Small-sided Game Formats Research Articles

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Small-Sided Game Formats on Internal Load and Technical Responses in Soccer

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of game formats on soccer players' internal load and technical responses during small-sided games (SSGs) of the 2-a-side and 4-a-side. Twenty-four male soccer players played three SSGs: possession, mini-goal (MG), and goalkeeper (GK). The SSG interventions were randomly allocated to six training intervention groups using SSGs performed in possession, MG, and GK game formats. The internal load was assessed using the perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) rating during each SSG session. Mental Readiness Form-3 (MRF-3) was evaluated pre- and post-game for mental preparedness. Technical actions were also conducted using video footage captured during all SSG sessions. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to evaluate any significant differences in performance across the different SSGs. Following the interventions, RPE and VAS scores differed considerably between the MG and GK games in the 2-a-side game (P

External load of different format small-sided games in youth football players in relation to age

Background Monitoring of training tasks allows coaches to have a better knowledge of the loads applied to their players. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the variations in external load in small-sided games (SSGs) with young players U-12, U-15, and U-23 and compare the external load between age categories in each of the SSGs. Methods A group of 24 male soccer players performed five consecutive different formats of four vs. four SSGs composed of 3 minutes of play/rest. GPS devices were used during the tasks (WIMU PRO™). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, using descriptive statistics, graphical statistics, and ANOVA to compare the results between SSGs and between age groups. Results The increase in field areas promotes the increase of distance (DIST) covered and the high metabolic load distance (HMLd), with and without a goalkeeper (GK). The SSGs with GK recorded fewer PL values compared to SSGs without GK. In the U-12 and U-15 age groups, GK use promotes more acceleration (AC) and deceleration (DEC) of high intensity (>3 m/s2). The results also show that the larger areas are promoters of high-speed running (HSR). Age influences some external load variables (DIST, AC, DEC, HMLd) in the game formats studied. Conclusions The SSG formats analyzed using GK are promoters of high-intensity neuromuscular activity. Larger areas promote more high-speed displacement. Age is an influence on the external load in different SSGs.

Effects of a 6-Week Agility Training Program on Emotional Intelligence and Attention Levels in Adolescent Tennis Players

Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence (EI) in pubertal tennis players. A total of 28 youth tennis players, aged 11 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP-G, n = 15, 13 boys [age = 13.34 ± 0.98 years, maturity offset (MO) = −0.19 ± 0.96], and 2 girls [age = 12.77 ± 0.23 years, MO = 0.78 ± 0.04]) or a control group (CON-G, n = 13, 8 boys [age = 13.37 ± 0.75 years, MO = 0.00 ± 0.71], and 5 girls [age = 13.50 ± 0.92 years, MO = 1.41 ± 1.07]). The EXP-G performed combined CoD and RA training across the 6-week intervention period. The CON-G continued with the normal five 20 min regular tennis-specific training sessions per week, including technical and tactical drills and a small-sided games format. The overall training volume was similar between groups. Pre- and post-training, Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC, [EC TOTAL: global score of emotional competence level; EC INTRA: score of intra-personal emotional competence; EC INTER: score of inter-personal emotional competence]) and d2 attention tests were assessed. The present study employed an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test covariance to assess between-group differences (EXP-G vs. CON-G) at the post-test phase, utilizing baseline values as covariates. Noteworthy outcomes were observed, indicating statistically significant and substantial between-group disparities at post-test for various measures. Specifically, these differences were evident in the attention domain (effect size, d = 1.08 [Large], p = 0.001), the EC TOTAL test (effect size, d = 0.70 [Medium], p = 0.017), the EC INTA (effect size, d = 1.35 [Large], p = 0.001), and the EC INTER (effect size, d = 0.83 [Large], p = 0.009) tests. Due to the importance of agility training for overall competitive performance in tennis, our results suggest that young players should perform such training programs as part of conditioning training if the goal is to improve emotional intelligence and mental well-being.

Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players?

