Impact of implicit vs. explicit Instructions on tactical performance in under-20 soccer players.

Introduction: This study aimed to verify whether implicit and explicit informational constraints generate differences in tactical performance and behavior in U-20 national-level soccer players. Methods: Thirty-two under-20 male athletes from two clubs participated. Four 4-a-side small-sided games (SSG) protocols were used: R1 - explicit rule for high-press marking, R2 - implicit rule for high-press marking, R3 - game with both previous rules simultaneous and FR - free game, without additional rules. SSGs comprised 4 vs. 4+ goalkeepers games on a 42 m × 29 m field. Position data from 10 Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) devices were used to evaluate individual and collective tactical behavior (spatial occupation metrics) and performance (interpersonal coordination). MANOVA was used for normally distributed variables, and Friedman's with Dunn or Bonferroni post hoc was used for variables without normal distribution. For SEI, an ANOVA was used with Bonferroni post hoc. Results: The R1 protocol showed higher SEI, length, width, and LpWratio than the FR protocol (p = 0.009). There was an effect of the different protocols in SEI values (p < 0.001). Under the explicit rule, players also showed the highest in-phase interpersonal coordination values (p < 0.001). Discussion: Providing players with explicit tactical instructions improves tactical performance acutely for high-pressing defensive actions.

Comment on: influence of the time-task constraint on ocular metrics of semi-elite soccer.

This letter offers a constructive review of the article 'Influence of the time-task constraint on ocular metrics of semi-elite soccer' by Luis-del Campo et al. (2023), focusing on methodological considerations and avenues for future research enhancement. The study investigates the impact of task constraints on eye-tracking metrics among semi-elite soccer players, aiming to gauge mental workload during training sessions. While the study presents valuable insights, there are opportunities for methodological refinement. Suggestions include emphasizing sample size determination, randomization of the experimental conditions, and employing robust statistical analyses to mitigate potential biases. Moreover, future studies could benefit from integrating external load measures alongside heart rate monitoring to comprehensively assess training task variations. Despite these considerations, the study underscores the promising application of eye-tracking techniques in evaluating mental workload during soccer training, paving the way for further exploration and refinement of methodologies to enhance player performance assessment and training optimization in the field.

Space and players' number constrains the external and internal load demands in youth futsal.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of space and number of players manipulation on the external and internal load demands of youth futsal athletes. Methods: Forty-two male U17 players (age = 15.62 ± 0.58 years) from three futsal teams participated in the study. In this cross-sectional study that lasted 8-week, the player's sample practiced six futsal tasks (T1-T6) and a futsal game played under the official rules (T7). From T1-T6, two task constraints were manipulated: (i) the number of players and, (ii) the space of play. The WIMU PRO™ Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracking system was used to measure the external and internal load during the futsal tasks. External load was quantified using kinematic and mechanical variables extracted from positional data and, the internal load was quantified using Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison purposes. Results: In general, the results showed high external (total distance, distance 18.1-21, above 21 Km/h, and high intensity acceleration and deceleration, p < 0.001) and internal load (heart rate average and rating of perceived exertion, p < 0.001) in the tasks with low number of players and high area. In relation to the match, the tasks with small relative area per player (GK + 2 vs. 2 + GK and GK + 3 vs. 3 + GK in 20 × 20 m) promoted low external load. Conclusion: It was concluded that increasing the relative area by reducing the number of players involved in the tasks in the form of small-sided games (GK + 2 vs. 2 + GK and GK + 3 vs. 3 + GK), in relation to the futsal game (GK + 4 vs. 4 + GK), can be considered a pedagogical strategy to increase the external and internal load demands of young futsal players.

Effects of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Cognitive Performance before and after Repeated Small-Sided Games in Professional Soccer Players: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Crossover Trial.

