Exploration of the Age-Category Soccer Performance Effects During Ball Possession Small-Sided Games

Abstract

Small-sided games have been adopted as an integral part of soccer training, however, the use of task constraints by the coach and the action capabilities of both players and teams require further investigation. The aim of this investigation was to explore the age-category effects (under-11: U11, under-15: U15 and under-23: U23) on external training workloads (total distance covered, distance covered while walking, running and sprinting, number of sprints and maximum sprint speed), internal training load metrics (rate of perceived exertion, RPE) and tactical individual actions (passing number with dominant and non-dominant foot, and max passing speed) during 4 vs. 4 ball possession small-sided game constrained within three different playing areas (small: 20 x 15 m, medium: 25 x 20 m, and large: 30 x 25 m). Results revealed substantial differences (all p < .001) for each specific playing area observed across many of the external workload measures. For every area analysed, U23 players covered more distance walking, whereas U11 and U15 players covered more distances at higher intensities. Additionally, significant differences were found for the RPE (small playing area: p = .001; large playing area: p < .001) with U23 and U15 players showing higher scores compared with U11 ones. It can be concluded that a 4 vs. 4 ball possession small-sided game can provide different performance related stimuli to players, depending on age category and the playing surface area. Therefore, coaches and individuals involved with training and development of soccer players across all age groups should be aware of the key variables highlighted in this study before planning training drills.

Correlation Analysis between Impressions of Soccer School and Moving Speed in Elementary School Children

“…Kai et al [16] investigated the link between training load and physical fitness in college-age soccer players. Nunes et al [17] analyzed the effects of small-sided games in three age groups (U-11, U-15, and U-23) and discovered that the intensity of long distance walking varied by age group.…”

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.…”