Comparing the Tactical Behavior of Young Soccer Players in Full- and Small-Sided Games.

The objective was to assess and compare the tactical conduct of players aged U-8, U-10, and U-12 during full- and small-sided games, focusing on tactical modeling and interaction dynamics. Each age group comprised three teams (n = 180; 60 per category; 20 per team), engaging in a tournament where teams faced each other once in both formats - 18 matches; 3 per category in each format. Full-sided games (GK + 10 vs.10 + GK; 100 × 68 m) and small-sided games (U-8: GK + 4 vs. 4 + GK (36 × 20 m); U-10: GK + 7 vs. 7 + GK (52.5 × 34 m); U-12: GK + 10 vs. 10 + GK (68 × 45 m). Standard playing times (3 periods of 12 minutes (U-8s); 3 periods of 15 minutes (U-10s); and 3 periods of 20 minutes (U-12s), with a 5-minute break. Variables were examined using descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval), with paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests employed for inter-format comparisons. Despite players benefiting from more time and space in full-sided games (increased ball receptions and overall ball involvement), results from small-sided games indicate three key advantages: 1) More goals (U-8s: z = -3.44, p = .050) and shots on target (U-8: z = -3.25, p = .001; U-10: z = -2.72, p = .007); 2) Game space management-ball circulation in larger amplitude (U-10: t = -4.20, p = .001; U-12: t = -4.35, p < .001); and with more transitions (U-10: t = -3.60, p = .002; U-12: t = -4.16, p = .001) and 3) Fast decision-making-larger ball velocity circulation (U-08: t = -3.54, p = .003; U-10: t = -5.13, p < .001; U-12: t = -5.80, p < .001).

Performance of soccer players under acute physical fatigue: An approach based on cognitive, tactical and physical aspects.

This study aimed to verify whether peripheral perception, tactical behaviour, and physical performance are influenced by acute physical fatigue in soccer players. The study included 24 trained soccer players (18.6 ± 1.5 years) from two Brazilian clubs. The TSAFT90 test was used to induce acute physical fatigue. The results showed that physical fatigue did not affect peripheral perception (p = 0.360). Regarding tactical behaviour, improved efficiency was observed for the principles of offensive coverage (p = 0.029), width and length with the ball (p = 0.044), and concentration (p = 0.008). On the other hand, a reduction was observed in the number of tactical actions of offensive coverage (p = 0.020) and recovery balance (p = 0.042). Also, improved accuracy in the principles of defensive balance (p = 0.009), recovery balance (p = 0.021) and defensive unity (p = 0.003) occurred under physical fatigue. A reduction in the physical performance outcomes total distance covered (p < 0.001), average speed (p < 0.001), sprints (p = 0.029), number of accelerations (p = 0.008) and decelerations (p = 0.008) were also detected. The internal (p < 0.01) and external (p < 0.01) workload was higher under physical fatigue. Overall, acute physical fatigue did not influence peripheral perception. However, physical performance was reduced under fatigue, the perceived effort increased, and tactical behaviours were affected by decreasing tactical actions performed near the ball, increasing errors in defensive movements in the lateral corridors and the last defensive line, and improving offensive tactical actions performance.

Contemporary practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in designing and applying small-sided games.

This descriptive study aimed to investigate the current practices of Portuguese and Brazilian soccer coaches in the design and implementation of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer. A total of 187 male coaches participated in the online survey, consisting of 82 Portuguese and 105 Brazilian individuals. These coaches held various positions within the technical staff, with 63 serving as head coaches, 38 as assistant coaches, 38 as physical trainers, and 48 in other roles related to the technical staff. Additionally, the participants represented both youth (n = 102) and adult competitive levels (n = 59), along with some who were not currently associated with a specific group. The survey consisted of 32 questions divided into three main sections: (i) the timing of SSG application, (ii) the methods used for applying SSGs, and (iii) the reasons for applying SSGs. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between nationality and the frequency of SSGs used in training sessions during the pre-season (p = 0.039) and in-season (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant association between nationality and the time allocated to employing SSGs for targeting aerobic training (p < 0.001) was found. There was a significant association between nationality and the weekly frequency of SSGs use for targeting sprint training (p = 0.019). The Chi-square test identified significant associations between nationality and the use of SSGs for targeting technical training (p = 0.002), as well as for tactical training (p = 0.002). In summary, this study underscores that SSGs are primarily employed to enhance aerobic fitness, change of direction, technical skills, and tactical behaviors. Coaches generally favor employing SSGs two to three times a week, with typical sessions lasting between 16 to 30 minutes. Notably, the major discrepancies between nationalities lie in the importance assigned to the use of SSGs. However, in practice, the formats and objectives for implementing SSGs remain relatively similar.

