Technical and locomotor demands in elite soccer: manipulating area per player during small-sided games to replicate official match demands

Locomotor and Physiological Demands of Small-Sided Soccer Games in Wildcard and Regular Players: Effects of Goalkeepers and Type of Wildcard

BACKGROUND

Small-sided games (SSGs) are frequent training drills in soccer. This study investigated whether type of game (ie, with/without goalkeepers) and wildcard ( without vs internal vs external wildcard) impact the physiological (heartrate [HR]) and locomotor (total distance [TD] covered) demands in regular and wildcard players and to evaluate between-player and within-player variability.

HYPOTHESIS

Demands are influenced by wildcard and game type, with higher demand (distance covered at high intensities and sprint speed) in regular players and with higher variability in SSG with wildcard players.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive/comparative study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Twenty-four soccer players completed 6 SSG as 3 versus 3 without (NG) or with (GK) goalkeepers, and with internal (NG+IW and GK+IW) and external (NG+EW and GK+EW) wildcard. Average HR (HRavg), rate of perceived exertion, and locomotor demands (TD, medium [MID = 7.0-13.9 km h-1], high [HID = 14.0-20.9 km h-1] and sprint [SPD >21.0 km h-1] distance and peak speed [PS]) were registered.

RESULTS

The inclusion of GK and internal wildcard led to decreased HRavg and TD in regular players. Wildcard players positioned internally exhibited higher TD, PS, and lower HRavg than externally positioned wildcards. Regular players demonstrated higher TD, PS, MID, HID, HRavg and time spent in Z3 (>90% HRmax) compared with wildcard players in SSG played with external wildcard. Regular and wildcard players displayed great between- and within-player variability in high-intensity metrics.

CONCLUSION

Specific game type and wildcard inclusion impact the physiological and locomotor demands in SSG, with variations observed between regular and wildcard players.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides comprehensive information on the physiological and locomotor demands of SSG depending on the inclusion and position of goalkeepers and wildcards, which can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches when designing specific training tasks, individualizing training load and applying return-to-play programs.

Does microcycle length influence the external and internal load in professional female soccer players?

This study aimed to analyze the effects of microcycle length on external and internal load during training sessions and official matches in a professional female soccer team. A total of 32 microcycles were monitored for 20 outfield players using a portable 10 Hz GPS device. Microcycles were categorized by length as short (5-6 days), regular (7 days), or long (8-9 days). Training load during the microcycles was analyzed relative to the days before or after the match day (MD), considering the following sessions: MD+1, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1. The external load was assessed according to total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIR), sprint distance (SPD), and number of high-intensity accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC). Internal load was measured using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session RPE (s-RPE). The results of linear mixed model analyses showed that TD (d = 1.24-1.35), ACC (d = 0.64-0.66), and DEC (d = 0.90-1.04) were significantly higher on MD+1 in short microcycles compared to regular and long microcycles. On MD-4, large differences were observed between long and short microcycles for TD (d = 1.60), ACC (d = 1.28), DEC (d = 1.28), RPE (d = 1.25), and s-RPE (d = 1.61). Similarly, MD-3 of long microcycles showed significantly higher TD (d = 1.25-1.32), HIR (d = 1.18-1.32), and SPD (d = 0.84-1.68) compared to regular and short microcycles. On MD-2, the highest workload was observed in short microcycles, especially for SPD (d = 1.15-1.34). Overall, this study demonstrated that the external and internal load of training sessions vary depending on the length of the microcycles in professional female soccer.

Fixed pitch size small-sided games in young soccer players: effects of different age categories and competitive levels on the physical and physiological responses

We compared the physical and physiological responses of young soccer players of different ages U13 (Under 13 years), U15, and U17 and competitive levels (elite and sub-elite) during fixed-pitch size smallsided games (SSGs) performed under different formats. In a cross-sectional design, seventy-two male players (12 players in each group) performed 3-a-side and 4-a-side SSGs with a fixed-pitch size (40 × 20 m). The total distance covered (TD), peak velocity (Vpeak), the distances covered at different running speed zones (0 to < 7.0, 7.0 to < 14.0, 14.0 to < 18.0, and ≥ 18.0 km.h-1), peak heart rate (HRpeak), HRmean, expressed as percentage of the theoretical HRmaxTheo, and blood lactate concentration post-SSGs (BLa) were recorded. Players in the 3-a-side SSGs covered more TD, distances covered at different speeds and Vpeak than those of the 4-a-side SSGs across all age categories of both competitive levels (p < 0.05). The 3-a-side SSGs induced higher BLa in all elite groups (p < 0.05), and U13-sub-elite players (p=0.004). HRpeak(%HRmaxTheo) and HRmean(%HRmaxTheo) were greater in the 4-a-side SSGs than the 3-a-side SSGs in most age categories of both competitive levels (p < 0.05). In the zone-3, the U13- and U15-elite covered more distance than U17 in both formats. In both formats, elite players covered larger TD and distances at zone-1 and zone-4 sub-elite players (p < 0.05). BLa was higher in U17-sub-elite compared to their elite counterparts in the 4-a-side SSGs. Our study shows that 3-a-side SSGs are physically more demanding than 4-a-side, especially for elite players. Tailoring training to age and competitive level is crucial for optimising player development.

