High-Intensity Interval (HIIT) and Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training Programs in Young Elite Soccer Players.

We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval (HIIT) and small-sided games (SSG) training programs on physiological and psychological responses in young soccer players. Twenty-four male soccer players (age 16.7 ± 0.9 years) were divided into two groups (HIIT and SSG) and completed a 6-week training programs consisting of two training sessions a week. HIIT consisted of intermittent runs lasting 15 s at the 110% maximum aerobic speed followed by a passive recovery lasting 15 s; SSG was instead structured in a 4 versus 4 players games on a playing field of 25 × 35 m. The muscular power of the lower body was assessed before and after each training session using the 5-jump test to leg length, and two incremental field tests (VAMEVAL test and modified agility t-test). Our results show that HIIT and SSG have similar beneficial effects on the variables connected to the soccer-specific performance and the endurance with little influence on neuromuscular performances. Psychological responses were assessed using the "physical activity enjoyment scale", the Hooper index and the POMS variables. Results showed that SSG offers greater perceived enjoyment than what can be achieved with HIIT. In conclusion, SSG can be considered an effective, more motivating, and fun soccer-specific training that brings about physiological responses and neuromuscular adjustments in young soccer players.

Does size matter? Effects of small versus large pitch small-sided game training on speed and endurance in collegiate soccer players

The aim of this study was to compare the training effect of small-sided games played using large and small area per player on speed and endurance in college soccer players. Twenty male NCAA division 1 soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: small-sided games using a large area per player ( n = 10), or small-sided games using a small area per player ( n = 10). During the 4-week intervention, both groups performed three sets of 4–8 min of 5 versus 5 small-sided games using either a large (300 m2) or small (75 m2) area per player. Pre- and post-training, players completed linear sprint (20- and 40-m), repeated sprint, and aerobic endurance tests. Following the intervention, both groups exhibited improvements in 20-m, 40-m, and maximum sprinting speed (all p &lt; 0.05, g = 0.04–0.29). No differences or interaction effects in repeat-sprint ability were found for either group ( p &gt; 0.05). A decline in maximal aerobic speed occurred in the small area per player group ( p = 0.010, g = 0.60) whilst no change was reported for the large area per player group. Following the intervention, anaerobic speed reserve was lower for the large area per player group versus the small area per player group ( p = 0.013; g = −0.23). No further between-group differences were reported at either time-point. These results suggest that small-sided games played with a small area per player may not be adequate to maintain aerobic fitness.

Effects of small-sided games vs. simulated match training on physical performance of youth female handball players.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different Small-Sided games (SSG) formats and simulated match handball training (SMHT) on handball player's physical performance and game activity profile. Twenty-four youth female handball players (age: 16.2 ± 1.5 years) participated in this study. The study was conducted during the first part of the competitive handball season and lasted for 10 weeks with 2 sessions per week in non-consecutive days: 1 week of pretesting, 8 weeks of specific training, and 1 week of post-testing. A two-group parallel randomized, pre- to post-test design was used to compare 2 different training groups: SSG training group (n = 12) and SMHT group (n = 12). The results showed larger improvements in drop jump height, jump power, absolute and relative anaerobic alactic power and 10 m sprint performances following the SSG training compared with the SMHT (p<0.05, ηp2 = ranging from 0.219 to 0.368). Game performance characteristics showed significant effect in SSD training in average sprint distance, total number of sprints and time between sprints (p<0.05, ηp2 = ranging from 0.08 to 0.292). The results of this study show that handball SSGs represent an adequate in-season strategy to promote a wide range of physical adaptations with improvements in running and jumping performance. This represents important information for coaches, since SSGs develop handball players' physical profiles while replicating tactical and technical features of the game. Nevertheless, simulated match training may be judiciously used to improve players' aerobic performance.