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

Introduction: Creativity is a recognized quality in various areas, including sports. Within the training processes, various modifications to objectives, game configurations, rules, among other factors, can be considered to favor creative solutions to the tactical problems inherent to soccer. This systematic review aimed to identify the impact of the number of players on the emergence of creative movements in small-sided soccer games, emphasizing deliberate practice. Methods: A systematic review of Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, PsycInfo, SportDiscus and Lilacs databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were defined based on the elements of population, context and concept. Only full articles published in scientific journals written in English were included. No period restriction was applied. Results: Five papers were included and the results of studies indicate greater number of actions, variability, and creativity in small-sided games compared to formal soccer matches. When comparing different small-sided game formats, 5 v 5 showed higher values in terms of total number of actions compared to 7 v 7, and the absolute number of original and creative actions tended to decrease as the game format increased. Imbalanced small-sided games format can promote increased exploratory behavior. Structural manipulation in goal positioning in 5 v 5 games may also influence the originality of tactical behaviors, while the use of different ball types in 4 v 4 games appears to decrease fluency values. In 6 v 6 games, fluency and versatility are negatively impacted. Conclusion: Reduced game formats with fewer players and in smaller field dimensions provide more suggestive environment for exploratory behavior, variability and original and creative actions. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 2 December 2022 (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VN6YZ). Systematic review registration: [https://osf.io/jmf4k/].

Maturity-associated variation in the body size, physical fitness, technical efficiency, and network-based centrality measures in young soccer players.

This study aimed to observe the relationships between the maturity status on the network-based centrality measures of young athletes in small-sided soccer games (SSG). The study included 81 male players (14.4 ± 1.1 years). Measurements included height, sitting height, body mass, and bone age (TW3 method). The applied protocols were the following: Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1), Repeated Sprints Ability (RSA), observational analysis of techniques, and interactions performed by players in SSG. The relationship between the set of evaluated variables within each maturity status was obtained from the correlational analysis of networks (P < 0.05). The maturity status explained a significant portion of the variance in body mass (η2 = 0.37), height (η2 = 0.30), sitting height (η2 = 0.30), and performance on the YYIRT1 (η2 = 0.08), CMJ (η2 = 0.14), and RSA (η2 = 0.13). No effect of maturity status on network-based centrality measures of young athletes was identified (P > 0.05). For the late maturity group, there was a correlation between the degree of centrality and physical growth indicators (rmean = 0.88). For players with maturation "on time", physical growth indicators relate to the degree of prestige (rmean = 0.36). It is concluded that body size and bone age impact how late and on-time maturity groups interact within the match.

Using Social Network Analysis to Study Relationships Between Young Soccer Players' Bone Age, Body Size, and the Centrality of Their Pass Interactions.

Prior research has suggested relevance to anthropometric variance of youth athletes at various stages of their maturation, and prior studies of youth players' soccer skills have failed to consider their interdependent interactions during play. Accordingly, to address both of these separate research omissions, we aimed in this study to analyze the relationships between young (U-13 and U-15 groups) soccer players' bone age and body size indicators and centrality measures of their pass interactions during small sided games. We included young 81 athletes (M age = 14.4, SD = 1.1 years) from whom we took anthropometric measurements of body mass, height, and trunk-cephalic height and obtained their bone age using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 classification method. We also filmed small-sided games in the goal keeper/three player (GK3-3GK) format to analyze the centrality of their passing actions on the following measures: degree of centrality, closeness of centrality, degree of prestige, and proximity of prestige. There were no group differences in the prominence of passing actions across these three measures (tmean = -3.13; p > .05). Canonical correlations of these relationships were significant only in the U-13 group, in which centrality in passing actions was related to body size (r = 0.71; R2 = 0.21; ʌ = 0.28; p = .03). U-13 players who were physically larger and who presented higher bone age showed centralized main passing actions.

Weekly variations of accelerometer variables and workload of professional soccer players from different positions throughout a season.