Associations between running activities and odds of scoring goals during professional soccer matches

We aimed to assess the associations between physical activities of reference teams or the differences with their opponents, and the goals scored in professional soccer. Total distance (TD), distance >20 km/h (VHS) and goals scored during matches of the Serie-A by two Best and two Worst Teams and by their opponents were collected. Odds ratio (OR) of scoring goals when high or low levels of running, as well as higher or lower levels compared to their opponents, were estimated. Performing higher TD than the opponents increased the OR of scoring goals for Best and Worst Teams in 5-min (19.8 ± 5.2, 16.1 ± 7.3) and 15-min (11.5 ± 3.3, 11.5 ± 4.9) intervals. Performing more VHS than the opponents increased the OR of scoring for Best and Worst teams in 5-minute (3.7 ± 0.9, 2.5 ± 0.6) and for Best teams in 15-minute (3.3 ± 1.1) intervals. Odds of scoring were higher when relative differences in running activities between teams, instead of absolute levels, were considered.

Worst Case Scenarios in Soccer Training and Competition: Analysis of Playing Position, Congested Periods, and Substitutes

Aim: To understand mean (WCSmean) and peak (WCSpeak) worst case scenarios within training and game play in male professional soccer. Methods: Thirty-one (n = 31) first team players were monitored across 37 matches and 14 MD-3 sessions. Playing status was distinguished, football drills analyzed, and performance explored in long-period: >6 days, moderate-period: 5-6 days, and congested-period: ≤4 days. Relative total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD, >19.8 km·h-1), sprint distance (SD, >25.2 km·h-1), accelerations/decelerations (A+D, >3 m·s-2), accelerations (Acc, >3 m·s-2), and decelerations (Dec, >-3 m·s-2) were measured as well as Maximum acceleration (Max Acc; m·s-2) and deceleration (Max Dec; m·s-2). Results: Analysis of variance found differences between matches and training in WCSmean for TD, HSRD, SD, and Max Dec in all positions (p < .001; partial η2 > .275). Fullbacks displayed differences between match and training in Max Acc (moderate ESs; p < .001), while center backs and central midfielders in Max Dec (large ESs; p > .05). Main effects of playing status were discovered for all metrics except Max Dec (p < .001; partial η2 > .124). Analysis showed differences between long- and congested-period for A+D and Dec (large ESs; p ≤ .05). Conclusions: Findings provide more insights into short peak intensity demands of soccer showing that the maximum high velocity action of acceleration and deceleration is not being replicated in training. Nonstarters lack maximum intensity exposure in matches (WCSpeak) increasing the gap between training and competition even higher during congested fixture periods.

Influence of the Number of Players on the Load of Soccer Players During Transition Games

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of different compositions in transition games (TGs) on the load of soccer players and to evaluate their performance in physical tests. Using a GPS system, 18 players were monitored during: 3vs2, 2vs1 and 1vs1. Distance covered (DC), DC 18-20.9 km·h-1, 21-23.9 km·h-1,>24 km·h-1, peak speed, accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec)>1.0 m·s-2 and>2.5 m·s-2 and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Before and after each TG, countermovement-jump (CMJ), 15- (S15) and 30 m (S30) speed tests were assessed. TG3vs2 showed greater DC and Dec>1.0 m·s-2 than TG2vs1, and DC, DC 18.0-23.9 km·h-1, Acc>1.0 m·s-2 and Dec>2.5 m·s-2 than TG1vs1 (p<0.01). TG2vs1 achieved higher DC, DC 18.0-23.9 km·h-1, and Acc>2.5 m·s-2 (p<0.01) but lower peak speed (p=0.02) and RPE (p=0.02) than TG1vs1. Post-intervention, TG1vs1 showed lower CMJ and higher S15 (p=0.02), while TG3vs2, showed improvements in CMJ (p<0.01). The three tasks showed large variations for DC>24 km·h-1, Acc>1.0 m·s-2, Dec>1.0 m·s-2 and Dec>2.5 m·s-2. The load of TGs is sensitive to their player composition.