The relationship between deliberate practice, play, and futsal in childhood and adolescence and the development of different decision-making skills in professional female soccer players.

Soccer players' ability to make efficient and quick decisions has gained more importance due to the increase in game speed in the last few years. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the engagement in previous developmental activities in soccer and futsal with the quality and speed of decision-making skills in different phases of sport development of elite female soccer players. The sample comprised 77 elite Brazilian professional female soccer players. Players' decision-making skills were assessed based on an objective video-based test - TacticUP®. We used a retrospective questionnaire to collect information about previous participation in different developmental activities. The results showed that engagement in deliberate practice in soccer and futsal, especially during childhood and early adolescence, is related to a better quality of offensive decision-making skills, although showing small to medium effect sizes. We highlight that deliberate practice in futsal is associated only with offensive decision-making skills with the ball and near the ball. In turn, engaging in deliberate play in soccer, mainly in childhood and early adolescence, is related to quicker offensive and defensive decision-making skills, showing mostly medium effect sizes. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first study to measure the relationship of decision-making speed with developmental activities in soccer. It is concluded that deliberate practice in soccer and deliberate play in soccer are associated with different dimensions of decision-making skills.

Better decision-making skills support tactical behaviour and reduce physical wear under physical fatigue in soccer.

The purpose of this study was to verify whether decision-making skills influence the tactical behavior and physical performance of soccer players under acute physical fatigue, assessed in an actual game-play. The sample was comprised of 24 trained soccer players (18.25 ± 1.48 years old) from two Brazilian clubs grouped into two categories with 12 players each (with high and low decision-making skills). The assessment of decision making, tactical behavior, and physical performance were carried out using TacticUP®, FUT-SAT, and GPSports®, respectively. Acute physical fatigue was induced through the T-SAFT90 test. Results showed that under acute physical fatigue players with high decision-making skills maintained tactical behavior efficiency and had their paces reduced, in addition to displaying reduced total distance covered (p < 0.001), number of accelerations (p < 0.001), and decelerations (p < 0.001), and average movement speed (p < 0.001). On the other hand, players with low decision-making skills displayed reduced tactical behavior efficiency (p = 0.002) and maintained their movement pace under physical fatigue. It is concluded that decision-making skills contribute to players' tactical behavior efficiency under acute physical fatigue, besides promoting reduced physical strain in movement actions throughout the field.

Differences in visual search behavior between expert and novice team sports athletes: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: For a long time, in sports, researchers have tried to understand an expert by comparing them with novices, raising the doubts if the visual search characteristics distinguish experts from novices. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review and conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the differences in visual search behavior between experts and novices in team sports athletes. Methods: This systematic review with meta-analysis followed the PRISMA 2020 and Cochrane's guidelines. Healthy team athletes were included, which engaged in regular practice, from any sex or competitive level, specifically classified a priori as expert or novice in the original research (i.e., if they were classified after the experiment, based on one of the tests, the study would be excluded). We considered only research published in peer-reviewed journals, with no limitations regarding date or language. It was considered healthy team sport athletes engaged in regular practice. The scenarios could be in situ or film-based. The databases of EBSCO (Academic Search Complete, Academic Search Ultimate, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycINFO), PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were used to perform the searches. The risk of bias was calculated through the RoBANS tool. Results: From a total of 6,257 records, of which 985 were duplicates, titles and abstracts of 5,272 were screened, and 45 required full-text analysis. Of those, 23 were excluded due to not fulfilling the eligibility criteria regarding participants. In the end, 22 studies were selected, however, as two studies were part of the same trial and were analyzed conjointly. Discussion: Experts showed to be older and with more years of practice. The ability to distinguish experts from novices was not so clear regarding the variables analyzed. This could be due to the strategies chosen in each study, which were specific to each scenario, and when grouping all together, it was lost information within non-representative averages. The distinction between experts and novices was not clear, showing a lot of heterogeneity in the included studies. The expert classification itself may have been the conditioning aspect for these results, retaining the doubt and the need for more studies in the field. Systematic review registration: The protocol was pre-registered in OSF (project https://osf.io/3j4qv/, register https://osf.io/dvk2n).

The effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players: A systematic review.

This study aimed to carry out a systematic review to analyze, describe and discuss the effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players. For this systematic review, searches were performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus electronic database until October 3, 2020, following the guidelines of PRISMA. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria: i) healthy soccer players from any age group, competitive level or sex; ii) exposure to physical fatigue; iii) pre and post-physical fatigue conditions; iv) players' cognitive, technical, physical and tactical performances and v) no restrictions regarding the study design. The results section was organized in four main dimensions: cognitive, technical, physical and tactical. Studies on cognitive performance have shown divergent results, varying according to the cognitive task employed and the physical protocol used. Regarding technical performance, negative effects of physical fatigue were found on the technical fundamentals of the pass, dribble and kick. With regard to physical performance, studies have shown a reduction in sprint capacity and distances covered at high velocity. Finally, the only study that analyzed the tactical performance in the field showed an increase in the team's collective tactical behavior, but did not include analysis of the players' individual tactical actions. In summary, the results of the analyzed studies show that the effect of physical fatigue on cognitive performance is inconclusive and that technical and physical performance are negatively affected. Regarding tactical performance, there is a lack of information on the topic in the current literature.

The Influence of 25 Training Sessions on the Decision-Making Skill of U-12 Soccer Players / A Influência de 25 Sessões de Treino na Capacidade de Tomada de Decisão de Jogadores de Futebol Sub-12

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the influence of 25 training sessions on the decision-making skill of U-12 soccer players. The sample was comprised of 25 U-12 soccer players from a first division Brazilian club. Decision making was assessed through the TacticUP® online platform. The 25 training sessions were organized based on the core tactical principles of soccer. There was a positive correlation (r=.413, p=.040) between the performance variation of decision-making and the training time for the offensive principles outside the center of play. It was concluded that training improved the decision-making skill of U-12 soccer players with respect to the tactical principles of width and length without the ball, mobility, and offensive unity.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência de 25 sessões de treino na capacidade de tomada de decisão de jogadores de futebol sub-12. A amostra contou com 25 jogadores de futebol sub-12 de um clube de primeira divisão do Brasil. Avaliou-se a tomada de decisão através da plataforma online TacticUP®. As 25 sessões de treino foram organizadas baseadas nos princípios táticos fundamentais do futebol. Verificou-se correlação positiva (r=0,413, p=0,040) entre a variação do desempenho da tomada de decisão e o tempo de treino para os princípios ofensivos fora do centro de jogo. Conclui-se que o treino melhorou a capacidade de tomada de decisão de jogadores de futebol sub-12, para os princípios de espaço sem bola, mobilidade e unidade ofensiva.

Internal and External Load Variations in Young Students: Comparisons between Small-Sided Games and Small-Sided Games Combined with Strength Training during Physical Education Classes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of internal and external load in soccer small-sided games (SSGs) and a strength program based on CrossFit combined with SSGs for 7 weeks. Fifty-five students participated in this research (age: 9.04 ± 0.19 years) and were randomly assigned to SSGs (n = 27) or strength combined with SSGs (n = 29) group. Two sessions/week were implemented. The results revealed that internal load on SSGs promoted higher levels (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.35) of light physical activity (PA) (12.24 cpm) compared with strength combined with SSGs (11.46) and % heart rate (%HR) max (p = 0.002; d = 0.48) between SSGs (96.21) regarding strength combined with SSGs (92.09). On external load, significant differences appear in total distance (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.80) on SSGs (1326 m) compared with strength combined with SSGs (1004 m) and mean velocity (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.63) in both groups; 2.71 km/h on SSGs and 2.26 km/h on strength combined with SSGs. The SSGs seem to be more appropriate at the beginning of sessions, but as the weeks advance, strength combined with SSGs results in improved internal load compared with SSGs.