Soccer is a team sport that requires players to process a significant amount of information quickly and respond with both speed and accuracy to the ever-changing demands of the game. As such, success in soccer depends not only on physical attributes but also on cognitive abilities such as perception and decision-making. The aim of the current study was to investigate the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on Stroop test performance before and after repeated small-sided games (SSG) in professional soccer players. Twelve professional male soccer players (29 ± 4.1 years; 78.1 ± 7.7 kg body mass) participated in this study. A randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled trial was used. Caffeine (5 mg.kg-1) or a placebo was ingested 45 min before a protocol consisting of five 5 min SSG with 1 min rest intervals. A computerized version of the colour Stroop test was completed immediately before and after the exercise protocol. During the Stroop test, words appeared on the computer screen in three different ways: (i) neutral words (neutral condition); (ii) correspondent colour (i.e., "red" painted in red; congruent condition), or; (iii) different colour (i.e., "red" painted in green; incongruent condition). The incongruent condition aimed to cause the interference effect, as the colour and the word did not match. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed after each SSG. RPE increased during the five sets of the SSG protocol (p < 0.001), without differences between the caffeine and placebo trials. The soccer-specific exercise protocol promoted a faster response during the Stroop test (two-way ANOVA main effect for SSG protocol: p < 0.05), with no differences in accuracy (p > 0.05). Caffeine ingestion resulted in slower reaction time during the Stroop test during the congruent and neutral trials but not during the incongruent trial (two-way ANOVA main effect for supplementation: p = 0.009, p = 0.045, and p = 0.071, respectively). Accuracy was lower in the caffeine trial in congruent and incongruent trials (p < 0.05 caffeine vs. placebo both on the pre- and post-SSG protocol). In conclusion, a soccer-specific exercise protocol improved the Stroop test performance in professional soccer players, but acute caffeine ingestion (5 mg.kg-1) was detrimental.

Small-sided games in volleyball: A systematic review of the state of the art.

Studies on small-sided games (SSG) in team sports have increased in recent decades. However, the literature concerning this training strategy in volleyball is sparse. This study aims to summarize and analyse the scientific evidence on SSG in volleyball. For this purpose, electronic searches were conducted in August 2021 in PubMed, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases. As result, a total of 22 studies (3 cross-sectional, 7 quasi-experimental, and 12 randomized controlled trial) that used SSG in volleyball were included in the qualitative synthesis after applying the eligibility criteria. Despite the few studies available for each outcome, our results suggest that the SSG can be used as a methodological resource for volleyball teaching and training of educational, recreational, and high-performance character. In conclusion, the use of SSG in volleyball is a pedagogical and training alternative with positive effects on populations with different levels of training (school and university students, recreational adult players, and athletes) considering instructional approaches, sport knowledge, participation in Physical Education classes, health markers, physical fitness, and physiological, psychological, and tactical-technical variables. However, more studies need to be carried out using SSG in volleyball in different contexts, with different manipulations and variables.

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.

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.

Proposals and effects of training using small-sided games for young soccer players: a narrative review

Abstract Aim: This review article aimed to search for studies that used SSG as an intervention in order to verify the effects of physical and tactical performance in young soccer players and to make a critical analysis in the literature of how small games are proposed, how they are controlled and how they affect the performance of soccer players in the short and medium term. Methods: In this narrative review, we searched four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus), in total, 242 studies were found. In the end, only eight studies were used in this review. Results: Four studies were comparisons between SSG and traditional methods; one study compared different types of SSG; one study compared the intensity of small-sided games with official games and another two made comparisons of physical performance between different categories. All the studies had as a central point to make comparisons in relation to the physical performance and none of them, longitudinally, evaluated the tactical performance using the SSG as an intervention. Conclusions: The use of SSG, mainly in 3×3 (dimensions between 20×25 m and 27×36 m) and 4×4 (30×35 m to 30×40 m) between 3 and 5 sessions per week for at least one month, seems to have beneficial effects concerning physical performance for young athletes. It was verified the scarcity of studies that approach the tactical performance with the use of SSG, in addition, some studies were unclear about the frequency of SSG types during the intervention time.