The aim of the study was to determine whether the physical performance of young soccer player during various small sided games (SSGs) underloads, replicates or overloads the requirements of the worst-case scenarios (WCS) during match play. A total of 521 SSGs' individual observations and 15 different formats of SSGs with different areas per player (ApP) (ApP100: < 100; ApP200: ranged from 101 to 200; ApP300: > 201, all in m2 · player-1) were taken into consideration. Whole (90-min average; OM) and 15-, 5- and 1-min worst-case scenarios (WCS15, WCS5 and WCS1, respectively) were analysed. Total distance covered relative (m · min-1) (TDCR), high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (HSDR), very high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (VHSDR) and sprint distance relative (m · min-1) (SDR), player load relative (PLR) and both total (ACCR) and high intensity relative accelerations (n · min-1) (ACCHR) were collected. All external load measures analysed were significantly higher in WCS1 compared to WCS of longer duration and SSGs with different ApP (p < 0.001). The analysis demonstrated interactions between game type and player positions (p < 0.001) for TDCR, VHSDR, PLR and ACCHR. The SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate the WCS for locomotor demands (VHSDR and SDR). SSGs played on an ApP100 overestimated the mechanical values compared to WCS15 and WCS5. The analysed SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate players to cope with all external load demands that occurred during WCS1. This study provides useful information for practitioners on the heightened impact of different SSG formats on external load in relation to the WCS of competitive match play.

A new approach to comparing the demands of small-sided games and soccer matches.

To improve soccer performance, coaches should be able to replicate the match's physical efforts during the training sessions. For this goal, small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used. The main purpose of the current study was to develop similarity and overload scores to quantify the degree of similarity and the extent to which the SSG was able to replicate match intensity. GPSs were employed to collect external load and were grouped in three vectors (kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical). Euclidean distance was used to calculate the distance between training and match vectors, which was subsequently converted into a similarity score. The average of the pairwise difference between vectors was used to develop the overload scores. Three similarity (Simkin, Simmet, Simmec) and three overload scores (OVERkin, OVERmet, OVERmec) were defined for kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical vectors. Simmet and OVERmet were excluded from further analysis, showing a very large correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.01) with Simkin and OVERkin. The scores were subsequently analysed considering teams' level (First team vs. U19 team) and SSGs' characteristics in the various playing roles. The independent-sample t-test showed (p < 0.01) that the First team presented greater Simkin (d = 0.91), OVERkin (d = 0.47), and OVERmec (d = 0.35) scores. Moreover, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was employed to evaluate differences according to SSG characteristics. The results suggest that a specific SSG format could lead to different similarity and overload scores according to the playing position. This process could simplify data interpretation and categorize SSGs based on their scores.

How coaches design small-sided games in rugby union: a practice-based review

Background: Game-based training (GBT) is a holistic method for improving performance in team sports. Task constraints and design parameters can affect training effectiveness. The evidence on how small-sided game (SSG) design in rugby union (RU) influences outcome variables is lagging. No study has investigated the contemporary SSG practices of RU practitioners in different performance contexts. Methods An anonymous online survey with twenty-four questions was distributed to RU training staff six times worldwide in one year through multiple e-platforms. A frequency analysis was used to assess responses and contrast it with the literature. Results: 115 surveys were recorded. The dominant characteristics were &gt;5 y experience (66% of respondents), head coach position (53%), New Zealand-based (77%), coaching male players (69%) on the local/school level (68%). Higher-level practitioners applied larger SSG formats with shorter duration, using more extreme pitch sizes and less tackling, for conditioning purposes primarily. Lower-level practitioners targeted fun and technique. Smaller game formats and tackling were used more in male and youth players, and on the lower levels. Further observed differences relate to practitioner role, experience, and geographical location. Conclusion: Practitioners design SSG differently depending on their coaching background, target population, competition level, and geographical location. Practitioner education on GBT would optimise RU training practice. This study provides performance-contextual insights.

Different Aspects of Physical Load in Small-Sided Field Hockey Games.

