Effect of skill-based training vs. small-sided games on physical performance improvement in young soccer players

Abstract

Recently, there has been increasing attention to research related to the effect of skill-based or game-based training on soccer players’ physical performance. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of skill-based training (SBT) at maximum intensity versus the small-sided game (SSG) on the physical performance characteristics of young soccer players during the pre-season period. Twenty-two male soccer players (mean age 15.3 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to either an SBT or SSG fully controlled intervention programme, running parallel for eight weeks and held twice a week. On three non-consecutive days before and after training players completed a test battery consisting of the 20 m sprint, T-run, countermovement jump, running anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and 20 m shuttle run. Data were analysed with a two-way ANOVA test for repeated measures. SBT and SSG interventions induced a significant improvement in the anaerobic power (10.9% vs 6.2%), explosive power (8.5% vs 5.6%), VO2max (6.7% vs 6.5%) and vertical jump (5.3% vs 2.9%), respectively. When the improvements in the physical performance variables of both groups are compared, the SBT group achieved greater improvement than the SSG group in anaerobic power (by 4.7%), in explosive power (by 2.8%), in vertical jumping (by 2.3%), in the 20 m sprint (by 2.2%) and T-test scores (by 1.7%). However, improvements in the VO2max were similar in both groups. The results of the present study suggest that SBT at maximum intensity may be more effective than SSG in improving the physical performance characteristics of young soccer players in the pre-competitive season.

Effects of including endurance and speed sessions within small-sided soccer games periodization on physical fitness

“…Dellal et al [ 24 ] demonstrated that the addition of an intervention to the players’ usual training of SSG or high-intensity were equally effective in developing the speed reached at the end of an aerobic test (i.e., VAMEVAL) and the ability to perform intermittent exercises with changes of direction in male amateur soccer players. Likewise, similar improvements in VO 2 max (~6%) were observed after 8 weeks of skill-based training or SSG in under 15 amateur young players during the pre-season period [ 47 ]. Also, Arslan et al [ 48 ] reported improvements of ~3% in the 1000 m running test after 5-week SSG training in under 14 young regional players; however, players composing the high-intensity intermittent training group showed improvements in the cardiovascular test of ~6%.…”

“…These results are in consonance with a previous study which demonstrated that soccer players did not improve the sprint performance at distances of 5, 10 and 30 m after an 8-week SSG training programme compared with interval running in U16 soccer players [ 55 ]. Nor did Karahan et al observe improvements in a 20 m straight sprint test after 8 weeks based on SSG in under 15 amateur young players during preseason [ 47 ]. It is well known that sprint running performance is clearly influenced by the anthropometric characteristics [ 56 ] (i.e., the product of stride rate and stride length), initial training status [ 57 ] and physical fitness [ 58 ] among others.…”

Effects of Combined Plyometric and Short Sprints Training on Athletic Performance of Male U19 Soccer Players

“…Conditioning sessions were undertaken two times per week. The first of these sessions developing aerobic fitness through high-intensity interval training and small-sided games (Karahan, 2020 ). The second session comprised resistance training exercises such as half squats, overhead lunges, and CMJ and SJs.…”

An 8-Week Program of Plyometrics and Sprints with Changes of Direction Improved Anaerobic Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players

“…Indeed, the first session of the micro-cycle training of each week was focused on the development of aerobic capacity through skill drills/circuit training with medium volume and low intensity. The second training session included HIIT and small-sided games aimed at developing maximum aerobic power [ 27 ]. The third training session included dynamic exercises based on bodyweight only and jumping and sprinting exercises aimed at maximum anaerobic power.…”