Different Pitch Configurations Constrain the Playing Tactics and the Creation of Goal Scoring Opportunities during Small Sided Games in Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the tactical effects of different pitch configurations on the collective playing tactics and the creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO) during small sided soccer games (SSG) in youth players. A total of 22 players performed a 7 vs. 7 + 1 floater (including goalkeepers) under three different pitch configurations (“Standard”, 53 × 38 m; “Long”, 63 × 32 m; and “Wide”, 43 × 47 m). Eleven tactical indicators related to the development and the end of the team possessions were evaluated by systematic observation. Friedman tests (non-parametric ANOVA for repeated measures) revealed that the long and wide configurations produced more counterattacks (p = 0.0028; ES = 0.3), higher offensive penetration (p = 0.007; ES= 0.41), and more GSO (p = 0.018; ES = 0.30) than the standard format. Regarding the creation of GSO, the wide configuration produced more assists in the form of crosses than the long and standard formats (p = 0.025; ES = 0.31), more utilization of wide subspaces to assist the final player (p = 0.022; ES = 0.35), more number of headers as the final action (p = 0.022; ES = 0.32), and less assists in the form of passes in behind the defense (p = 0.034; ES = 0.28), than the long configuration. The modulation of the pitch configuration during SSG produced different tactical demands, requiring players to implement different tactical solutions to create GSO.

Effects on collective behaviour and locomotor and neuromuscular response in young players by varying the length of the pitch in 11-a-side football

“…However, in the present work, moving from the LSG100 format to the LSG75 format brought about small or no changes, although these differences increased when compared to the smallest format (LSG50). A short distance of players to their own and the opponent's goal could favour a greater number of finishes, 25 offensive penetrations and scoring opportunities, 33 requiring teams to put intense mutual pressure on each other to repel rival attempts. This aspect will favour a greater alternation of possessions, making it difficult for teams in possession of the ball to deploy a wide and stable structure.…”

Effect of Rule Modifications on Kinematic Parameters Using Maturity Stage as a Moderating Variable in U-10 Football Players

“…Thus, in football training situations, the game space has been modified, showing that playing in large spaces (30 × 25; 24 × 36; 40 × 29) produces greater speed, distance, and number of sprints; a higher heart rate; and a higher spatial exploration index [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], besides encouraging amplitude and headers in wide spaces (43 × 47 m) [ 15 ]. Another common constraint in training situations is the modification of the number of players.…”

Análise do comportamento de equipes de futebol por meio das ações ofensivas e defensivas com bola: uma perspectiva a partir da pedagogia do esporte

“…Entre os estudos que se propuseram a analisar os constrangimentos relacionados a tarefa, destacam-se os que tiveram como objetivo a análise do impacto nas ações dos jogadores por meio de modificações das modificações das dimensões de campo (GONZÁLEZ-RODENAS et al, 2021;PRAÇA et al, 2021), modificações de regras (GONZALEZ-ARTETXE et al, 2021;MACHADO et al, 2020) e número de jogadores (PRÁXEDES et al, 2022).…”

“…Em todos os estudos citados acima, nota-se a presença da análise de jogo aplicada aos jogos reduzidos e condicionados. Entre os diferentes tipos de jogos encontram-se: Gol+7vs7+Gol sem coringa (GONZALEZ-ARTETXE et al, 2021) e com coringa (GONZÁLEZ-RODENAS et al, 2021);Gol+5vs5+Gol (PRÁXEDES et al, 2022);Gol+4vs4+Gol (MACHADO;MACHADO et al, 2020;RIBEIRO;; Gol+3vs3+Gol sem coringa (MACHADO; RIBEIRO;et al, 2019) e com coringa (MACHADO;PRAÇA et al, 2021).…”

“…Para a análise destes jogos reduzidos, diversos estudos optaram pela aplicação de instrumentos fechados de análise. González-Rodenas et al, (2021) utilizaram o REOFUT como base para a obtenção das variáveis. Práxedes et al, (2022) MACHADO et al, 2020;RIBEIRO;.…”