The influence of the offside rule on players' positional dynamics in soccer small-sided games.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on soccer small-sided games (SSGs) chose between with and without offside rule conditions without evidence-based criteria. The current study aimed to compare the positional dynamics of 3v3 SSGs with and without the offside rule. METHODS: Twenty-four Brazilian U-17 national-level soccer players were recruited. They were split into eight teams and played SSGs with and without the offside rule . Positional data were gathered by a Global Positioning System, and teams' length, width, the length per width ratio (LPWratio), stretch index and players' spatial exploration index were calculated. Data were compared between the experimental conditions by a paired t-test. RESULTS: Results showed that SSGs with the offside rule presented lower values of length (~16.63%, large effect), the LPWratio (~19.74%, large effect), and players' spatial exploration (~4.13%, small-to-moderate effect). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the offside rule impacts players' positional behavior in SSGs, inducing a less exploratory behavior mainly in the width axis. For this reason, we recommend caution when interpreting previous results on SSG when the offside rule was not applied since adopting this rule might elicit different responses to the players . Coaches can manipulate this rule aiming to achieve specific tactical goals for the training session.

Efeitos dos jogos reduzidos sobre os marcadores psicofisiológicos de atletas de futsal feminino / Effects of small-sided games on psychophysiological markers of female futsal athletes

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito da quantidade de balizas em jogos reduzidos no futsal (JRF's) sobre a carga interna e resposta afetiva. Participaram do estudo oito atletas adultas de futsal feminino, que treinavam regularmente cinco vezes por semana. Foram analisadas duas sessões de treinamento: 1) JRF1baliza 4 x 4 com uma baliza para cada equipe; 2) JRF3balizas4 x 4 com três balizas para cada equipe. A ordem dos JRF's foi escolhida de forma randomizada. Para análise da carga interna utilizou-se a escala CR 0-10 de percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e para a resposta afetiva, utilizou-se a escala de sentimento (feeling scale). Utilizou-se o teste t pareado para análise da resposta psicofisiológica, considerando significativo um valor p < 0,05. Em nossos resultados os valores de P SE foram semelhantes entre os JRF's (JRF1baliza: 4,5 ± 1,7 vs. JRF3balizas: 4,4 ± 0,7, p > 0,05) da mesma fo rm a para a resposta afetiva (JRF1baliza: 0,2 ± 0,8 vs. JRF3balizas: 0,1 ± 1,0, p > 0,05), adicionalmente observou-se que os valores de PSE fixaram-se em "um pouco difícil" e a resposta afetiva permaneceu positiva durante ambos os JRF's. Em suma, conclui-se que os JRF1baliza e JRF3balizas obtiveram respostas semelhante nos marcadores psicofisiológicos (PSE e Afeto) em atletas adultas de futsal feminino...(AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the number of goals in futsal small-sided games (SSG) on the internal load and affective response. Eight adult female futsal players regularly training five times a week participated in the study. Two training sessions were analyzed: 1) SSG1goal 4 x 4 with one goal for each team; 2) SSG3goal 4 x 4 with three goals for each team. The order of SSG was chosen in a randomized fashion. The CR 0-10 scale of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was ch o sen to analyze internal load and for the affective response, the feeling scale was used. Paired t test was used t o analyze the psychophysiological response, considering a value p < 0.05. It was observ ed t hat t he RPE values were similar between the SSG (SSG1goal: 4.5 ± 1.7 vs. SSG3goal: 4.4 ± 0.7, p > 0.05) in the same way for affective response (SSG1goal: 0.2 ± 0.8 vs. SSG3goal: 0.1 ± 1.0, p > 0.05), it was further observed that the RPE values were set as "a little difficult" and the values of the Feeling Scale was p o sit iv e durin g bo th SSG. In summary, the SSG1goal and SSG3goal being performed in random order with seven days rest between them, obtained similar responses in the psychophysiological markers in adult female futsal players...(AU)

Influence of Aerobic Power on Youth Players' Tactical Behavior and Network Properties during Football Small-Sided Games.