Wilmes, E, de Ruiter, CJ, van Leeuwen, RR, Banning, LF, van der Laan, D, and Savelsbergh, GJP. Different aspects of physical load in small-sided field hockey games. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): e56-e61, 2024-Running volumes and acceleration/deceleration load are known to vary with different formats of small-sided games (SSGs) in field hockey. However, little is known about other aspects of the physical load. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain a more thorough understanding of the total physical load in field hockey SSGs. To that end, 2 different SSGs (small: 5 vs. 5, ∼100 m 2 per player; large: 9 vs. 9, ∼200 m 2 per player) were performed by 16 female elite field hockey athletes. A range of external physical load metrics was obtained using a global navigational satellite system and 3 wearable inertial measurement units on the thighs and pelvis. These metrics included distances covered in different velocity ranges (walk, jog, run, and sprint), mean absolute acceleration/deceleration, Hip Load, and time spent in several physically demanding body postures. The effects of SSG format on these external physical load metrics were assessed using linear mixed models ( p < 0.05). Running volumes in various speed ranges were higher for the large SSG. By contrast, mean absolute acceleration/deceleration and time spent in several demanding body postures were higher for the small SSG. This study shows that changing the SSG format affects different aspects of physical load differently.

Examining the effect of task constraints on the emergence of creative action in young elite football players by using a method combining expert judgement and frequency count

In adult football, small-sided games are associated with increased action variability and suggested to promote more creative actions compared to regular 11v11 formats. This aligns with predictions from an ecological approach to perception and action that creative actions emerge in environments that grant variability in action, instead of being an expression of the individual player’s ability to generate ideas. To further evidence for this prediction, the current study aimed to expand this observation to elite youth football players. To this end, the number of different and creative actions in 4v4 small-sided game and a 11v11 regular-sided game among 10- to 12-year-old elite football players were examined. We analyzed a total of 7922 actions, which were categorized for type and creativity. Based on a subset of these actions, a panel of elite football coaches judged action types occurring below 0.5% as significantly more creative than more frequent action types. Hence, we used an occurrence of 0.5% as threshold to distinguish creative actions from non-creative actions. The results showed that the total number of actions, the number of different action types, the number creative actions and the number of different creative action types was significantly higher for the small-sided game format than the regular-sided game. In conclusion, this study confirms that in elite youth football, small-sided games induce a more variable and creative action repertoire. This shows that practitioners can design learning environments that promote the emergence of creative actions.

Monitoring the external load of counter-attack drills in youth soccer using GPS devices: The influence of time pressure and numerical superiority on players’ responses

This study aimed to analyse the impact of including time pressure on players’ physical responses related to distance covered at different speed zones and accelerations performed during balanced and unbalanced small-sided soccer games. Forty-four U-17 athletes from elite clubs were recruited. Players engaged in four formats of small-sided games: 4vs4 (with and without time pressure) and 5vs4 (with and without time pressure, plus additional floaters). Physical responses were monitored through Global Positioning System devices. A MANOVA compared data at a level of significance of 5%. There were no differences between with and without time pressure formats for both distances and accelerations. However, games played in numerically balanced conditions elicited greater physical responses regarding distance covered and distances covered in different speed zones. Specifically, the numerically balanced condition showed higher distances in the higher speed zones than the floater condition, which showed higher values in the lowest speed zone than the 4vs4 condition. This study concluded that adopting the time pressure to represent counter-attack situations does not change the players’ physical responses; adopting numerical superiority without adjusting the pitch size will reduce the physical responses.

The effect of pitch size manipulation during small sided-games performed by different age category football players: a pilot study

This research aimed to analyse the pitch size manipulation effect on internal and external load and to study the age effect on the studied variables in different small-sided games (SSGs) formats. Male U-12 (n = 8), U-15 (n = 8) youth football players, and U-23 (n = 8) professional cohorts participated in the study. Two SSGs formats were analyzed, goalkeeper (GK) + 4 vs. 4 + GK, 3 minutes play in 20 × 30 m and 24 × 36 m, with 3 minutes rest between bouts. The variance analysis Anova two-way was used to analyse two independent factors, pitch size, and age group. The playing area manipulation had an effect under the following variables: distance (p &lt; 0.001), speed 0–6 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), speed 12–18 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), speed 18–21 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), accelerations (Ac.) 1–2 m/s2(p &lt; 0.001), decelerations (Dc.) 2–3 m/s2 (p &lt; 0.001), metabolic power (Pmet) (p &lt; 0.001) and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) (p &lt; 0.001). The age group influenced the distance covered (p &lt; 0.001), speed 0–6 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), speed 6–12 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), speed 12–18 km/h (p &lt; 0.001), speed 21–24 km/h (p = 0.030), Ac. 1–2 m/s2 (p &lt; 0.001), Ac. 1–2 m/s2 (p &lt; 0.001Pmet (p &lt; 0.001), HMLD (p &lt; 0.001) and training impulse (TRIMP)(p &lt; 0.001). Playing area manipulation in football SSGs promotes an increase in external load intensity, namely, larger areas are suitable for larger effects at high speeds (&gt;21 km/h) and TRIMP. A careful and detailed evaluation of training tasks, considering the different age category football players, is important to optimize the planning in football, aiming at improving players’ condition and performance and avoiding health problems and injuries.

