Optimization of Game Formats in U-10 Soccer Using Logistic Regression Analysis

Abstract

Small-sided games provide young soccer players with better opportunities to develop their skills and progress as individual and team players. There is, however, little evidence on the effectiveness of different game formats in different age groups, and furthermore, these formats can vary between and even within countries. The Royal Spanish Soccer Association replaced the traditional grassroots 7-a-side format (F-7) with the 8-a-side format (F-8) in the 2011-12 season and the country’s regional federations gradually followed suit. The aim of this observational methodology study was to investigate which of these formats best suited the learning needs of U-10 players transitioning from 5-aside futsal. We built a multiple logistic regression model to predict the success of offensive moves depending on the game format and the area of the pitch in which the move was initiated. Success was defined as a shot at the goal. We also built two simple logistic regression models to evaluate how the game format influenced the acquisition of technicaltactical skills. It was found that the probability of a shot at the goal was higher in F-7 than in F-8 for moves initiated in the Creation Sector-Own Half (0.08 vs 0.07) and the Creation Sector-Opponent's Half (0.18 vs 0.16). The probability was the same (0.04) in the Safety Sector. Children also had more opportunities to control the ball and pass or take a shot in the F-7 format (0.24 vs 0.20), and these were also more likely to be successful in this format (0.28 vs 0.19).

Polar Coordinate Analysis of Relationships With Teammates, Areas of the Pitch, and Dynamic Play in Soccer: A Study of Xabi Alonso

“…We created a modified version of the original ad hoc soccer observation instrument built by Amatria et al (2016). The modifications included new subdivisions that reflected the length of the pitch (Figure 1) and more specific definitions of players, technical actions, types of shot, and interruptions (e.g., set plays; Figure 2).…”

“…To do this, we analyzed all the matches played by the winner of the 2012 UEFA European Championship: Spain. We employed an observational methodology design (Anguera, 1979) using a modified version of the ad hoc soccer observation instrument designed by Amatria et al (2016). The resulting data were analyzed by polar coordinate analysis (Gorospe and Anguera, 2000), which is a powerful data reduction technique with high predictive power.…”

Performance and Home Advantage in Handball

“…We used an intentional sample ( Amatria et al, 2016 ). The chosen matches met three inclusion criteria: a) sufficient video quality; b) three or less goals in favor of the winning team in the final score; c) played during one of the last three seasons (2015-16, 2016-17 or 2017-18).…”

Estimating motor competence through motor games. [Estimar la competencia motriz mediante juegos motores].

“…The selection of participants was intentional (Amatria, Lapresa, Arana, Anguera & Garzón 2016). Five class groups were divided into three public centers in Tenerife and Fuerteventura.…”