Effects of Small-Sided Games vs. Running-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Performance in Soccer Players: A Meta-Analytical Comparison

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was conducted to compare the effects of SSG-based interventions vs. running-based HIIT interventions on soccer players' sprinting time (ST), vertical height jump (VJH), and change of direction time (CODt).Data Sources: The data sources utilized were Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed.Results: An electronic search yielded 650 articles, six of which were included in the present study. Between-group analysis found a significant favoring effect of HIIT-based over SSG-based training interventions for the improvement of linear sprinting time (ES = 0.42; p = 0.012). A within-group analysis revealed a significant favoring effect of HIIT-based training interventions for improving linear sprinting time (ES = 0.42; p = 0.008) and CODt (ES = 1.04; p = 0.005) despite a non-significant effect on VJH (ES = 0.47; p = 0.22).Conclusions: The meta-analytical comparison revealed favoring the effect of running-based HIIT over SSG-based interventions in sprinting performance, although no significant differences were observed for jumping and CODt performance. The findings suggest that SSG-based programs should be supplemented by other training methods that benefit determinant capacities in soccer players.

The Effects of Exercise Order on the Psychophysiological Responses, Physical and Technical Performances of Young Soccer Players: Combined Small-Sided Games and High-Intensity Interval Training

“…This fact was not observed in a previous study that combined SSGs and endurance and speed training or in the study that combined SSGs and short-interval (15 -15 ) HIIT [15]. In fact, recent systematic reviews with meta-analysis revealed inconsistences and the ineffectiveness of SSGs [12] and HIIT [34] in improving linear sprinting in soccer players. One possible reason for observing improvements in the current research is due to the age effect and the capacity for improvement in this sensitive period [36].…”

“…A combination of SSGs and running-based HIIT was recently tested, aiming to provide the advantageous effect of running-based HIIT to the training programmes based on SSGs [12]. The first reported combination of SSGs and HIIT revealed the beneficial effect of the combination compared to a group using just SSGs for the improvement of VO 2max and 30-15 VIFT [15].…”

“…Again, it seems that exercise order does not affect the capacity of both programmes and training methods to promote beneficial effects in these skills. However, it seems important to highlight the beneficial effect of combining HIIT with regular SSGs, considering a recent meta-analysis that suggested a significant favourable effect of HIIT in comparison to SSGs in improving linear sprint and COD in a within-group analysis [12]. This may be caused by the limited capacity of performing high-intensity linear or curvilinear running activities in small spaces as in the case of SSGs.…”

“…Players performed HIIT sessions, which consisted of 15 s of intermittent running at 90-100% of players' velocity at IFT (VIFT), followed by 15 s of resting (Table 1). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained using the category ratio scale (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) to calculate the internal training load (ITL) immediately after the completion of each session [30]. The scale was introduced at the beginning in order to familiarise the players.…”

“…SSGs, which are derived from street soccer and are played with fewer players, smaller pitch areas, and modified rules [9,10], simultaneously involve actual game dynamics, technical and tactical skills, and physical demands under changeable game conditions [8,11]. Consequently, some studies have shown the contribution of SSGs to aerobic fitness, repeated sprint ability, linear sprinting, agility, change of direction, and jumping performance in young players [1,12].…”