Physiological responses of small-sided vs. regular games in youth volleyball players

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two different formats of small-sided games (SSGs; 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3) on physiological parameters in youth volleyball players. Twelve youth volleyball players (17.2 ± 7.44 years, 1.89 ± 0.6 m, 72.83 ± 8.57 kg) completed three different games formats (regular game (RG): 6 vs. 6, SSG3: 3 vs. 3 and SSG2: 2 vs. 2). associated with two pitch dimensions (i.e., 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3 on 18 × 4.5 m; 6 vs. 6 on 18 × 9 m). Each player performed 4 × 5 min SSG with a recovery period of 1 min between bouts. All players were members of the same youth team and played in a professional league. They had at least 6 years of volleyball training and no current injuries. This study was carried out during the competitive period. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate ([La-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Compared to RG, physiological (i.e., HR and [La-]) and RPE responses were significantly higher during SSG3 and SSG2 (all p < 0.05; ƞp 2 = 0.77, ƞp 2 = 0.65, ƞp 2 = 0.30, respectively). Moreover, HR and RPE were significantly higher in SSG2 compared to SSG3. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in [La-] between SSG2 and SSG3. These results suggest that the number of players influences the exercise intensity in small-sided volleyball games in youth players. Therefore, coaches could benefit from incorporating SSGs to manipulate the exercise intensity in youth volleyball players.

Shuttle Running Within a Small-Sided Game: Effects on Internal and External Workloads, in Young Elite Soccer Players.

To compare the effects of 2 small-sided games (SSGs), shuttle running within the bout (SSG-S) versus possession play only (SSG-P) on acute physiological and metabolic responses, perception of effort, and performance. Ten young elite male soccer players (age 18.6 [1.9]y) performed two 5vs5 SSG formats (SSG-S and SSG-P) consisting of 4 × 4minutes with 1minute of passive recovery between bouts, 2 times each, once a week, and in a randomized order. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed as indices of internal workload. Total and relative distances, distance at moderate and high speed, distances traveled in accelerations (≥2m·s-2) and decelerations (≤-2m·s-2; DDEC), and average metabolic power were chosen as indices of external workload and collected with a 10-Hz portable global positioning system device. Total distance, distances traveled in acceleration, distances traveled in deceleration, average metabolic power (always P < .01 and g > 1.62-large effect), and distance at moderate speed (P = .03 and g = 0.84-large effect) were significantly higher in SSG-S than in SSG-P. Moreover, the SSG-S showed higher blood lactate concentration (P = .0001, g = 12.58-large effect) and rating of perceived exertion (P = .03, g = 1.14-large effect) values than SSG-P. No significant differences in peak heart rate, relative distance, and distance at high speed were found. Our study showed, in young competitive male soccer players, the effectiveness of an SSG format that includes shuttle running within each bout in the development of more relevant internal and external workloads. These experimental data should encourage coaches to use this new SSG regimen within the traditional weekly training program.

Technical and locomotor demands in elite soccer: manipulating area per player during small-sided games to replicate official match demands.

