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

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the order effects of combined small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the psychophysiological responses and physical and technical performances of young soccer players. Twenty-four soccer players (aged 14.63 ± 0.71 years) were randomly divided into SSGs + HIIT (n = 12) and HIIT + SSGs (n = 12) for 6 weeks. The SSGs consisted of two 4–16 min rounds of 2, 3, and four-a-side games with 2 min of passive resting, whereas the HIIT consisted of 6–10 min of high-intensity runs at varying intensities (from 90 to 100%). Pre-test and post-test elements included a 5–30 m sprint test, countermovement jump test, zigzag agility test with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability test, speed dribbling ability test, three-corner run test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1. Both combined training interventions produced similar improvements in physical performance and technical responses (p ≥ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.40 to 1.10). However, the combined HIIT + SSGs training produced meaningfully lower perceived exertion (p = 0.00, d = 2.98) and greater physical enjoyment (p = 0.00, d = 4.28) compared with the SSGs + HIIT intervention. Furthermore, the SSGs + HIIT group showed a higher training load than those from the HIIT + SSGs group for all weeks (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 1.36 to 2.05). The present study’s results might be used by coaches and practitioners to design training programmes for youth soccer players.

Can high-intensity interval training and small-sided games be effective for improving physical fitness after detraining? A parallel study design in youth male soccer players

“…Improvements promoted by SSG and HIIT over 5 to 6 weeks, independently or combined, on aerobic fitness have been confirmed previously in youth male soccer players ( Arslan, Orer & Clemente, 2020 ; Arslan et al, 2021b , 2021a ). SSGs and HIIT predominantly sustain efforts above 85% of maximum heart rate, which signals the development of aerobic power, is one of the causes for explaining the improvement of aerobic fitness after these drills ( Castagna et al, 2011 ).…”

The ability of energy recovery in professional soccer players is increased by individualized low-intensity exercise

“…These findings indicate that carbohydrates such as muscle glycogen are mostly utilized in the first half, which impairs repeated high-intensity performances in the second half [ 5 , 9 ]. However, increased energetic recovery is facilitated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) re-synthesis from accumulated lactate and metabolic flexibility, reflecting the efficiency of fat and carbohydrate oxidation may contribute to successful performance in the 90-min soccer game [ 10 – 13 ].…”

The Influence of Small-Sided Football Games with Numerical Variability in External Training Load

“…Although the investigation of SSGs arose in the last decade, this training method has been used since the 1970s. However, in the last decade, interest in this type of situation has grown again, intending to increase the participation of players in training, and consequently the physical and physiological load [10][11][12][13][14][15].…”