The current study aimed to analyze, using accelerometer-based activity, acute workload, chronic workload, acutechronic workloads ratio, training-monotony and training-strain throughout a competitive soccer-season and to compare these variables between players from different playing positions. Twenty-one professional soccer-players were monitored during the 48 weeks of the season. Players were grouped according to their position. Four lateral-defenders and four winger-players formed LDW group, four central-defenders and four forwards formed CDF group, and six midfielder-players formed MDF group. Accelerometer-based variables were collected during training and match contexts and were used to generate indicators of weekly acute and chronic workload, training monotony, training strain and metabolic power. A one-way ANOVA compared all dependent variables between groups, and effect sizes for pairwise comparisons were calculated. Results revealed variations in the weekly load throughout the season, which demands caution from coaches to avoid injuries. There were no differences in weekly-loads for all dependent variables (P > 0.05, small-to-moderate effects). We conclude that the weekly-load is not constant during a competitive season and players from different positions have similar weekly-loads. Therefore, previously reported in the literature, possible match-related positional differences might be compensated by differences in training-related loads, leading to a similar profile when considering the whole week.

Effects of pitch size on soccer players' physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during small-sided games: a meta-analytical comparison.

One of the most often-used task constraints in designing small-sided games (SSGs) is the manipulation of pitch size to promote increases or decreases in the relative area per player. Such adjustments cause changes in the acute responses during SSGs. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of smaller vs. larger pitch sizes on soccer players' physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during SSGs. Comparisons between smaller and larger pitches were not considered based on a specific size, but also between using at least two dimensions in the same comparative study, aiming to understand differences between using smaller and larger (independently of the specific dimensions). The data sources utilized were PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The database search initially yielded 249 titles. From those, 41 articles were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Results revealed that, compared to smaller pitches, SSGs played on larger pitches induced greater values for heart rate (p < 0.001; ES = 0.50), rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), total distance (p < 0.001; ES = 1.95), high-speed running (p < 0.001; ES = 1.20), stretch index (p < 0.001; ES = 1.02) and surface area (p < 0.001; ES = 1.54). No significant differences were found between pitch size regarding the numbers of accelerations (p = 0.232; ES = 0.45), decelerations (p = 0.111; ES = 0.85), passes (p = 0.897; ES = 0.02), dribbles (p = 0.823; ES = -0.05), or positional centroid (p = 0.053; ES = 0.56). Larger pitch sizes can be implemented as a meaningful task constraint to increase the internal and external load experienced by soccer players during SSGs, as well as to increase the dispersion of players while acting together. These results were found independent of format and age group.

Shedding light on tactical performance and tactical behavior concepts with a particular reference to soccer / Lançando luz sobre os conceitos de desempenho tático e comportamento tático com uma referência especial ao futebol

Abstract Tactical aspects play a significant role in soccer, as a team sport, considering the inherent unpredictability of the actions during a game. Therefore, measuring tactical variables is essential for training planning in soccer and other team sports. However, previous studies have interchangeably used the terms "tactical behavior" and "tactical performance" to refer to the collected variables, which has become a source of questioning in recent literature. In this point-of-view article, the tactical behavior and tactical performance concepts are defined, discussed, and exemplified based on previous studies. While tactical behavior measures are associated with descriptions of the actions, tactical performance variables are assumed to classify and interpret such behaviors considering reference values. Finally, examples of instruments for collecting each data are provided.

Resumo Aspectos táticos representam um ponto chave no futebol enquanto um esporte coletivo considerando a imprevisibilidade das ações durante um jogo. Medir variáveis táticas é importante para o planejamento do treinamento no futebol e nos outros esportes coletivos. Estudos prévios, contudo, utilizaram de forma intercambiável os termos "comportamento tático" e "desempenho tático" para se referir às variáveis coletadas, o que se transformou em um ponto de dúvida na literatura recente. Neste artigo de ponto de vista, os conceitos de comportamento e desempenho tático são definidos, discutidos e exemplificados com base em estudos prévios. Enquanto comportamento tático está associado à descrição das ações, o desempenho tático é assumido como a classificação e a interpretação destes comportamentos considerando valores de referência. Finalmente, exemplos de instrumentos para a recolha de cada dado são apresentados.