The present study aimed to investigate the area per player (ApP) to replicate the technical and locomotor match demands using small-sided games (SSGs) in male soccer players (n = 20) competing in major European and UEFA competitions. The relative number of each individual technical activity per minute (number · min-1; technical demands) was counted and the relative (m · min-1) total (TD), high-speed running (HSRD), very high-speed running (VHSRD), sprint and acceleration+deceleration (Acc+Dec) distances were collected during different SSG formats (n = 24; 4 vs 4 to 10 vs 10 with an ApP from 60 to 341 m2 · player-1) and official matches (n = 28). Data were collected during two full seasons. A linear mixed model analysis was used to calculate the individual relationship between technical/locomotor demands and the ApP during SSGs; the correlation coefficient was also calculated. With the exception of an inverse moderate (r = -0.457) correlation for Acc+Dec, each locomotor metric (TD, HSRD, VHSRD and sprint) showed a positive large to very large (r = 0.560 to 0.710) correlation with ApP (P < 0.001). The technical demands showed an inverse moderate correlation (r = -0.529) with ApP. Additionally, inverse moderate to large correlations (r = -0.397 to -0.600; P < 0.05) between the technical demands and the locomotor demands (TD, HSR, VHSR and sprint) were found. Lastly, an ApP of ~243 m2 · player was found to replicate the official match technical demand and it was quite similar to the ApP required to replicate HSRD, VHSRD and sprint. These findings may help practitioners to replicate, overload and underload both technical and locomotor demands using a specific ApP during SSGs in elite soccer.

Exploring external load variations in elite female soccer players during 6v6 small-sided games

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the external loads response of elite female soccer players to different small-sided games (SSG). Twelve elite female soccer players (26.5 ± 5.7 years, 58.6 ± 5.6 kg, 164.4 ± 5.3 cm) performed four different 6vs6 SSG: two different sizes (20x20m and 30x30m) and with minigoals (MG) and without mini-goals (NG). Methods: Total distance (TD), low-intensity running distance (LIR), high-intensity running distance (HIR), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC), repeated sprints (RS) and Bodyload (BL) was collected using a 15Hz global positioning satellite system. The variables were compared across all SSG formats using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p&lt;.05) and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences (Cohen´s d). Results: Compared to 20x20m SSG, the 30x30m SSG induced greater TD (p=.001, d=1.20), LIR (p=.001, d=1.06), HIR (p=.001, d=1.20) and BL (p=.008, d=1.04) in NG condition. Similarly, in SSG with MG, greater number of ACC (p=.003, d=.38), DEC (p=.005, d=.42), LIR (p=.009, d=.86) and HIR (p=.070 d=.61) occurred in 30x30m vs. 20x20m. When NG 30x30m and 20x20m SSG were played, greater TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectively), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectively) and BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectively) were noted compared to MG. Conclusion: greater external load response of elite female soccer players was observed in SSG without mini-goals and played in greater pitch sizes. These findings are usefulness for coaches and physical trainers to design proper training tasks according to game demands.

Peak Locomotor Intensity in Elite Handball Players: A First Insight Into Player Position Differences and Training Practices.

Fleureau, A, Rabita, G, Leduc, C, Buchheit, M, and Lacome, M. Peak locomotor intensity in elite handball players: a first insight into player position differences and training practices. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 432-438, 2023-The aims of the study were to (a) describe the peak locomotor intensity sustained during handball matches and (b) compare them with small-sided games (SSGs) programmed during training in elite handball players. Small-sided game ( n = 342) and match ( n = 121) data were collected among 11 players (25 ± 7 years, 191 ± 8 cm, 89 ± 12 kg) belonging to an elite French Handball team. Players' locomotor activity was recorded using 20-Hz Local Positioning System. Peak total (TD[m]) and high-speed running distance (HS[m]) and mechanical load (Accel'Rate [a.u.]) were calculated during different time periods (1-15 minutes different rolling averages). A plot of log (locomotor variables) against log (time) allowed to obtain a straight line with a slope and an intercept for each variable. Between-position differences during matches and difference between matches and SSGs were assessed with linear mixed model and magnitude-based decisions. Almost certainly higher peak locomotor intensity (intercept) was found in Wingers (TD: 156 ± 13; HS: 96 ± 12; Accel'Rate: 13 ± 3) compared with other playing positions for TD (Back players: 127 ± 10; Pivots: 136 ± 13), HS (Back players: 56 ± 9; Pivots: 57 ± 11), and Accel'Rate (Back players: 11 ± 2; Pivots: 11 ± 2). However, no clear between-position difference was found regarding the slope. Additionally, none of the SSGs format produced an overload in peak locomotor intensity in comparison with matches (TD: 138 ± 16; HS: 66 ± 20; Accel'Rate: 12 ± 2). Because reaching the peak locomotor intensity sustained during match is not possible using SSGs, practitioners should consider using isolated conditioning drills (e.g., short or long intervals, repeated sprints). Moreover, specific attention should be paid for Winger's work supplementation because they present the highest peak locomotor intensity in the team.

