Time-motion Characteristics Research Articles

Características físicas y antropométricas, y análisis de juego en jugadores de pádel de elite

Los objetivos de este estudio son, por un lado, determinar las características antropométricas y de fuerza (medida mediante test de hand-grip y salto vertical con brazos libres) comprándolo con otros deportes de raqueta, y por otro, analizar las características propias del juego durante el Campeonato de España de Pádel sub-23. Para ello 14 hombres (20,38 ± 1,92 años) y 12 mujeres (19,73 ± 2,37 años) participaron en este estudio. A todos ellos se les realizó unas mediciones antropométricas, y unos tests de fuerza de miembro superior (hand-grip) y de miembro inferior (salto vertical con brazos libres) antes y después de los partidos. Por último, se registraron los datos de analisis de juego durante dicho evento. Los resultados muestran que las características antropométricas de los jugadores de pádel difieren ligeramente de las de los jugadores de otros deportes de raqueta. Los valores de fuerza, no disminuyeron después del partido, no observándose ningún indicio de fatiga. Respecto al análisis de las características del juego, el pádel se caracteriza por tener menos tiempo activo que el tenis de mesa y el badminton, pero más tiempo activo que el tenis.

The evaluation of small-sided games as a talent identification tool in highly trained prepubertal soccer players

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate physiological and technical attributes of prepubertal soccer players during multiple small-sided games (SSGs), and determine if SSGs can act as a talent identification tool. Sixteen highly trained U10 soccer players participated and separated into two groups of eight. Each group played six small-sided (4 vs. 4) matches of 5-min duration. Each player was awarded total points for the match result and goals scored. A game technical scoring chart was used to rate each player’s performance during each game. Time-motion characteristics were measured using micromechanical devices. Total points had a very large significant relationship with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.758, P < 0.001). High-speed running distance had a significantly large correlation with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.547, P < 0.05). Total distance covered had a significant and moderate correlation with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.545, P < 0.05) and total points (r = 0.438, P < 0.05). The results demonstrated a large agreement between the highest-rated players and success in multiple SSGs, possibly due to higher-rated players covering larger distances in total and at high speed. Consequently, multiple SSG could be used to identify the more talented prepubertal soccer players.

The Effect of Changing Player Numbers on the Physiological Responses and Time-motion Characteristics of a Soccer-Specific Training Drill

Soccer-specific training (SST) drills are used to develop physiological adaptations, technical and tactical skills, and provide coaches with greater control of external training load. Despite widespread use, there has been little analysis of SST drills. This study quantified the effect of manipulating player numbers on the physiological demands of an SST drill. Fourteen players completed nine trials (3 × 8, 10, 12 players) of a 4-min SST drill modelled on soccer time-motion data. Physiological intensity measures (heart rate, blood lactate concentration [BLa-], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) and GPS time-motion data (movement distances and velocities) were collected for each drill. A repeated measures analysis of variance determined significant (p < 0.05) between-drill differences. Results showed variables such as total running distance (TD), mean percentage of maximum heart rate, RPE, and [BLa-] were greater for the 8-player SST drill. The 10-player drill also had a 22% greater TD and 21% higher average speed compared to the 12-player drill, which tended to have a lower activity profile. The 8-player SST drill could be used to develop aerobic capacity and repeat-sprint ability (RSA) because of a higher activity profile. The 10- and 12-player drills would be suited for RSA and sprint acceleration enhancement.