How Does Cognitive Effort Influence the Tactical Behavior of Soccer Players?

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between soccer players' cognitive effort and their tactical behavior. We assessed 52 young male soccer players from a first division Brazilian club, using FUT-SAT to evaluate tactical behavior efficiency and Mobile Eye Tracking-XG software and a video test protocol to measure pupillary behavior and cognitive effort. Following data collection, statistical analyses were performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and linear regression. We found a high inverse association between cognitive effort and tactical behavior efficiency; players with less cognitive effort during the task displayed higher values of tactical behavior efficiency on the field. We concluded that sustaining less cognitive effort in game situations helped players realize better tactical behavior and enabled better performance.

The association between perceptual-cognitive processes and response time in decision making in young soccer players.

In soccer, it is relevant to understand the roles of Systems 1 (intuitive) and 2 (deliberative) in perceptual-cognitive processes and how they influence response time when making decisions. The aim of this study was to analyse how response time in decision making managed by Systems 1 and 2 is associated to the perceptual-cognitive processes of young soccer players. Ninety young soccer players participated. Perceptual-cognitive processes were assessed through visual search strategies, cognitive effort, and verbal reports. Participants wore a mobile-eye tracking system while viewing 11-a-side match play video-based soccer simulations. Response time in decision making was used to create two sub-groups: faster and slower decision-makers. Results indicated that players with faster response time in decision making employed more fixations of shorter duration, displayed less cognitive effort, as well as a greater number of thought processes associated with planning. These results reinforce that there are differences in the way of using the perceptive-cognitive processes from the priority system in the decision-making process. It is concluded that faster decision making, managed by System 1, implies greater ability to employ visual search strategies and to process information, thus enabling increased cognitive efficiency.

Muscle Damage-Based Recovery Strategies Can Be Supported by Predictive Capacity of Specific Global Positioning System Accelerometry Parameters Immediately a Post-Soccer Match-Load.

ABSTRACT: da Silva, CD, Machado, G, Fernandes, AA, Teoldo, I, Pimenta, EM, Marins, JCB, and Garcia, ES. Muscle damage-based recovery strategies can be supported by predictive capacity of specific global positioning system accelerometry parameters immediately after soccer match-load. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1410-1418, 2021-Soccer match-load can be linked to recovery kinetic markers. However, match variability hinders the magnitude of relationship between parameters of interest. Therefore, we examined the correlation between 21 global positioning system accelerometry (GPS-A) parameters and changes in serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, muscle soreness (MS), and perceptive recovery quality (PRQ) assessed at baseline (1 h before) and post (0 minute, 2, 4, and 24 hours) a standardized 90-minute match-simulation in 20 university players. Global positioning system accelerometry (15 Hz) data were tested as manufacturer and configurable thresholds. Four GPS-A parameters showed moderate to very large correlations with CK changes at all time points (average speed [avgSP, r = 0.75 to r = 0.84]; running symmetry foot strikes [RSfst, r = 0.53-0.63]; running series [RunS, r = 0.53-0.61]; and acceleration distance [AccD ≥ 1.5 m·s-2; r = 0.46-0.61]). Sprint count (≥2 m·s-2), AccD (≥2.5 m·s-2) and speed exertion (SpEx) had a moderate to large correlation (r = 0.46-0.56) with CK changes from 2 to 24 hours. Changes in MS at 0 minute had large correlation with avgSP (r = 0.53) and moderate with deceleration distance (≥-2 and ≥-3 m·s-2; r = 0.47, r = 0.48, respectively). The PRQ changes had moderate inverse correlation with avgSP at 0 minute (r = -0.39) and SpEx at 2 h (r = -0.69). Our results suggest that during a simulated soccer protocol with a standard workload, only the avgSP has practical application for predicting CK changes over 24 hours, allowing for a decision-making toward a postgame recovery based on previously known CK cutoff points. Global positioning system accelerometry parameters and subjective variables did not demonstrate relevant correlation.