A new approach to comparing the demands of small-sided games and soccer matches

To improve soccer performance, coaches should be able to replicate the match's physical efforts during the training sessions. For this goal, small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used. The main purpose of the current study was to develop similarity and overload scores to quantify the degree of similarity and the extent to which the SSG was able to replicate match intensity. GPSs were employed to collect external load and were grouped in three vectors (kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical). Euclidean distance was used to calculate the distance between training and match vectors, which was subsequently converted into a similarity score. The average of the pairwise difference between vectors was used to develop the overload scores. Three similarity (Simkin, Simmet, Simmec) and three overload scores (OVERkin, OVERmet, OVERmec) were defined for kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical vectors. Simmet and OVERmet were excluded from further analysis, showing a very large correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.01) with Simkin and OVERkin. The scores were subsequently analysed considering teams' level (First team vs. U19 team) and SSGs' characteristics in the various playing roles. The independent-sample t-test showed (p < 0.01) that the First team presented greater Simkin (d = 0.91), OVERkin (d = 0.47), and OVERmec (d = 0.35) scores. Moreover, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was employed to evaluate differences according to SSG characteristics. The results suggest that a specific SSG format could lead to different similarity and overload scores according to the playing position. This process could simplify data interpretation and categorize SSGs based on their scores.

Greater Psychophysiological Intensities in Conditioned Games May Impair Technical Performance: An Exploratory Study in Youth Male Soccer Players

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) to examine the relationships between psychophysiological responses and locomotor demands with variations in technical performance during 2v2 and 4v4 conditioned games and (2) to compare psychophysiological and locomotor responses among players exhibiting higher and lower technical performance levels during the conditioned games.

METHODS

Twenty-four male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.8 y old) participating at the trained/developmental level underwent monitoring for psychophysiological responses (including heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and visual analog scale), locomotor demands (such as distance covered), and technical performance variables (including successful and unsuccessful passes and shots, as well as lost balls) across 2v2 and 4v4 formats. These formats were applied 4 times within a single session and were replicated twice over 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Large correlations between the number of lost balls per minute and mean heart rate were found in both the 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = .586 and r = .665, respectively). Successful shots were inversely and largely correlated with mean heart rate (r = -.518) in 4v4 games. The number of interceptions per minute was inversely and significantly correlated with the visual analog scale in 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = -.455 and r = -.710, respectively). The frequency of lost balls was significantly higher among players who attained a higher mean heart rate (2v2: +42.9%, P = .031, d = -0.965; 4v4: +57.1%, P < .001, d = -2.072).

CONCLUSIONS

Coaches should be aware that highly psychophysiologically demanding scenarios may significantly impair technical performance. Therefore, prioritizing technical performance by deliberately adjusting the intensity should be considered.

Top-class women's soccer performance: peak demands and distribution of the match activities relative to maximal intensities during official matches

The aims of the current study were to determine the most demanding passages of match play (MDP) and the distribution of match activities relative to maximum intensities during official matches in top-class women soccer players. Twenty-eight women players competing in European championship and international UEFA competitions were monitored during 38 official matches (277 individual samples). Maximum relative (m · min-1) total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSRD), very high-speed running (VHSRD), sprint, acceleration and deceleration distances were calculated across different durations (1-5, 10, 15, 90 min) using a rolling average analysis. Maximum intensities (1-minpeak) were used as the reference value to determine the distribution of relative intensity across the whole-match demands (90-minavg). Time and distance higher than 90-minavg (> 90-minavg) were also calculated. MDP showed moderate to very large [effect size (ES): 0.63/5.20] differences between 1-minpeak vs all durations for each parameter. The relative (m · min-1) 1-minpeak was greater than 90-minavg of about +63% for TD, +358% for HSRD, +969% for VHSRD, +2785% for sprint, +1216% for acceleration, and +768% for deceleration. The total distance covered > 90-minavg was ~66.6% of the total distance covered during the 90-minavg for TD, ~84.8% for HSRD, ~97.4% for VHSRD, ~100% for sprint, ~99.1% for acceleration and ~98.2% for deceleration. The relative distance > 90-minavg was higher (P < 0.05) than the 90-minavg for each metric (ES: 2.22 to 7.58; very large). The present results may help coaches and sport scientists to replicate the peak demands during training routine in top-class women soccer players.