Comparison of the Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Characteristics of Young Soccer Players in Small-Sided Games

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of "with goalkeeper" (SSGwith) and "without goalkeeper" (SSGwithout) conditions on players' physiological responses and time-motion characteristics in small-sided games. Sixteen young soccer players (age: 16.5 ± 1.5 years; height: 175.5 ± 5.2 cm; body mass: 63.0 ± 6.9 kg; training experience: 6.3 ± 1.3 years) participated in 2 different 2-a-side, 3-a-side, and 4-a-side games: SSGwith and SSGwithout. The players underwent anthropometric measurements (height and body mass) followed by the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1). Then they played 2-a-side, 3-a-side, and 4-a-side SSGwith and SSGwithout soccer-specific SSGs in random order at 2-day intervals. Heart rate (HR) responses and distance covered in different speed zones (walking [WLK, 0-6.9 km·h(-1)], low-intensity running [LIR, 7.0-12.9 km·h(-1)], moderate-intensity running [MIR, 13.0-17.9 km·h(-1)], and high-intensity running [HIR, >18 km·h(-1)]) were measured during the SSGs, whereas the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (La) were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. During the SSGwithout players showed higher %HR, La, and RPE (p ≤ 0.05), greater distance covered in LIR, MIR, HIR, and total distance (p ≤ 0.05) compared with the SSGwith during the 2-a-side, 3-a-side, and 4-a-side games. The results of this study suggest that both SSGwith and SSGwithout could be used for the physiological adaptations required for soccer-specific aerobic endurance. However, if coaches want both higher physiological responses and greater distance covered in the intensity running zone from their teams, SSGwithout should be organized. In addition, this study also suggests that smaller format games (i.e., 2-a-side) may promote some anaerobic adaptations for youth soccer players.

Acute Effects of the Number of Players and Scoring Method on Physiological, Physical, and Technical Performance in Small-sided Soccer Games

This study aims to examine the effect of differences in the number of players and scoring method on heart rate responses, time–motion characteristics, and technical/tactical performance during small-sided soccer games. Ten male amateur soccer players (26.4 ± 5.3 years old, 8.4 ± 3.2 years of practice, 179.3 ± 5.2 cm body height, 71.2 ± 7.1 kg body weight, 45.8 ± 2.6 ml.kg–1min–1VO2max) from the Portuguese regional league played nine different small-sided games (i.e., 3 formats × 3 scoring methods). The study used two-way MANOVA, two-away ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA, depending on the specific procedure for the analysis. Compared with other formats, 2v2 induced significantly greater values of technical/tactical indexes (p = 0.001), 3v3 induced significantly higher %HRreserve values (p = 0.001), and 4v4 led to significantly greater distance coverage and speed (p = 0.001). The study provided evidence for coaches to set different small-sided game conditions depending on the training purpose in terms of physiological, physical, and technical performance.

Effect of number of touches and exercise duration on the kinematic profile and heart rate response during small-sided games in soccer.

This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise duration and the number of touches allowed during possession on time-motion characteristics and the physiological responses of soccer players in 6 vs. 6 small-sided games (SSGs) lasting 12 minutes. The analysis divided each game into two 6-min periods and we compared two formats: free play (SSGFP) vs. a maximum of two touches per individual possession (SSG2T). Participants were 12 semi-professional players (age: 22.7±4.3 years; body height: 177.5±4.9 cm; body mass: 74.9±6.3 kg) and the following variables were measured by means of heart rate monitors and GPS devices: mean heart rate (HRmean), time spent in each exercise intensity zone, total distance covered, total distance covered in different speed zones, number of accelerations at different intensities, maximum speed reached, player load, and the work-to-rest ratio. The results showed that in SSGFP there was a decrease in the intensity of physical parameters during the second 6-min period (6–12 min), whereas this decrease was not observed when a maximum of two touches per individual possession was allowed. During the second period (6–12 min) of SSG2T there was an increase in HRmean and in the time spent in high exercise intensity zones, but these differences were not observed in SSGFP. The value of these findings for soccer coaches is that they illustrate how different technical, tactical or conditioning objectives could be addressed by altering the length and format of the SSG used in training.