Talent map: how demographic rate, human development index and birthdate can be decisive for the identification and development of soccer players in Brazil.

Aim:The aim of this paper is to verify how cities' demographic rates and Human Development Index (HDI), as well as the birthdate of Brazilian elite soccer players influenced their identification and development.Methods:The sample was comprised of 5,359 players from the Brazilian Serie A Soccer Championship between 2003 and 2019. Players' birthdate and birthplace data were collected, as well as the HDI from their hometowns. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Pearson correlation and linear regression tests were performed.Results:Results indicated that players born in the first semester of the year, in cities with a demographic rate of up to 100,000 inhabitants and HDI above 0.501, are more likely to play at the highest level (Serie A) of Brazilian soccer. Correlations were observed between birth quartile and HDI (r = -.059; se = 0.04; p < 0.001), birth quartile and demographic rates (r = -063, se = 0.03; p < 0.001), and between HDI and demographic rates (r = 0.458; se = 0.02; p < 0.001). The linear regression method yielded a valid model that included all three variables in this study (F(2) = 9.512; p < 0.001).Conclusion:Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that birthdate, demographic rate and HDI are important factors in the identification and development of soccer players in Brazil.

Maturation, signal detection, and tactical behavior of young soccer players in the game context.

This study examined the relationship between maturation and signal detection skills, as well as the effect of signal detection on the tactical behavior efficiency of young soccer players. Fifty-four male soccer players participated in the study (U-11, U-13, and U-15). Maturation was evaluated by the Khamis-Roche method, and peak height velocity was estimated. A computer-based test in the Vienna Test System® was used to assess signal detection skills, whereas tactical behavior efficiency was assessed using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer. Descriptive analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the Spearman bivariate correlation and the univariate analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) were performed. Effect sizes were reported as Cohen's d, and the significance level was set at p < .05. Relationships were observed between the percentage of predicted adult height and signal detection performance. Also, signal detection skills were found to affect the tactical behavior efficiency of young soccer players. It is concluded that the players, as seen more mature, can perceive the game faster and more effectively, and are able to provide quicker responses in the game context.

Visual search strategy and anticipation in tactical behavior of young soccer players.

The aim of the present study was to compare the visual search strategy (VSS) and anticipation between two groups of young players of different efficiencies in tactical behavior (TB). A total of 44 Brazilian male soccer players aged 14.00 (± 1.06) years from three regional clubs participated in the study. TB was assessed using FUT-SAT; anticipation score was obtained by a video-based assessment, while VSS was performed using the Mobile Eye-XG® system. The soccer players were divided into two groups based on their TB results into those more efficient and those less efficient. The results showed that soccer players with higher efficiency in TB were better at anticipating and performed a higher number of shorter visual fixations and a greater average amount of fixations per location. They were also able to adjust their VSS in performing a longer fixation time on the player in possession of the ball. Therefore, there is support for an integration of visual search strategy and anticipation within tactical behavior. Visual search strategy and anticipation seem to contribute to the efficiency of tactical behavior in young soccer players.

Analysis of youth soccer players' development in Amazonas state / Análise da formação de jovens futebolistas do estado do Amazonas