O papel pedagógico do analista de desempenho das categorias de base do futebol brasileiro / The pedagogical role of the performance analyst of brazilian football categories / El papel pedagógico del analista de rendimiento de las categorías juveniles del fútbol brasileño

Resumo A Análise de Desempenho e a Pedagogia do Esporte são áreas de conhecimento que apontam caminhos para a melhora da prática esportiva. O presente artigo buscou identificar o papel pedagógico na atuação dos analistas de desempenho das categorias de base dos clubes brasileiros. A pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa, utilizou o procedimento de análise de Triangulação de Métodos, a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com dez analistas de desempenho das categorias de base dos clubes brasileiros de futebol masculino da série A (2020). Conclui-se que embora os analistas não percebam a sua atuação dentro dos clubes como de cunho pedagógico, na prática essa interface vem sendo necessária no desenvolvimento do trabalho destes profissionais. Dessa maneira o diálogo entre as áreas da Pedagogia do Esporte e da Análise de Desempenho pode contribuir para qualificação e atuação profissional dos analistas de desempenho, potencializando o processo de formação de jovens jogadores de futebol. (AU)

Abstract Performance Analysis and Sport Pedagogy are areas of knowledge that point to ways to improve sports practice. This article sought to identify the pedagogical role in the performance of performance analysts of the base categories of Brazilian clubs. The research, with a qualitative approach, used the Triangulation of Methods analysis procedure, based on semi-structured interviews with ten performance analysts from the basic categories of Brazilian men's soccer clubs in the series A (2020). It is concluded that although the analysts do not perceive their performance within the clubs as pedagogical, in practice this interface has been necessary in the development of the work of these professionals. In this way, the dialogue between the areas of Sport Pedagogy and Performance Analysis can contribute to the qualification and professional performance of performance analysts, enhancing the process of training young soccer players. (AU)

Resumen El Análisis del Rendimiento y la Pedagogía del Deporte son áreas de conocimiento que apuntan caminos para mejorar la práctica deportiva. Este artículo buscó identificar el papel pedagógico en la actuación de los analistas de rendimiento de las categorías básicas de los clubes de fútbol masculino brasileño. La investigación, con enfoque cualitativo, utilizó el procedimiento de análisis Triangulación de Métodos, basado en entrevistas semiestructuradas con diez analistas del rendimiento de las categorías básicas de los clubes de fútbol masculino brasileño en la serie A (2020). Se concluye que aunque los analistas no perciban su actuación dentro de los clubes como pedagógica, en la práctica, esa interfaz ha sido necesaria en el desarrollo del trabajo de estos profesionales. Así, el diálogo entre las áreas de Pedagogía del Deporte y Análisis del Desempeño puede contribuir a la formación y desempeño profesional de los analistas del rendimiento, potenciando el proceso de formación de jóvenes futbolistas. (AU)

Effects of match contextual factors on internal and external load in elite Brazilian professional soccer players through the season.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of contextual match factors (quality of opposition, match outcome, change of head coach or playing style) on internal and external load in elite Brazilian professional soccer players, considering the total and effective playing time. Twenty-two professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (age 28.4 ± 4.9 years; height 1.78 ± 0.1 cm; body mass 72.9 ± 7.1 kg). The internal (rating of perceived exertion-based load [sRPE]) and external load (distance and accelerometry-based measures) were recorded during 38 matches, over the 2021 season of the Brazilian National 1st Division League using a global position system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (200 Hz). The main results were: (i) matches played against weak opponents presented greater values of sprinting distances compared to matches against intermediate and strong opponents; (ii) players covered greater high-intensity running distances when drawing than winning the matches; (iii) matches with assistant coaches presented higher mean speed relative to effective playing time (MSEPT) compared to coach 1 and coach 2 conditions. In addition, players covered greater MSEPT and high-acceleration in matches with coach 2 vs. coach 3; (iv) finally, small positive correlations were observed between positional attack sequences and MSTPT, total distance covered, and acceleration. Coaches and practitioners should consider these results when interpreting external load variables during elite Brazilian soccer matches.

Combined effect of game position and body size on network-based centrality measures performed by young soccer players in small-sided games.