Time-motion analysis of acceleration demands of 4v4 small-sided soccer games played on different pitch sizes

We aimed to quantify the time–motion characteristics and technical demands of small-sided soccer games (SSGs) played on small, medium and large pitches using a high frequency non-differential global positioning system (NdGPS) that allowed assessment of acceleration and deceleration patterns. Eight male soccer players competed in SSGs comprising 4×4min quarters (3min recovery) on small (30×20m) medium (40×30m) and large (50×40m) pitch sizes. Time motion analysis using a NdGPS positioning system quantified distance covered sprinting (⩾6.7ms−1), high speed running (⩾5.8ms−1) and low (1–2ms−2), medium (2–3ms−2) and high (>3ms−2) acceleration. The frequency of common technical actions (passing, turning, dribbling, shooting, tackling, heading and interceptions) was performed using a hand notation system. SSGs played on medium and large pitches had a greater physical demand than on small pitches, with significantly more distance covered in all movement categories. Total distance covered in acceleration categories ranged from 230±111 (small pitch) to 356±72m (medium pitch). The small pitch imposed a greater technical demand on players (more passes, shots and tackles) compared to medium and large pitches. The study provides novel data demonstrating the acceleration patterns observed in SSGs are relatively greater than those observed during professional match play. Thus SSGs might offer a “density” type conditioning stimulus. Practitioners should be aware that changes in pitch size impact both the physical and technical demands of SSGs.

Physiological Response, Time–Motion Characteristics, and Reproducibility of Various Speed-Endurance Drills in Elite Youth Soccer Players: Small-Sided Games Versus Generic Running

To quantify the physiological responses, time-motion characteristics, and reproducibility of various speed-endurance-production (SEP) and speed-endurance-maintenance (SEM) drills. Sixteen elite male youth soccer players completed 4 drills: SEP 1 v 1 small-sided game (SSG), SEP running drill, SEM 2 v 2 SSG, and SEM running drill. Heart-rate response, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and time-motion characteristics were recorded for each drill. The SEP and SEM running drills elicited greater (P < .05) heart-rate responses, blood lactate concentrations, and RPE than the respective SSGs (ES 1.1-1.4 and 1.0-3.2). Players covered less (P < .01) total distance and high-intensity distance in the SEP and SEM SSGs than in the respective running drills (ES 6.0-22.1 and 3.0-18.4). Greater distances (P < .01) were covered in high to maximum acceleration/deceleration bands during the SEP and SEM SSGs than the respective running drills (ES 2.6-4.6 and 2.3-4.8). The SEP SSG and generic running protocols produced greater (P < .05) blood lactate concentrations than the respective SEM protocols (ES 1.2-1.7). Small to moderate test-retest variability was observed for heart-rate response (CV 0.9-1.9%), RPE (CV 2.9-5.7%), and blood lactate concentration (CV 9.9-14.4%); moderate to large test-retest variability was observed for high-intensity-running parameters (CV > 11.3%) and the majority of accelerations/deceleration distances (CV > 9.8%) for each drill. The data demonstrate the potential to tax the anaerobic energy system to different extents using speed-endurance SSGs and that SSGs elicit greater acceleration/ deceleration load than generic running drills.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE, TIME-MOTION CHARACTERISTICS AND REPRODUCIBILITY OF VARIOUS SPEED ENDURANCE DRILLS IN ELITE YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS: SMALL SIDED GAMES VS GENERIC RUNNING

The aim of the study was to quantify the physiological responses, time-motion characteristics and reproducibility of various speed endurance production (SEP) and speed endurance maintenance (SEM) drills. Twenty-one elite male...

Quantification of Physiological, Movement, and Technical Outputs During a Novel Small-Sided Game in Young Team Sport Athletes