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate youth soccer players' development in Amazonas state. Fifty-three young soccer players participated in this study (15,3?1,27 years). Participation History Questionnaire was used to investigate the different practice contexts that Amazonas soccer players were engaged during their development process (macro-structure of practice). We also observed three training sessions and calculated the time allotted for each type of training tasks used by the coach (training form, playing form and inactivity) (micro-structure of practice). It was possible to observe that soccer players from Amazonas state accumulated more time engaged in deliberate practice than deliberate play (p<0.001) and competition (p<0.001). We also observed that players had higher contact with decontextualized tasks (training form activities) during their training sessions. With this information, it can be concluded that these soccer players followed an early specialization pathway and didn't have contact with a more representative learning environment, in an attempt to improve the development of intelligent and creative players.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o processo de formação de jovens futebolistas amazonenses. Participaram do estudo 53 jovens futebolistas (15,3?1,27 anos) recrutados a partir de escolas e clubes futebol do Amazonas. Foi utilizado o Questionário do Histórico de Participação para identificar os contextos de prática em que os futebolistas mais estiveram engajados durante o seu processo de formação (macro-estrutura de prática) e foram filmadas três sessões de treino, visando contabilizar o tempo destinado para cada uma das categorias de tarefas utilizadas pelo treinador (training form, playing form and inactivity) (micro-estrutura de prática). Foi possível identificar diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os diferentes contextos de prática, onde os jogadores permaneceram um maior tempo engajados em uma prática deliberada, quando comparado com o jogo deliberado (p<0.001) e competição (p<0.001). Quanto às análises das sessões de treino, foi possível constatar que os jogadores tendem a ter mais contatos com tarefas descontextualizadas. Com essas informações, é possível concluir estes jogadores seguiram um percurso formativo caracterizado por uma iniciação esportiva precoce, bem como não tiveram acesso à contextos de treino representativos, de modo a potencializar a formação de jogadores inteligentes e criativos.

Tactical Behaviour of Youth Soccer Players: Differences Depending on Task Constraint Modification, Age and Skill Level.

This study aimed to investigate: i) how Small-Sided and Conditioned Games based on different representation and exaggeration modification strategies, from the Teaching Games for Understanding pedagogical principles, affected team performance and exploratory behaviour; and ii) how teams and players of different ages and skill levels were affected by the use of these different modification strategies. In total, forty-eight youth male soccer players participated in the study (U15, n = 24 mean age = 13.06 ± 1.53 years; U17, n = 24 mean age = 16.89 ± 0.11 years). In both categories, players were organized into three groups according to their tactical efficiency level (Group 01 = High Skilled Players (HSP), Group 02 = Intermediate Skilled Players (ISP), and Group 03 = Low Skilled Players (LSP)). The HSP and LSP groups performed two types of Gk+4vs4+Gk Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCGs) based on different representation and exaggeration modification strategies. The first type of SSCGs was modified by structural constraints (Structural SSCG) and the second type was modified by rule manipulation (Manipulation SSCG). Team performance and exploratory behaviour were analysed through the Offensive Sequences Characterization System and Lag Sequential Analysis, respectively. SSCG modification strategies affected differently tactical performance and exploratory behaviour of teams composed of players of different skill levels. It was found that SSCG modification strategy through rule manipulation provided players and teams with a higher level of difficulty, compromising their performance and inhibiting exploratory behaviour. This information is crucial to practitioners wishing to apply more appropriate pedagogical strategies to improve a specific tactical problem using a player-centred and game-based approach.

Effect of an Inside Floater on Soccer Players Tactical Behaviour in Small Sided and Conditioned Games.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of an inside floater on soccer players' tactical behaviour in small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs). The sample comprised 54 Brazilian top-level academy players. The instrument used to assess players' tactical behaviour was the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). Tactical behaviour was analysed through the number of tactical actions and the percentage of correct actions regarding the core tactical principles of soccer. Repeated measures test was used to compare tactical behaviour between games (SSCGs) with and without an inside floater. Pearson's r was used to verify the effect size of the inside floater on tactical behaviour. As for tactical actions, SSCGs with an inside floater displayed significantly lower means for the tactical principles of penetration (2.76 ± 1.63; p < .001), delay (6.11 ± 2.68; p < .018), defensive coverage (1.64 ± 1.14; p < .001) and significantly higher means for the tactical principle of defensive unity (14.98 ± 4.57; p < .032). With respect to the percentage of correct actions, SSCGs with an inside floater displayed significantly lower means for all tactical principles, except for offensive coverage (90.5 ± 18.48; p < 1.000). It was concluded that the inside floater allowed players to modify their behaviour in such a way that they adapted to the constraints imposed by the presence of an inside floater. Furthermore, the inside floater provided more difficulty for players, and thus may be considered an important task constraint to be added in SSCGs.