Analyzing the within and between Players Variability of Heart Rate and Locomotor Responses in Small-Sided Soccer Games Performed Repeatedly over a Week.

Background: Small-sided games (SSGs) are drill-based and constrained exercises designed to promote a technical/tactical and physiological/physical stimulus on players while preserving some dynamics of the real game. However, as a dynamic game, they can offer some variability making the prediction of the stimulus hardest for the coach. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the between-session and within-player variability of heart rates and locomotor responses of young male soccer players in 3v3 and 5v5 small-sided game formats. Methods: This study followed a repeated-measures study design. Twenty soccer players were enrolled in a study design in which the SSG formats 3v3 and 5v5 were performed consecutively across four days. Twenty under-17 male youth soccer players (16.8 ± 0.4 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were monitored using a Polar Team Pro for measuring the heart rate mean and maximum, distances covered at different speed thresholds, and peak speed. Results: Between-players variability revealed that maximum heart rate was the outcome with a smaller coefficient of variation (3v3 format: 3.1% to 11.1%; 5v5 format: 6.6% to 15.2%), while the distance covered at Z5 (3v3 format: 82.5% to 289.8%; 5v5 format: 94.0% to 221.1%). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the four games tested were different in the within-player variability considering the maximum heart rate (p = 0.032), total distance (p < 0.001), and distances at zone 1, 2, and 5 of speed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The smaller small-sided game tested promotes greater within-player variability in locomotor demands while promoting smaller within-player variability heart rate responses. Possibly, 5v5 is more recommended to stabilize the locomotor demands, while the 3v3 is recommended to stabilize the heart rate stimulus.

How different are soccer training sessions based on small-sided games? A cluster analysis to explore perceived exertion and training load

Background: Soccer coaching staffs may have difficulties in classifying properly the load accomplished during training sessions and understanding how players rate the effort and the training load during the micro-cycles. Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate if the features and duration of training tasks can automatically classify the different weekly training sessions into different clusters, and to describe and compare the features and duration of training tasks, rating of perceived exertion and training load from the different training sessions across both classifications (prescribed by staff per day vs. automatically per cluster). Methods: Eighteen elite youth male soccer players reported their rating of perceived exertion 10 min after each practice during twelve micro-cycles. In each micro-cycle, differentiated management of the task characteristics for each training day was implemented. A Random Forest Clustering was used to automatically assign each training session to one cluster and allowed to create similar groups and contrast them with the sessions prescribed by the coaching staff. Results: Proper manipulation of different variables of small-sided games (number of players, relative playing area per player, game orientation, training regimen) can automatically differentiate training sessions. Youth soccer players can also perceive each training session differently (p &lt; .05). Conclusions: Using different formats of small-sided games in each training session may be interesting to modulate the player's perceived load during the micro-cycle. However, results should be interpreted with caution, due to representing a single team and coaching staff.

Small-sided games in amateur players: rule modification with mini-goals to induce lower external load responses.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological (i.e., heart rate-related variables) and neuromuscular responses (i.e., sprint and jump) and time-motion characteristics (i.e., external load variables) when modifying the game design (possession play vs. mini-goals without a goalkeeper) during 4-a-side in amateur senior football players. Male senior football players (n = 16) performed two formats of small-sided games (SSGs) in two different testing sessions (4-a-side with possession play and mini-goals rule). Differences in time-motion characteristics and physiological parameters of players were measured with the Global Positioning System (GPS), and tested before and after (pre- and post-SSG) for neuromuscular assessment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc test, showed that both SSG formats induced changes in sprint performance (before-after comparison) (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that the variables muscle oxygen saturation, rate of perceived exertion, 85–89% heart rate peak, total distance, total distances at low speed, total distances at high speed, m/min, accelerations at low speed, accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, maximal speed, and average speed were statistically significantly different among game conditions. The players’ performances are affected by the inclusion of mini-goals during 4 vs. 4 SSGs. The results provide useful information for training and task design that replicate specific physical demands (i.e., accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, total distances at high speed or total distances at low speed).