(1) Background: This study aimed to compare the incidence of tactical principles, the percentage of successful tactical principles, and the network properties between higher and lower aerobic power in young football players during small-sided games. (2) Methods: Eighteen Under-17 Brazilian players were recruited. Firstly, they performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2, which was used to split them into two groups with higher and lower aerobic power. In the sequence, they played three vs three small-sided games within each group. The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer was used to analyze the tactical behavior demonstrated by measuring the incidence of tactical principles and the percentage of successful principles, while the macro variables, density and clustering coefficient from social network analysis for team sports was used to analyze players' interactions. (3) Results: No differences were reported for the incidence of tactical principles (p > 0.05, small or small-to-moderate effect sizes), the percentage of successful offensive principles (p = 0.122, small-to-moderate effect size), or the network variables (p > 0.05; small effect sizes). The lower aerobic power group demonstrated a higher percentage of successful defensive tactical principles (p = 0.043; small-to-moderate effect size). (4) Conclusions: We concluded that aerobic power has a limited impact on player behavior, indicating that players' actions within a small-sided game are mostly constrained by other parameters.

Análise da rede de interações nos pequenos jogos no futebol: influência do critério de composição das equipes / Network analysis in soccer small-sided games: influence of team composition criteria

Os pequenos jogos são um meio de treinamento que possui diversas formas de manipulação. As manipulações, por sua vez, permitem aos treinadores modelar o jogo de acordo com o objetivo proposto para a atividade. No entanto, essas manipulações podem influenciar na interação entre os jogadores durante o processo ofensivo da equipe. Esta pesquisa analisou a influência do critério de composição das equipes na rede de interações nos pequenos jogos. Participaram do estudo doze atletas de futebol sub-15 de uma equipe de alto nível da cidade de Curitiba. Os atletas realizaram 4 séries de pequenos jogos na configuração G+3vs.3+G em duas composições das equipes: a) com atletas de uma mesma posição (e.g., três atacantes); e b) com atletas das três posições (e.g. um defensor, um meio campista e um atacante). Analisaram-se padrões de network (referentes a equipe ­ análise macro) e níveis de proeminência (referentes aos atletas ­ análise micro) no âmbito da Social Network Analysis. Para a análise micro utilizou-se a ANOVA one-way (e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para variáveis não paramétricas) para comparação dos valores entre diferentes posições. Para a análise macro, utilizou-se o teste t independente (e o teste de Mann-Whitney para variáveis não paramétricas) para comparação entre os protocolos. Em todos os casos adotou-se significância de p<0,05. Resultados apontaram menor proeminência dos goleiros em relação às demais posições em ambos os protocolos e dos meio-campistas em relação aos defensores no protocolo com equipes formadas por atletas da mesma posição. Conclui-se que a alteração no critério de composição das equipes altera os níveis de proeminência dos atletas durante os pequenos jogos...(AU)

Small-sided games (SSG) are a means of training of team sports. Changes in SSG characteristics (e.g., pitch size, rules, number of players per team) allow coaches to emphasize specific behaviors, according to the goal of the training session. Additionally, changes in teams' composition criteria might influence the interactions between players during teams' offensive process. Teams 'composition criteria are the rules used to divide players into teams. This study analyzed the nfluence of teams' composition criteria in the network properties during soccer small-sided games. Twelve male U-15 soccer athletes from a high-level team from the city of Curitiba participated in the study. Athletes performed four small-sided games bouts in the 3vs.3 + goalkeepers format with two team composition criteria: a) three athletes from the same playing position (e.g., three forwards) on each team; and b) three athletes from different playing positions (e.g., a defender, a midfielder and a forward) in each team. Network properties (related to the team ­ macro analysis) and levels of prominence (related to the athletes ­ micro analysis) were analyzed through the Social Network Analysis. An one-way ANOVA (or KruskalWallis test for non-parametric variables) was used to compare the mean values between playing positions. For the macro analysis, an independent t-test (or Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric variables) was used. In all cases, the level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results showed lower prominence of goalkeepers compared to the other positions using both teams' composition criteria. Midfielders also presented lower prominence ompared to defenders when team were formed by athletes of the same position. In summary, changes in teams' composition criteria modify athletes' levels of prominence during 3vs.3 small-sided games...(AU)

Space Creation Dynamics in Basketball Small-Sided Games.