This study verified the effects of body size and game position on interactions performed by young soccer players in small-sided games (SSG). The sample consisted of 81 Brazilian soccer players (14.4 ± 1.1 years of age). Height, body mass, and trunk-cephalic height were measured. SSG was applied in the GK + 3v3 + GK format, and Social Network Analyses were carried out through filming the games to obtain the following prominence indicators: degree centrality, closeness centrality, degree prestige, and proximity prestige, in addition to network intensity and number of goals scored. Factorial ANCOVA (bone age as covariate) was used to test the effects of game position, body size, and respective interaction on centrality measurements (p < 0.05). Similarity between game positions in body size indicators (p > 0.05) was observed. The game position affected degree centrality (p = 0.01, η 2 = 0.16), closeness centrality (p = 0.01, η 2 = 0.11), and network intensity (p = 0.02, η 2 = 0.09), in which midfielders presented the highest network prominence values when compared to defenders and forwards. In conclusion, midfielders are players with high interaction patterns in the main offensive plays, which behavior is independent of body size.

Effect of Small-Sided Games with and without the Offside Rule on Young Soccer Players: Reliability of Physiological Demands.

This study aimed to compare the physiological demand between three vs. three small-sided games (SSGs) with (3vs.3WITH) and without (3vs.3WITHOUT) the offside rule, as well as the within- and between-session reliability of this demand. Twenty-four U-17 soccer athletes performed various three vs. three (plus goalkeepers) SSGs with and without the offside rule. The data collection was performed within an eight-week period. Athletes' heart rate was monitored during the SSG. The variables analyzed were the percentage mean heart rate (HRMEAN%) and the percentage peak heart rate (HRPEAK%). For the analysis of within-session reliability, the mean value of the first two and last two SSG bouts performed within one day were used. The between-session reliability was calculated using the mean value of the four SSG bouts of each SSG type performed on two different days. In both SSGs, the values for reliability were significant and were classified as moderate to excellent. There were no significant differences in the physiological demand among SSG types. We concluded that the offside rule does not influence the physiological demand in a three vs. three SSG and the HRMEAN% and HRPEAK% present moderate to excellent reliability in a three vs. three SSG with and without the offside rule.

Variability of internal and external loads and technical/tactical outcomes during small-sided soccer games: a systematic review.

Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in soccer training. However, some of the typical outcomes related to human responses during these games (namely internal and external load) may vary between sessions for similar practice conditions. Thus, the study of intra- and inter-bout variability in response to SSGs is progressively growing. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify studies that have examined the intra- and inter-session bouts' variability levels regarding the internal and external load and technical/tactical outcomes during SSGs and (2) summarize the main evidence. A systematic review of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 486 studies initially identified, 24 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Sixteen studies analyzed internal load, 13 studies analyzed external load variables, six studies analyzed technical execution, and two studies analyzed tactical behavior. All studies included SSGs with a range number of players between 2 to 14 (1 vs. 1 to 7 vs. 7 SSGs). Internal load and low-speed external load variables presented a low variability, while high variations were reported regarding the technical execution and high-speed external loads.

Small-Sided Soccer Games with Larger Relative Areas Result in Higher Physical and Physiological Responses: a Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review.

This study aimed to systematically review the influence of the relative area on athletes' physical and physiological responses (outcomes) during small-sided games of soccer which were not matched to the relative area. It also presents a meta-analysis comparing standard small-sided games protocols with different relative areas. We searched the Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases for literature published up to March 2020 following all PRISMA guidelines for selecting articles for a qualitative and quantitative synthesis. As a result, eleven articles matched the inclusion criteria. For the quantitative synthesis, a pooled random-effects model was used to make pairwise comparisons between protocols with larger or smaller areas in each selected study. Prediction intervals were used to assess the heterogeneity. We found positive effects of larger relative areas per player on their total distance (d = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.12-1.34; p = 0.006; medium to large effect), distance covered at high speed (d = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.22-1.65; p = 0.001; large effect), and mean heart rate (d = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.17-0.88; p = 0.008; medium effect). In other words, larger relative areas were found to induce higher physical and physiological responses in players. Future studies should consider the relative area per player when comparing data for different small-sided games configurations to avoid confounding variables. Also, coaches can use relative area per player calculations to easily predict increases and decreases in expected training loads for different versions of SSGs during training.