The aim of this study was to quantify the physiological responses, time-motion characteristics, and technical executions associated with a novel non-sport-specific small-sided game (SSG) in young team sport players. On 6 separate occasions, 12 young male team sport athletes (mean ± SD: age, 13.0 ± 0.3 years; height, 157.4 ± 4.9 cm; body mass, 47.0 ± 5.0 kg; and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, 55.1 ± 4.6 ml·kg·min) completed various "bucketball" SSG formats (i.e., 3 vs. 3, 4 vs. 4, and 6 vs. 6) twice each. Heart rate (HR) was measured during each SSG at 5-second intervals. Time-motion characteristics were measured using global positioning systems. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were recorded immediately after the SSGs using the Borg scale (RPEs, 6-20). Technical skill executions were measured using a high-speed digital video camera. Analysis revealed a tendency for the 3 vs. 3 games to elicit higher HRs (88.3 ± 4.3) than either 4 vs. 4 (85.9 ± 4.9) or 6 vs. 6 formats (85.9 ± 3.2). Total distance traveled at 13-17.9 km·h was more during 6 vs. 6 than 3 vs. 3 games (very likely substantial true difference, 97%), and total possessions and number of catches, passes, and shots were all higher in 3 vs. 3 compared with 4 vs. 4 and 6 vs. 6 games. There was no difference in RPE between the game formats. The results of this study indicate that 3 vs. 3 non-sport-specific SSGs provide higher stimulus for aerobic fitness adaptation and technical improvement than 4 vs. 4 and 6 vs. 6 formats, and their use for training young team sport athletes is recommended.

Physical Outcome in a Successful Italian Serie A Soccer Team Over Three Consecutive Seasons

The aim of this study was to examine the physical performance of a successful Italian Serie A team of more than 3 consecutive seasons. Twenty-five players participated in the study and were classified into 3 playing positions: defenders (n = 9), midfielders (n = 11), and forwards (n = 5). Activities match were studied by an analysis of multiple match camera SICS throughout the competition Italian Serie A matches played at home (n = 90) for 3 consecutive seasons (first: 2004/2005; second: 2005/2006; and third: 2006/2007). Total team ball possession and time-motion characteristics were examined. Results showed that total ball possession (52.1-54.9%) and the number of points accumulated at home (40/48) improved in the past 3 seasons, whereas the final rankings at home were stable. The total distances covered by minutes of play were significantly different between the 3 seasons (118.32 ± 6.69 m·min to 111.96 ± 8.05 m·min). Distance running and high-intensity activities were similar in the 3 seasons, whereas the distance covered in moderate-intensity running decreased in the third (p < 0.05). Variations between playing positions were found during the 3 consecutive seasons, with midfielders covering greater distances than defenders (p < 0.05) and forwards (p < 0.01). This study showed how for 3 consecutive seasons a Serie A team of successful players reduced their distances performed at submaximal speeds, and increased ball possession, while maintaining the high-intensity activities and the number of points at home. It is suggested that this is because of a better understanding of roles and tactics team organization and to act collectively and individually on these parameters to reduce energy expenditure during the game to maintain a high-level performance throughout the season.

Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Characteristics of 4-A-Side Small-Sided Game in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different team formation methods on the physiological responses to and time-motion characteristics of 4-a-side small-sided games (SSG4) in young soccer players. Thirty-two young soccer players (age 16.2 ± 0.7 years; height 172.9 ± 6.1 cm; body mass 64.1 ± 7.7 kg) voluntarily participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements, technical tests, and maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) tests were carried out on the players. The SSG4 teams were then created using 4 different methods: according to the coaches' subjective evaluation (CE), technical scores (TS), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (AP), and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max multiplied by TSs (CG). The teams thus created played 4 bouts of SSG4 at 2-day intervals. During the SSG4, heart rate (HR) responses, distance covered, and time spent in HRmax zones were recorded. In addition, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate level (La) were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG4. Percent of HRmax (%HRmax), La, and RPE responses during SSG4 were significantly higher for teams chosen according to AP and CG compared with that according to CE and TS (p < 0.05). In addition, teams chosen by AP and CG spent significantly more time in zone 4 (>90% HRmax ) and covered a greater distance in the high-intensity running zone (>18 km·h) than did teams formed according to TS. Moreover, AP teams covered significantly greater total distance than TS teams did (p < 0.05). In conclusion, to spend more time in both the high-intensity HR zone and the high-intensity running zone, the teams in SSG4 should be formed according to the players' V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values or the values calculated using both the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and technique scores.