Space creation dynamics (SCDs) describe actions players perform to create a scoring opportunity. This study compared SCDs and types of offense during three different three versus three (3vs.3) basketball small-sided games (SSGs) played in half court: 3vs.3 with man-to-man defense in half playing area (3vs.3HALF), 3vs.3 with man-to-man defense in full playing area (3vs.3FULL), and 3vs.3 with reduced shot clock (3vs.3RT). We also investigated the efficacy of SCDs in all SSGs and the reliability of SCDs in 3vs.3HALF. While the efficacy of SCDs did not differ among these SSGs, 3vs.3RT presented significantly more "space creation with ball dribbled" and "shot clock violations," and less "on ball screens." 3vs.3FULL presented no differences in the SCDs and types of offense compared with 3vs.3HALF. Reliability within 3vs.3HALF was higher for "space creation with ball dribbled," "space creation without the ball," "set offenses," "fast breaks," and "loss of ball during passing or dribbling." We concluded that 3vs.3 basketball SSGs with different rules can be used for training different tactical behaviors important to formal games, especially since the 3vs.3HALF presented good reliability for many variables related to tactical behavior.

Efeito do número de jogadores nas ações técnico-táticas em jogos reduzidos no futebol / Effect of the number of players in technical-tactical actions in reduced football games

Os jogos reduzidos constituem a base de muitos programas de formação no futebol. A partir destes jogos, são realizadas modificações com o intuito de estimular um determinado fluxo de ações (técnico-táticas) em contexto real de jogo. Entre as principais estratégias está o aumento ou diminuição do número de jogadores para um determinado tamanho de campo. Contudo, ainda hoje, apesar da ampla utilização de modificações de jogos reduzidos como estratégia de ensino, aprendizagem e treinamento no futebol estas intervenções carecem de demonstração científica acerca da sua utilidade e eficácia. Esta falta de evidências empíricas perpetua o famigerado abismo entre teoria e prática e a construção de atividades de treino, unicamente, baseada na subjetividade do treinador. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito do número de jogadores na frequência e distribuição das ações técnico-táticas em uma escolinha de futebol e futsal. Participaram do estudo 18 jogadores de uma escolinha de futebol e futsal do Paraná. As situações analisadas foram 4vs4 + goleiros e 5vs5 + goleiros. A análise das ações técnico-táticas foi adaptada dos critérios originalmente propostos no Team Sport Assessment Procedure (TSAP). Os jogos foram gravados em câmera digital e posteriormente analisados em vídeo. De modo geral, os resultados demostraram maior frequência de ações técnico-táticas em situação de 4vs4 + goleiros comparada a situação de 5vs5 + goleiros. Contudo é necessário a intervenção do treinador, incluindo modificações destes jogos reduzidos, para permitir exercitação mais homogênea entre os jogadores

Small-sided games form the basis of many youth soccer programs. From these games, modifications are made in order to stimulate a certain flow of technical-tactical actions in real game context. Among the most common strategies are the increase or decrease of the number of player to a given field size. However, despite the wide use of small-sided games as a teaching strategy in soccer, these interventions lack of scientific evidence to demonstrate their utility and efficacy. This lack of evidence strengthens the gap between theory and practice and the design of small-sided games based, solely, on coaches' subjectivity. Thus, the present study analyzed the effect of the number of players on the frequency and distribution of technical-tactical actions in a soccer academy. Participated in the study 18 players from a soccer and futsal academy from Paraná. Situations analyzed were 4vs4 + goalkeepers and 5vs5 + goalkeepers. Analysis of technical-tactical actions were adapted from the criteria originally proposed in the Team Sport Assessment Procedure (TSAP). Games were recorded using a digital camera and saved for posterior computer analysis. Overall, results elicited more frequency of technical-tactical actions in 4vs4 + goalkeepers compared to 5vs5 + goalkeepers. However, it is needed coach's intervention, including other game modifications, to allow a more homogeneous participation among players