Progression to the target vs. regular rules in Soccer small-sided Games.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the physical, physiological, and spatiotemporal responses of soccer athletes in small-sided games (SSG) in two experimental conditions: progression to the target rule (PG), in which they should take the ball to the opponent's endline to score points, and SSG with regular rules (RG), in which they should score goals to win the game. METHODS: Twenty U-20 athletes played both SSG formats. The SSG were played as four 4-minute bouts with four minutes of passive recovery in two consecutive days. Heart rate, physical (distances and accelerations), and positional data (length, width, and spatial exploration) were collected by a 10 hz GPS device and compared between the protocols using a MANOVA with Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Results showed that the RG condition demanded more spatial exploration eliciting greater occupation of the pitch width. There were higher mean and maximum heart rates and greater low-to-moderate distances and accelerations in the RG, while the PG rule increased the distances covered at the highest speed and acceleration zones. CONCLUSIONS: The progression to the target rule should be adopted to emphasize players' ability to use the width during the offensive phase. Additionally, the PG rule should also be used to emphasize the development of speed and acceleration skills.

Variations in the physical demands and technical performance of professional soccer teams over three consecutive seasons.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the seasonal variations in the physical demands of Turkish Super League teams considering their status in the final rankings and (ii) to analyze the seasonal variations in the technical performance of Turkish Super League teams considering their status in the final rankings. This study followed an observational analytic retrospective design. In the last three seasons of the Turkish Super League (2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018), 918 football matches, 54 teams, 25,029 observations were made. The Sentio Sports optical tracking system was used to quantify the physical demands and technical execution of players in all matches. No significant differences of external load were found between seasons analyzed (p > 0.05). The number of lost balls, ball touches in the central corridor, and goals from set pieces increased from season one to the others (p < 0.05), while the number of successful dribbles reduced over time (p < 0.05). As conclusion, it seems not occurred a progressive change in external load over the seasons, while an evolutionary trends regarding technical variables were observed.

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

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 player improvements. Differential learning, as a non-linear pedagogy, may induce improvements in all dimensions, but especially in creative thinking.

Respostas tático-técnica, física e fisiológica de atletas a pequenos jogos no basquetebol ­ uma revisão de escopo / Tactical-technical, physical, and physiological responses of athletes during basketball small-sided games ­ a scope review

Esta revisão de escopo objetivou verificar as respostas tático-técnica, física e fisiológica de atletas a pequenos jogos (PJ) de basquetebol. Utilizou-se o método Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses ­ Extension for Scoping Reviews. Dois pesquisadores realizaram a busca eletrônica em seis bases de dados, em inglês, português e espanhol. Os critérios de inclusão foram: a) ser artigos científicos publicados em periódicos revisados por pares; b) incluir atletas de basquetebol a partir da categoria sub-12 (minibasquete), competindo em qualquer nível e c) apresentar dados relacionados à resposta física, fisiológica ou tático-técnica dos jogadores. Encontrou-se 34 estudos sobre o efeito agudo dos PJ, que investigaram, principalmente, a influência da alteração do número de jogadores, da área de jogo, da razão estímulo/pausa e das regras. Alguns estudos compararam as respostas de jogadores com diferentes características (e.g., antropométricas) aos PJ. A diminuição do número de jogadores e o aumento da área por jogador parecem aumentar as respostas física e fisiológica e o número de ações tático-técnicas individuais. Maiores durações da série de PJ e menores durações da pausa entre séries parecem aumentar a resposta fisiológica e diminuir a intensidade da resposta física dos jogadores. Diferentes regras influenciam as respostas tático-técnica, física e fisiológica. Os quatro estudos sobre os efeitos crônicos dos PJ reportaram aumentos no desempenho aeróbico, de agilidade e tático-técnico após treinamento com PJ. Os estudos indicam que os PJ elevam o desempenho físico e tático-técnico de atletas de basquetebol e que diferentes características dos PJ levam a respostas tático-técnica, física e fisiológica distintas. (AU)