Internal and external load during 8 v 8, 5 v 5 and 3 v 3 in Chinese elite youth male football players.

Aim to investigate internal and external load in three different game formats (8 v 8, 5 v 5, 3 v 3 with 80 m2 per player) of small-sided games (SSG) in Chinese elite youth football players. Twenty-nine elite male football players (age: 18.3 ± 0.5 years (mean ± SD), height: 175 ± 6 cm, weight: 65.5 ± 6.3 kg) participated in randomized order in the three formats. Each session consisted of 20 min: 3 v 3 on a 24 × 20-m pitch, 5 v 5 on a 32 × 25-m pitch, or 8 v 8 on a 40 × 32-m pitch all equalling 80 m2 per player. Each player was recorded once in each format. Using GPS-units and heart rate belts and blood lactate measured the two kinds of load. 8–10% higher total distance (P < 0.01) was observed in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 compared with 3 v 3 (1627 ± 240 and 1595 ± 243 m vs. 1477 ± 179 m, ES = 0.55–0.71). Higher distance (P < 0.001) was covered with high speed running (HSR: > 14 km/h) in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 than 3 v 3 (154 ± 94 m and 133 ± 59 m vs. 77 ± 35, ES = 1.09–1.15), whereas very high speed running distance (> 21 km/h) was higher (P < 0.01) in 8 v 8 than 5 v 5 and 3 v 3 (15.2 ± 19.5 vs. 5.3 ± 6.7 and 1.0 ± 0.4 m, ES = 0.69–1.03) and in 5 v 5 than 3 v 3. No difference was found between game formats in the number of intense accelerations nor intense decelerations. Blood lactate (3.5 ± 2.3 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9 vs. 2.4 ± 1.5 mmol · L-1, P = 0.201) and mean heart rate (155 ± 21 vs. 160 ± 11 vs. 157 ± 17 bpm, P = 0.254) was not different between 8v8, 5v5 and 3v3 game formats. Distance covered in total and in highest speed zones was higher in SSG formats with more players, which, however, did not lead to differences in internal load measured by heart rate and blood lactate.

Influence of game format and team strategy on physical and perceptual intensity in soccer small-sided games

The aim of the study was to compare internal and external load responses of different small-sided games, using balanced (5v5 Possession and small-sided games formats) and unbalanced (6v4) teams. Ten elite youth male soccer players were monitored at the start of the in-season period using global positioning system, heart rate and subjective ratings of intensity. Results showed higher physiological stress (&gt;90% HRmax) in Possession and small-sided games formats when compared to the unbalanced teams (ES = 1.3–2.3). Total and high-intensity distance in small-sided games (28 ± 25 m) and Possession (67 ± 35 m) were greater compared to teams of 6 and 4 in the unbalanced scenario. Small-sided games format and team with six players had higher proportion of distance running at sub-maximal velocities (0–5.8 m/s2). Small-sided games format and team with four players saw greater mean acceleration effort (mean acceleration intensity in small-sided games 1.91 ± 0.27 vs. Possession 1.80 ± 0.20 m/s2, ES = 0.4 and Team 4 1.56 ± 0.24 vs. Team 6 1.44 ± .0.19 m/s2, ES = 1.3). Small-sided games format and team with 6 players had lower starting velocities prior to acceleration efforts (small-sided games 0.90 ± 0.08 and Team 6 1.11 ± 0.11 m/s2, ES = 1.5 and ES = 1.8), while velocity at the end of each acceleration effort was greater in the Possession format and Team 4 compared to small-sided games and Team 6 (Possession 3.54 ± 0.23 m/s2 and Team 4 3.13 ± 0.22 m/s2) compared to the small-sided games format (ES = 0.1) and the team with six players (ES = 2.3). These data demonstrate that using unbalanced teams can provide an additional form of training prescription to facilitate player specific training within a squad environment by providing different internal and external training responses within a combined drill.