Demandas físicas, fisiológicas, táticas e técnicas no pequeno jogo 3vs. 3 no futebol: uma revisão sistemática / Physical, physiological, tactical, and technical demands of 3vs. 3 soccer small-sided game: a systematic review

Pequenos Jogos são utilizados concomitantemente no processo de treino de jogadores de futebol e na avaliação da capacidade de jogo dos atletas. A configuração 3vs.3 apresenta-se como importante meio tanto no treinamento quanto na avaliação por representar o contexto decisional do jogo permitindo uma efetiva participação dos atletas. Estudos em diferentes idades e níveis competitivos utilizaram a configuração 3vs.3 para investigar demandas técnicas, táticas físicas e fisiológicas de jogadores de futebol. Diante da heterogeneidade dos estudos em relação à seleção dos sujeitos, e da consequente dificuldade de generalização dos resultados, este estudo buscou realizar uma revisão sistemática com ênfase nas respostas táticas, técnicas, físicas e fisiológicas da configuração 3vs.3 em estudos com pequenos jogos no futebol com atletas de diferentes idades e níveis competitivos. Compuseram a amostra deste estudo 12 trabalhos publicados, selecionados por meio do protocolo PRISMA. Resultados apontam para similaridades entre a demanda física no pequeno jogo e no jogo formal para todas as categorias investigadas, à exceção da sub-19. Em relação às ações técnicas, o estudo com atletas profissionais reportou maior incidência de finalizações em relação às investigações com a categoria sub-17. Já em relação ao comportamento tático, o estudo com a categoria sub-15 reportou maior incidência de princípios táticos por minuto em comparação aos estudos na categoria sub-11, principalmente em relação aos princípios táticos ofensivos. Em resumo, observaram-se diferenças nas respostas táticas, técnicas, físicas e fisiológicas de jogadores de futebol de diferentes idades e níveis competitivos durante pequenos jogos na configuração 3vs.3. A partir destas diferenças, sugere-se cuidado na generalização de resultados de estudos para outras categorias, bem como ajuste nas cargas de treino/configurações do jogo para sua utilização no treinamento de jogadores de futebol de diferentes idades e níveis competitivos....(AU)

Small-sided games are useful tools for both training and assessment of game skills of soccer players. The 3vs.3 game is an important mean for both training and assessment of players' skills because it represents the decisional context of the formal game, allowing an effective athletes' engagement. Studies with players with different ages and levels have used the 3vs.3 game to investigate technical, tactical, physical and physiological demands of soccer players. Considering the heterogeneity of the studies concerning the subjects' criteria of selection, and the consequent difficult in generalizing the results, this study aimed to realize a systematic review emphasizing the tactical, technical, physical and physiological aspects of the 3vs.3 small-sided game used in studies with athletes of different ages and competitive levels. Twelve published works, selected by the PRISMA protocol, composed the study sample. Results point to similarities concerning the physical demands between the 3vs.3 and formal game for all categories investigated, except for the sub-19. Regarding the technical activities, the study with professional athletes reported higher incidence of shoots on goal in relation to investigations with the U-17 players. In relation to the tactical behavior, the study with the U-15 players reported higher incidence of tactical principles per minute compared to studies in the U-11, especially in relation to offensive tactical principles. In summary, it was possible to show differences in tactical, technical, physical and physiological demands of soccer players of different ages and competitive levels. From these differences, caution is suggested in the generalization of study results for other categories, as well as an adjust in the training loads / game settings to use in the training of football players of different ages and competitive levels is strongly recommended....(AU)

The effect of the maintaining the ball possession on the intensity of games

The use of small-sided games (SSG) for soccer training has increased considerably in recent years. Tactical principles can influence the intensity and the movement of soccer players during training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maintaining possession of the ball on the intensity and the time of motion characteristics of players during training in games. Eleven athletes of the U-20 category of a professional club in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. To check the influence of the tactical principle, we used a game control and an experimental game in three different field dimensions and number of players. The results show that possession of the maintenance rule influences the intensity of the games (p <0.05). However, it is concluded that the rule is fundamental for training through games.