The attention as a key element to improve tactical behavior efficiency of young soccer players / La atención como elemento clave para mejorar la eficiencia del comportamiento táctico de los futbolistas jóvenes / A atenção como elemento chave para melhorar a eficiência do comportamento tático de jovens jogadores de futebol

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between attention and tactical behavior efficiency of young soccer players with similar formal practice time and competitive level. The sample consisted of 80 young male soccer players from Brazilian clubs. The Vienna Test System was used to assess players' attention. The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used to assess players' tactical behavior efficiency. The Generalized Linear Models were used to verify the associations between attention and tactical behavior efficiency. The results showed that attention is positively associated with tactical behavior efficiency of young soccer players. Based on the results, high levels of attention will enable young soccer players with similar formal practice time and competitive level to display better responses regarding the tactical actions of the game

El objetivo del estudio fue verificar las asociaciones entre la atención y la eficiencia del comportamiento táctico de jóvenes jugadores de fútbol con tiempo de práctica formal y nivel competitivo similares. La muestra consistió en 80 jugadores de fútbol jóvenes del sexo masculino de clubes de Brasil. El Vienna Test System fue utilizado para evaluar la atención de los jugadores. El Sistema de Evaluación Táctica en el Fútbol (FUT-SAT) fue utilizado para evaluar la eficiencia del comportamiento táctico de los jugadores. Los Modelos Lineales Generalizados se utilizaron para verificar las asociaciones entre la atención y la eficiencia del comportamiento táctico. Los resultados revelaron que la atención está positivamente asociada a la eficiencia del comportamiento táctico de jóvenes jugadores de fútbol. Basado en estos resultados, altos niveles de atención permitirán que los jóvenes jugadores con tiempo de práctica formal y nivel competitivo similares presenten mejores respuestas en relación a las acciones tácticas en el juego

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as associações entre a atenção e a eficiência do comportamento tático de jovens jogadores de futebol com tempo de prática formal e nível competitivo similares. A amostra foi composta por 80 jogadores de futebol jovens do sexo masculino de clubes do Brasil. O Vienna Test System foi utilizado para avaliar a atenção dos jogadores. O Sistema de Avaliação Tática no Futebol (FUT-SAT) foi utilizado para avaliar a eficiência do comportamiento tático dos jogadores. Os Modelos Lineares Generalizados foram utilizados para verificar as associações entre a atenção e a eficiência do comportamento tático. Os resultados mostraram que a atenção está positivamente associada à eficiência do comportamento tático de jovens jogadores de futebol. Baseado nesses resultados, altos níveis de atenção irão permitir que jovens jogadores com tempo de prática formal e nível competitivo similares apresentem melhores respostas em relação às ações táticas no jogo

How Does the Adjustment of Training Task Difficulty Level Influence Tactical Behavior in Soccer?

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate if player tactical skill level and age category influence team performance and player exploratory behavior in tasks with different difficulty levels. Method: In total, 48 youth male soccer players participated in the study (U15, n = 24, mean age = 13.06 ± 1.53 years; U17, n = 24, mean age = 16.89 ± 0.11 years). Player tactical skills were evaluated through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT), allowing them to be organized into three groups according to tactical efficiency: Higher tactical skill level (Group 01), Intermediate tactical skill level (Group 02), and Lower tactical skill level (Group 03). Next, Group 01 and Group 03 of both categories performed six Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCG) each, namely three High difficulty SSCGs and three Low difficulty SSCGs. Team performance and players' exploratory behavior were analyzed through the Offensive Sequences Characterization System and Lag Sequential Analysis, respectively. Results: We found that team performance and players' exploratory behavior were influenced both by the age and tactical skill level of the players, as well as by task difficulty level. Conclusion: Therefore, in an attempt to improve player performance, practitioners must carefully manipulate key task constraints to adapt training task difficulty levels to player age and tactical skill level.