This scope review aimed to verify the tactical-technical, physical, and physiological responses of basketball players during basketball smallsided games (SSG). We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses ­ Extension for Scoping Reviews. Two independent researchers searched six electronic data bases for scientific papers published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The inclusion criteria were: a) scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals; b) participants should be basketball athletes belonging to the under-12 category (minibasketball) or older competing at any level; and c) present data regarding players' tactical-technical, physical, or physiological responses to basketball SSG. We found 34 studies on the SSG acute effect (acute response). These studies mainly investigated the influence of modifying the number of players per team, the playing area, the work-to-rest ratio, and the rules. Some studies compared the responses presented by players with different characteristics (e.g., anthropometrics) to the SSG. Decreases in the number of players and increases in the area per player seem to increase the physical and physiological responses and the number of individual tactical-technical actions. Longer SSG bouts and shorter rest intervals seem to increase the physiological response and decrease the intensity of the physical response. Different rules influence the tactical-technical, physical, and physiological responses. The four studies on the chronic effects of basketball SSG found increases in the aerobic, agility, and tactical-technical performances after SSG training. Studies indicate that SSG training can increase physical and tactical-technical performances of basketball athletes and that different SSG characteristics lead to distinct tactical-technical, physical, and physiological responses. (AU)

Associations between Physical Status and Training Load in Women Soccer Players.

This study aimed to analyze the variations of fitness status, as well as test the relationships between accumulated training load and fitness changes in women soccer players. This study followed an observational analytic cohort design. Observations were conducted over 23 consecutive weeks (from the preseason to the midseason). Twenty-two women soccer players from the same first Portuguese league team (22.7 ± 5.21 years old) took part in the study. The fitness assessment included anthropometry, hip adductor and abductor strength, vertical jump, change of direction, linear speed, repeated sprint ability, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The training load was monitored daily using session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE). A one-way repeated ANOVA revealed no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed across the three moments of fitness assessments (p > 0.05). The t-test also revealed no differences in the training load across the moments of the season (t = 1.216; p = 0.235). No significant correlations were found between fitness levels and accumulated training load (range: r = 0.023 to -0.447; p > 0.05). This study revealed no differences in the fitness status during the analyzed season, and the fitness status had no significant relationship with accumulated training load.

Effects of Small-Sided Game Interventions on the Technical Execution and Tactical Behaviors of Young and Youth Team Sports Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Small-sided games (SSGs) are an adjusted form of official games that are often used in training scenarios to introduce a specific tactical issue to team sports players. Besides the acute effects of SSGs on players' performance, it is expectable that the consistent use of these drill-based games induces adaptations in the technical execution and tactical behaviors of youth team sports players. Objective: This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of SSG programs on the technical execution and tactical behaviors of young and youth team sports players. Data Sources: The data sources utilized were PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Study Eligibility Criteria: (i) Young and youth team sports players (i.e., < 18 years old) of any sex or skill level, without injury, illness, or other clinical conditions; (ii) SSGs-based programs not restricted to the duration and a minimum of one weekly training session; (iii) passive or active control groups; (iv) pre-post interventions values of technical execution and/or tactical behavior; (v) randomized and non-randomized controlled trials; and (vi) peer-reviewed original full-text studies written in English, Portuguese and/or Spanish. Results: The database search initially yielded 803 titles. From those, six articles were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. None of the included studies presented tactical behavior outcomes. The results showed a small effect of SSGs on technical execution (ES = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.89; p < 0.001; I 2 = 0.0%; Egger's test p = 0.590) when compared to controls. Sub-group analysis of the training factor revealed similar (p = 0.433) moderate (ES = 0.68, four study groups) and small (ES = 0.44, three study groups) improvements in technical execution after >17 and <17 SSG training sessions, respectively. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a significant beneficial effect of using SSG training programs for enhancing technical execution in young and youth players. The benefits were similar despite the various numbers of training sessions applied. Further studies should add tactical behaviors as one of the outcomes for controlling the effects of SSG training programs.