Technical and tactical soccer players' performance in conceptual small-sided games / Desempenho técnico e tático de jogadores de futebol em jogos reduzidos conceituais / Rendimiento técnico y táctico de jugadores de fútbol en juegos reducidos conceptuales

Conceptual small-sided games (CSSGs) may be interesting as a methodology for training soccer players given its connection to the unpredictability that is inherent to soccer. Our aim was investigate, through videogrammetry, if the technical and tactical principles promoted through the adoption of distinct rules from two distinct CSSGs (maintaining ball possession; and progression to the target) would actually be achieved. The study included 24 athletes assigned to 6-player teams. Our data showed that the CSSGs' organising principles create situations with differing levels of difficulty that obey the propositions of maintaining ball possession and progression to the target, i.e., CSSGs permit systematic training on technical and tactical components in order to emphasize the concepts adopted in this study in games context. Our data credit the CSSGs for teaching technical and tactical lessons that, when coupled with adequate physical conditioning, can facilitate a player's capacity to merge thoughts and events in different situations.

A utilização de jogos reduzidos conceituais (JRC) pode ser uma metodologia de treino interessante para treinar a imprevisibilidade inerente ao jogo de futebol. Nosso objetivo no presente estudo foi investigar por videogrametria os princípios técnico-táticos adotados em resposta as respectivas regras de dois jogos reduzidos conceituais distintos (manutenção de posse de bola e progressão ao alvo). Participaram do estudo 24 atletas separados em equipes de 6 jogadores. Nossos dados comprovaram que os princípios organizadores dos JRC criam situações distintas com graus de dificuldade diferentes. Ou seja, é possível sistematizar o treinamento dos componentes técnicos e táticos de forma a enfatizar os conceitos adotados neste estudo e inseridos no contexto do jogo. Nossos dados credenciam os JRC para o aprendizado de situações técnico táticas que, aliadas ao condicionamento físico adequado podem contribuir para produzir um jogador treinado para aproximar cada vez mais pensamentos e ações em situações diversificadas.

El uso de los juegos reducidos conceptuales (JRC) puede ser una interesante metodología para entrenar a la imprevisibilidad inherente en el juego de fútbol. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue investigar por videogrametría los principios técnico-tácticos adoptadas en respuesta a las respectivas reglas de dos JRC distintos (posesión del balón y la progresión a la meta). El estudio incluyó a 24 atletas divididos en equipos de 6 jugadores. Nuestros datos muestran que los principios de organización de los JRC crean diferentes situaciones con diferentes grados de dificultad. Es decir, es posible sistematizar el desarrollo de los componentes técnicos y tácticos de una manera a enfatizar los conceptos adoptados para este estudio en el contexto del juego. Nuestros datos acreditan JRC para el aprendizaje de situaciones técnicas tácticas que, junto con la preparación física adecuada puede ayudar a producir jugadores capacitados a unir cada vez más pensamientos y acciones en diferentes situaciones.

Game-Based Approaches' Pedagogical Principles: Exploring Task Constraints in Youth Soccer.

This study tested the use of two pedagogical principles of Game-based approaches, representation and exaggeration, in the context of game performance of U10 soccer players. Twenty-one players participated in two 3 vs. 3 small-sided games. The first small-sided game was modified by representation. The second small-sided game was modified by enhancing the penetration of the defense tactical problem for invasion games. Decision-making and execution were assessed using the Game Performance Evaluation Tool. No significant differences were observed between games in the number of decision-making units related to keeping possession, nor in those related to penetrating the defense. No significant differences were observed in any execution ability (ball control, passing, dribbling and get free movements). The findings suggested that both games could provide similar degeneracy processes to the players for skill acquisition (specific and contextualized task constraints in which they could develop their game performance and the capability to achieve different outcomes in varying contexts). Probably both games had similar learner-environment dynamics leading players to develop their capabilities for adapting their behaviours to the changing performance situations. More research is necessary, from the ecological dynamics point of view, to determine how we should use small-sided games in Game-based approaches.