Physical Responses of Different Small-Sided Game Formats in Elite Youth Soccer Players

A major use of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer training is the concomitant development of game-specific aerobic fitness. We hypothesize that the SSG formats of 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, and 4 vs. 4 players reveal game-like intensities and therefore are most adequate to increase game-specific aerobic fitness. Heart rate (HR), percentage of maximum heart rate (HRmax), blood lactate concentration (La), and time-motion characteristics of 17 elite male youth soccer players (aged 14.9 ± 0.7 years, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 61.4 ± 4.5 ml·kg·min, HRmax 199.6 ± 7.3 b·min) were collected by global positioning systems while performing the SSG formats. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes were calculated to demonstrate the differences between SSG formats. Highest physiological responses were obtained in 2 vs. 2 (HR: 186 ± 7 b·min, HRmax: 93.3 ± 4.2%, La: 5.5 ± 2.4 mmol·L) followed by 3 vs. 3 (HR: 184 ± 8 b·min, HRmax: 91.5 ± 3.3%, La: 4.3 ± 1.7 mmol·L) and 4 vs. 4 (HR: 179 ± 7 b·min, HRmax 89.7 ± 3.4%, La: 4.4 ± 1.9 mmol·L). Pronounced differences were found for most physiological parameters and for time spent in the speed zones "walking" (<5.3 km·h), "moderate-speed running" (10.3-13.9 km·h), and "maximum sprinting" (≥26.8 km·h). The findings suggest that all the formats reveal game-like intensities and are suitable for aerobic fitness improvements. However, we found pronounced demands on the anaerobic energy supply in 2 vs. 2, whereas 3 vs. 3 and 4 vs. 4 remain predominantly on an aerobic level and differ mainly in the HR response. We suggest using 3 vs. 3 for soccer-specific aerobic fitness training.

Small-Sided Games in Soccer: Amateur vs. Professional Players' Physiological Responses, Physical, and Technical Activities

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the playing level in soccer (i.e., amateur vs. professional players) and the physiological impact, perceptual responses, time-motion characteristics, and technical activities during various small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty international players (27.4 ± 1.5 years and 17.4 ± 0.8 km·h(-1) of vVO(2)max) and 20 amateur players of the fourth French division (26.3 ± 2.2 years and 17.0 ± 1.2 km·h(-1) of vVO(2)max) played 9 SSGs (i.e., 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, and 4 vs. 4) in which the number of ball touches authorized by possession varied (1 ball touch authorized = 1T, 2 ball touches authorized = 2T, and Free Play = FP). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate ([La]), subjective perception of effort (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), physical performance, and technical performance of all players were analyzed during all SSGs. Across the various SSGs, amateurs completed a lower percent of successful passes (p < 0.01), recorded higher RPE and [La] values, lost a greater amount of ball possessions (p < 0.001), and covered less total distance with respect to sprinting and high-intensity running (HIR). The HR responses, however, were similar when expressed as %HRmax and %HRreserve. The comparison of the professional and amateur soccer players' activities during SSGs showed that the playing level influenced the physiological responses, physical and technical activities. Consequently, this study has shown that the main differences between elite and amateur players within SSGs concerned their capacity to perform high-intensity actions (HIR and sprints) and execute various technical abilities (in particular number of ball lost per possession and percentage of successful passes).

