RESUMEN
We examined the effects of different small-sided games (SSG) configurations on heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and running demands in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (U18) participated in this randomized cross-over study. Players performed three SSG in different "fixed" and "dynamic" pitch sizes (3v3 in large (SSGL) and small (SSGS) fixed area; or 3v3 in dynamic dimensions [SSGD]), with 4x4 minutes interspersed by 2 minutes of rest. HR measures (maximum [HRmax], average [HRavg], and percentage of maximum [%HRmax]), RPE, and running demands were collected across the SGG sessions. The following running activities were recorded: total distance covered (TD), distance covered (DC) at 6-12 km·h-1, ≥ 12-18 km·h-1, and >18 km·h-1, peak running speed, acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) at 1-2 m·s-2 and 2-3 m·s-2, player load, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). SSGL displayed higher HRavg, %HRmax, and RPE values than SSGS (p < 0.05). SSGL resulted in higher TD, DC at 6-12 km·h-1, ≥ 12-18 km·h-1, > 18 km·h-1, and higher peak speed than SSGS and SSGD (p < 0.05). Moreover, SSGD presented higher TD and DC at 6-12 km·h-1 and ≥ 12-18 km·h-1 than SSGS (p < 0.05). In contrast, SSGD and SSGS showed higher number of ACC and DEC at 1-2 m·s-2 than SSGL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pitch size and playing area of the SSG can be manipulated to promote desired physiological and physical demands in young soccer players.HighlightsWe examined how fixed (small and large) or variable (dynamic) pitch sizes affected the psychophysiological and running demands of young soccer players during small-sided games.Small-sided games with larger pitch sizes and areas per player elicited greater psychophysiological and running demands than small areas.The pitch size designed in the current study does not appear to affect the number of acceleration and deceleration (> 2 m·s-2).Varying the pitch size during the small-sided games (i.e. dynamic condition) could be an interesting constraint to be considered by soccer coaches in order to enhance task variability.
Asunto(s)
Rendimiento Atlético , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Esfuerzo Físico , Carrera , Fútbol , Humanos , Masculino , Rendimiento Atlético/fisiología , Rendimiento Atlético/psicología , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Esfuerzo Físico/fisiología , Carrera/fisiología , Carrera/psicología , Fútbol/fisiología , Fútbol/psicología , Estudios CruzadosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of high altitude on the match activity profile of elite youth high altitude and sea level residents. METHODS: Twenty Sea Level (Australian) and 19 Altitude-resident (Bolivian) soccer players played five games, two near sea level (430 m) and three in La Paz (3600 m). Match activity profile was quantified via global positioning system with the peak 5 min period for distance ((D5(peak)) and high velocity running (>4.17 m/s, HIVR5(peak)); as well as the 5 min period immediately subsequent to the peak for both distance (D5(sub)) and high-velocity running (HIVR5(sub)) identified using a rolling 5 min epoch. The games at 3600 m were compared with the average of the two near sea-level games. RESULTS: The total distance per minute was reduced by a small magnitude in the first match at altitude in both teams, without any change in low-velocity running. There were variable changes in HiVR, D5(peak) and HiVR5(peak) from match to match for each team. There were within-team reductions in D5(peak) in each game at altitude compared with those at near sea level, and this reduction was greater by a small magnitude in Australians than Bolivians in game 4. The effect of altitude on HiVR5(peak) was moderately lower in Australians compared with Bolivians in game 3. There was no clear difference in the effect of altitude on maximal accelerations between teams. CONCLUSIONS: High altitude reduces the distance covered by elite youth soccer players during matches. Neither 13 days of acclimatisation nor lifelong residence at high altitude protects against detrimental effects of altitude on match activity profile.