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Abstract

Abbreviations: ssg-small sided games, hr-heart rate, rpe-rate of perceived exertion: u17-under 17 IntroductionThe Small-Sided Games (SSG) is technical exercises submitted in the form of games appropriately modified by the coaches and/or fitness coaches on the basis of sport specific training.1 These variations are done to simplify and preserve the specific characteristics of team sports practiced. 2The SSG produce numerous benefits in the soccer players; these functional benefits are described in detail in the literature:3,4 SSG are very widespread football training exercises to improve both the physical condition and the technical abilities, both in adults than in young soccer players 5−8 optimizing the training time. 9The literature suggests that compared to traditional matches 11vs11, the SSG allow to get similar or even higher values in relation of heart rate, 10,11 to the concentration of blood lactate, as well as to the distance covered; 12 resulting, thus, very functional for the physical and technical training. 4,7,13 In the youth training, it is sought training proposals that are appropriate in the physiological characteristics of young soccer player and that may increase the functional values and technical skills.14 Even the cognitive aspects relating to understanding of the game for young soccer players, also seem to depend on the field sizes, the number of players and the type of the exercises.15 In addition to motivational aspects and learning, the SSG, already from the prepubertalage, represent significant exercises for the development of technical skills, such as passing, stop, shot on goal, etc 8,16−22 and physical aspects. 8,20,23−25 The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the internal load and the type and frequency of use of some technical skills in different types of SSG (3vs3, 4vs4, 5vs5) in young soccer players. Materials and methodsThe study included 10 young soccer players U17 (mean age 15,6±0,5 years, weight: 66±7,3 kg; height: 172±5 cm). Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.HR was assessed using wireless heart rate monitors equipped with a telemetry system (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland). The 3vs3, 4vs4 and 5vs5 SSG was played on an 18 x 30 meter, 24 x 36 meter and 30 x 42 meter, respectively. 26 The playing surface was composed of the latest generation of artificial turf. For the RPE the 6-20 Borg scale was used. 27,28 The exercises were filmed with a camera for the next counting of technical skills. All SSG formats used a size 5 football.The young soccer players before making the different SSG formats have followed a warm up of 15 minutes, including an aerobic activation, dynamic stretching exercises, joint mobility exercises, and running technique exercises.The 4vs4 and 5vs5 formats were performed for 3 to 6 min while the 3vs3 for 3 to 4 min. The recovery between series was passive for 90 sec for all types of SSG examined. During the duration of the playing sessions, heart rate was constantly monitored using wireless Polar heart rate monitors and at...