Practical Applications for Designing Soccer’ Training Tasks From Multivariate Data Analysis: A Systematic Review Emphasizing Tactical Training

Abstract

Novel viewpoints have led to an understanding that good soccer performers are capable of continuous decision-making and performing excellent motor skills in a well conditioned mental state. Our aims in this review were to: (a) summarize the effects of different conditions and constraints on a soccer player’s response and (b) identify potential training designs for varied soccer tasks from a multivariate perspective, emphasizing tactical training. We performed a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines and identified multiple different player constraints, including model strategies for play, drills designed for varied conditions, and training regimens for the dimensions of the physical demands soccer players will face. The use of match-sized training spaces may improve physical fitness and collective tactical behavior, while smaller spaces may contribute to improving tactical behavior from micro-structures (e.g., 1 vs. 1). Pre-session exercises that accelerate the appearance of fatigue during training may help delay the onset of match fatigue and boost players´ creativity. Pitch modifications (dimensions or boundary modifications), modification of game principles (defending strategies or team formations), and altering the number of players involved or coach instructions may contribute to different players improvements. Differential learning, as a non-linear pedagogy, may induce improvements in all dimensions, but especially in creative thinking.

Impact of the number of players on the emergence of creative movements in small-sided soccer games: a systematic review emphasizing deliberate practice

“…What seems to be a consensus is that, in the context of soccer training, finding the most appropriate formatting can promote in players an adaptation that favors affordances (opportunities to act) in various situations within the task ( Rico-González et al, 2022 ). In this sense, and more focused on providing an environment that enhances creative actions, the present study sought a calculation of the relative area per player (calculated as the field area divided by the number of players involved in the game), as variations in this relative space can change athletes’ responses ( Clemente et al, 2022 ).…”

Exploring the Effects of Tasks with Different Decision-Making Levels on Ball Control, Passing Performance, and External Load in Youth Football

“…More recently, small-sided games have been suggested as an appropriate and relevant training tool, as they allow for concomitant development of players' technical, physical, and tactical aspects of play [16,17]. In addition, coaches can vary the boundary conditions during these game-based scenarios to emphasise specific behaviours [18].…”

Tactical Knowledge by Decision Making and Motor Efficiency of Young Football Players in Different Playing Positions during a Three-a-Side Small-Sided Game

“…Player performance is dependent on the tactical abilities and cognitive processes underlying decision making [ 22 , 23 ]. Indeed, previous studies have reported an association between tactical performance, specific motor skills, perceptual–cognitive–motor skills, and decision making effectiveness in athletic development [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Specifically, the small-sided games (SSGs) have contextual dynamics that improve individual and collective technical–tactical expertise in young football players [ 27 , 28 ].…”