Physiology of Small-Sided Games Training in Football

Small-sided games (SSGs) are played on reduced pitch areas, often using modified rules and involving a smaller number of players than traditional football. These games are less structured than traditional fitness training methods but are very popular training drills for players of all ages and levels. At present, there is relatively little information regarding how SSGs can best be used to improve physical capacities and technical or tactical skills in footballers. However, many prescriptive variables controlled by the coach can influence the exercise intensity during SSGs. Coaches usually attempt to change the training stimulus in SSGs through altering the pitch area, player number, coach encouragement, training regimen (continuous vs interval training), rules and the use of goalkeepers. In general, it appears that SSG exercise intensity is increased with the concurrent reduction in player number and increase in relative pitch area per player. However, the inverse relationship between the number of players in each SSG and exercise intensity does not apply to the time-motion characteristics. Consistent coach encouragement can also increase training intensity, but most rule changes do not appear to strongly affect exercise intensity. The variation of exercise intensity measures are lower in smaller game formats (e.g. three vs three) and have acceptable reproducibility when the same game is repeated between different training sessions or within the same session. The variation in exercise intensity during SSGs can also be improved with consistent coach encouragement but it is still more variable than traditional generic training methods. Other studies have also shown that SSGs containing fewer players can exceed match intensity and elicit similar intensities to both long- and short-duration high-intensity interval running. It also appears that fitness and football-specific performance can be improved equally with SSG and generic training drills. Future research is required to examine the optimal periodization strategies of SSGs training for the long-term development of physiological capacity, technical skill and tactical proficiency.

Time-Motion Characteristics and Physiological Responses of Small-Sided Games in Elite Youth Players: The Influence of Player Number and Rule Changes

The aim of this study was to examine acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics associated with 4 soccer-specific small-sided game (SSG) formats (3 vs. 4 players, 3 vs. 3 players + floater, 5 vs. 6 players, and 5 vs. 5 players + floater) and 4 rule changes in elite youth soccer players. Sixteen male youth soccer players (mean +/- SD: age = 15.6 +/- 0.8 years, stature = 170.8 +/- 6.6 cm, body mass = 67.5 +/- 6.2 kg, and 20-m shuttle run estimated Vo2max = 57.4 +/- 3.7 mlxkgxmin) participated in the study, in which heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (La), and time-motion characteristics were recorded. The rule change requiring extra sprint running had a greater effect on the time-motion characteristics than all other rule modifications but no effect on acute %HRmax, La, and RPE. Rule changes had no effect on RPE. Fixed underload teams (i.e., lower number of players compared with the opponent team) recorded a significantly higher RPE compared with the fixed overload teams, although there were no differences in %HRmax and La. The major practical findings are that subtle changes in SSGs playing rules can influence the physiological, perceptual, and time-motion responses in young elite soccer players. Rules that are related to a team's chances of scoring may improve player motivation and thereby increase training intensity during SSGs. There were no differences between fixed and variable formats in terms of physiological and perceptual responses, although both may provide useful technical-tactical training. Coaches should take care in designing different soccer SSGs as each rule or game format change may influence exercise intensity independently.

Quantifying positional movement patterns in Twenty20 cricket

The time-motion characteristics of five cricket positions (Batsmen, Fast bowlers, Fielders, Spin bowlers, Wicketkeepers) were quantified during four State Twenty20 (T20) cricket matches. A total of 18 different players were monitored over 30 innings. Several time motion characteristics were quantified using portable 5Hz global positioning system (GPS) units. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) were used to describe the data while the effect size statistic was used to determine the magnitude of difference in patterns of movement between positions. T20 cricketers covered between 6.4 - 8.5 km, with 0.1 – 0.7 km of this distance spent sprinting during an 80 min fielding innings. Fast Bowlers covered 8.5 ± 1.5 km; sprinted 42 ± 8 times, mean sprint distance was 17 ± 2m and total sprinting distance was 0.7 ± 0.2 km. Wicketkeepers covered 6.4 ± 0.7 km; sprinted 5 ± 2 times, mean sprint distance was 10 ± 3m and total sprinting distance was 62 ± 44m. While batting (30 min) players covered ~2.5 km; sprinted 12 ± 5 times, mean sprint distance was 14 ± 3m and total sprinting distance was 160 ± 80m. Fast bowlers and fielders have substantially greater physical demands than spin bowlers and wicketkeepers in T20 cricket.