Inspecting the performance of neutral players in different small-sided games

The aim of this study was to inspect the effects of format and task conditions on neutral players' heart rate responses and time-motion characteristics. Four formats of play using neutral players and three task conditions were inspected. Moreover, the factor repetition (3 games per each SSG) was also analysed. Ten male amateur soccer players (26.36 ± 5.33 years old, 8 ± 3.2 years of practice, 66.18 ± 10.16 bpm at rest) participated in this study. The repeated measured revealed that no differences were found between repetitions (Pillai's Trace = .075; F 8, 100 = 1.007; p-value = .436; = .075; Power = .445; small effect size). In the game 1 significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = 0.699; F 24,428 = 3.774; p-value = .001; = .175; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). In the game 2 , significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = .712; F 24,428 = 3.860; p-value = .001; = .178; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). Finally, in the game 3 significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = .729; F 24,428 = 3.972; p-value = .001; = .182; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). Briefly, it was possible to conclude that the biggest formats statistically increased the heart rate responses and time-motion characteristics of neutral players. It was also possible to observe that the mean values of heart rate responses found in neutral players throughout small-sided games were appropriated to very light or recovery workouts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do formato e condições da tarefa nas respostas cardíacas e perfis de movimento de jogadores neutros. Adotaram-se quatro formatos de jogo e três condições da tarefa utilizando jogadores neutros. Participaram no estudo dez jogadores de futebol amador (26,36 ± 5,33 anos de idade, 8 ± 3,2 anos de prática, 66,18 ± 10,16 bpm em descanso). O teste de medidas repetidas não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre repetições (Pillai's Trace = 0,075; F 8, 100 = 1,007; p-value = 0,436; = 0,075; Power = 0,445). No jogo 1 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,699; F 24,428 = 3,774; p-value = 0,001; = 0,175; Power = 1,000). No jogo 2 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,712; F 24,428 = 3,860; p-value = 0,001; = 0,178; Power = 1,000). Finalmente, no jogo 3 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,729; F 24,428 = 3,972; p-value = 0,001; = 0,182; Power = 1,000). Concluiu-se com este estudo que os formatos maiores aumentam estatisticamente a resposta cardíaca e o perfil de movimento de jogadores neutros. Foi igualmente possível observar que os valores médios de frequência cardíaca encontrados em jogadores neutros são apropriados para trabalhos de baixa intensidade ou de recuperação ativa.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de formato y de tareas en condiciones respuestas cardíacas y el movimiento de perfiles de los jugadores neutrales. Se utilizaron cuatro formatos de juego y tres condiciones tarea utilizando jugadores neutrales. Participó en el estudio, diez jugadores de fútbol (26,36 ± 5,33 años de edad, 8 ± 3,2 años de práctica, 66,18 ± 10,16 lpm en reposo). La prueba de medidas repetidas mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre repeticiones (Pillai's Trace = 0,075; F 8, 100 = 1,007; p-value = 0,436; = 0,075; Power = 0,445). En lo juego 1 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,699; F 24,428 = 3,774; p-value = 0,001; = 0,175; Power = 1,000). En lo juego 2 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,712; F 24,428 = 3,860; p-value = 0,001; = 0,178; Power = 1,000). En lo juego 3 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,729; F 24,428 = 3,972; p-value = 0,001; = 0,182; Power = 1,000). Se concluye de este estudio que los formatos más grandes estadísticamente aumentan respuesta cardiaca y el perfil de movimiento de jugadores neutrales. También se observó que los valores promedio de la frecuencia cardíaca que se encuentran en los jugadores papeles neutros son adecuados para baja intensidad o de recuperación activa.