Variability in Movement Patterns During One Day Internationals by a Cricket Fast Bowler

The time-motion characteristics and the within-athlete variability in movement patterns were quantified for the same male fast bowler playing One Day International (ODI) cricket matches (n=12). A number of different time motion characteristics were monitored using a portable 5-Hz global positioning system (GPS) unit (Catapult, Melbourne, Australia). The bowler's mean workload per ODI was 8+/-2 overs (mean+/-SD). He covered a total distance of 15.9+/-2.5 km per game; 12+/-3% or 1.9+/-0.2 km was striding (0.8+/-0.2 km) or sprinting (1.1+/-0.2 km), whereas 10.9+/-2.1 km was spent walking. One high-intensity (running, striding, or sprinting) repetition (HIR) occurred every 68+/-12 s, and the average duration of a HI effort was 2.7+/-0.1 s. The player also completed 66+/-11 sprints per game; mean sprint distance was 18+/-3 m and maximum sprinting speed 8.3+/-0.9 m.s(-1). The movement patterns of this fast bowler were a combination of highly intermittent activities of variable intensity on the base of approximately 16 km per game. This information provides insight for conditioning coaches to determine the physical demands and to adapt the training and recovery processes of ODI fast bowlers.

Physiological responses and time–motion characteristics of various small-sided soccer games in youth players

The aim of this study was to examine acute physiological responses and time–motion characteristics associated with three different small-sided soccer game formats in youth players. Sixteen male soccer players aged 16.3 ± 0.6 years (mean ± s) completed three variations of a small-sided game (i.e. 2 vs. 2, 4 vs. 4, and 6 vs. 6 players) in which heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration, and time–motion characteristics were recorded. The pitch size was altered to keep the relative pitch area per player consistent for each game format. The 2 vs. 2 games exhibited greater blood lactate, heart rate, and RPE responses compared with 4 vs. 4 and 6 vs. 6 games (P < 0.05). The players travelled less (P < 0.05) distance at speeds of 0–7 km · h−1 in the 4 vs. 4 compared with the 2 vs. 2 games (1128 ± 10 m and 1176 ± 8 m, respectively). Average maximal sprint distances above 18 km · h−1 were lower (P < 0.05) in 2 vs. 2 than in 4 vs. 4 and 6 vs. 6 games (11.5 ± 3.9 m, 15.3 ± 5.5 m, and 19.4 ± 5.9 m, respectively), and in 4 vs. 4 compared with 6 vs. 6 games. The results show that as small-sided game formats decrease in size and relative pitch area remains constant, overall physiological and perceptual workload increases.

Acute Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Characteristics of Two Small-Sided Training Regimes in Youth Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics associated with continuous and intermittent small-sided games (SSGs). The continuous (SSGC) regime involved 24 minutes' playing duration (no planned rest intervals), whereas the intermittent regime (SSGI) involved 4 x 6-minute bouts with 1.5 minutes of passive planned rest (work:rest ratio 4:1). Both training regimes were implemented across 3 SSG formats, which included games with 2 vs. 2, 4 vs. 4, and 6 vs. 6 players. Sixteen men's soccer players (mean +/- SE: age = 16.2 +/- 0.2 years, height = 173.7 +/- 2.1 cm, body mass = 65.0+/- 2.5 kg, estimated VO2max = 54.8 +/- 0.7 ml x kg-1 x min-1) participated in the study. Heart rate (HR) was measured every 5 seconds during all SSGs. Global ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were recorded immediately after the SSGs using the Borg scale (RPEs, 6-20). Capillary blood samples were drawn at rest and within 5 minutes after the end of each SSG. Time-motion characteristics were measured using portable global positioning system units. There were no significant differences between SSGC and SSGI for total distance covered or for distance traveled while walking, jogging, or running at moderate speed. However, players covered a significantly greater distance at 13.0-17.9 km x h-1, a greater total distance at higher running speed, and a greater total number of sprints (>18 km x h-1) with SSGI compared with SSGC. In contrast, global RPE and %HRmax were significantly higher in SSGC than in SSGI. Both intermittent and continuous SSG training regimes could be used during the season for match-specific aerobic conditioning. However, both training regimes used in this study seem unlikely to provide a sufficient stimulus overload for fully developing VO2max.