Physiological and locomotor variations of 3v3 and 5v5 small-sided games soccer formats: A 4-month study on sedentary young adults

The objectives of this study were twofold: (a) to analyze the variability of 3v3 and 5v5 small-sided games (SSG) formats in sedentary young adults, and (b) to compare the physiological and locomotor demands of 3v3 and 5v5 SSG formats while considering variations based on sex. The study followed a longitudinal design over 4 months. Thirty sedentary young adults with a mean age of 20.2 ± 1.0 years, height of 1.67 ± 0.06 m, and body mass of 86.3 ± 11.8 kg were included in the study. The participants engaged in 3v3 and 5v5 SSG formats, with each format being played 10 times per month. During each session, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and total distance were measured and analyzed. The within-player variability for HR ranged from a minimum of 1.6% to a maximum of 2.8% (considering the levels at each month), while the between-players variability for HR ranged from a minimum of 1.4% to a maximum of 2.6% (considering the levels at each month). Similar variability patterns were observed for the other outcomes. In terms of comparisons between the formats, the 3v3 format resulted in higher RPE than the 5v5 format for both male (p = 0.006) and female (p = 0.628) participants, as well as for the other outcome measures. In summary, these findings highlight the reproducibility of physiological responses in 3v3 and 5v5 SSG among sedentary individuals. Notably, the 3v3 format consistently induced higher RPE levels. These findings underscore the importance of programming SSG based on sex and format preferences for optimizing exercise outcomes in sedentary.

Different pitch configurations constrain the external and internal loads of young professional soccer players during transition games

The aims of this study were to compare the influence of transition game (TG) size on the external and internal loads of young professional soccer players and to describe the high-speed profile of these drills in response to pitch dimensions. Eighteen young professional soccer players (age: 16.1 ± 0.3 years; height: 178.3 ± 5.4 cm; weight: 70.1 ± 6.2 kg) performed a 3vs2 TG on pitches measuring 40 × 30 m (TG30), 40 × 50 m (TG50) and 40 × 70 m (TG70) m. Distance covered (DC); accelerations-decelerations above 1.0 m · s-2 and 2.5 m · s-2; rate of perceived exertion (RPE); maximal heart rate and time above 90%; DC at 18.0 to 21.0 km · h-1 (DC 18-20.9 km · h-1); DC at 21.0 to 23.9 km · h-1 (DC 21-23.9 km · h-1); DC above 24.0 km · h-1 (DC > 24 km · h-1); and peak speed and sprint profile (duration, distance and maximal speed) were measured. TG30 achieved lower DC, DC above 18 km · h-1, peak speed, sprint distance and RPE than TG50 and TG70 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) and lower sprint duration and maximal speed sprint than TG70 (p < 0.01). TG30 and TG50 achieved higher Acc > 1.0 and > 2.5 m · s-2 respectively than TG70 (p < 0.05). TG70 showed greater DC above 21 km · h-1, peak speed, sprint distance and maximal speed sprint than TG50 (p < 0.01). Soccer coaches should use larger TGs to overload variables related to high speed and sprint demands during training and smaller TG formats to stimulate the accelerations of the soccer players.

Variability of peak speed and sprinting actions during the same small-sided games: within- and between-player variations inspected over four consecutive weeks

This study aimed to analyze within- and between-player variations of peak speed and sprinting actions occurring in small-sided games (SSGs: 1 v 1 and 5 v 5). The study followed a cohort study design. Twenty male youth soccer players (age: 17 years old) from the same team were observed over four consecutive weeks. Each week, the players participated in two sessions (day one and day two) during which SSGs were applied. The 1 vs. 1 format was employed with four repetitions of thirty seconds interspaced with two-minute rest intervals, while the 5 vs. 5 format with four repetitions of four minutes and two-minute rest intervals between them. The players were monitored during all training sessions with the Polar Team Pro. The peak speed attained in each game, and the number of sprints were extracted as the primary outcomes. The between-player variability revealed a lower coefficient of variations for peak speed in the 1 vs. 1 (13.9%) and 5 vs. 5 (10.9%) formats than for sprints (1 v 1: 64.7%; 5 v 5: 65.5%). Considering the within-player variability, it was observed that sprints were more variable (1 vs. 1: 62.1%; 5 v 5: 65.7%) than peak speed (1 vs. 1: 16.4%; 5 v 5: 14.0%). The between-session analysis revealed that during week 1 (day 1), peak speed was significantly higher than during week 3 (day 1) in the 1 vs. 1 format (+3.0 km/h; p = 0.031; d = 1.296). Moreover, peak speed during week 3 (day 2) was considerably lower than during week 1 (-5.9 km/h; p < 0.001; d = 1.686) and week 2 (-5.0 km/h; p = 0.001; d = 1.639). The between-session analysis showed no significant differences in the sprint between the sessions on day 1 (p > 0.05). However, on day two, the sprint was substantially higher during week one than during week four in the 5 vs. 5 format (+5.40 n; p = 0.002; d = 2.571). In conclusion, this study revealed that peak speed presents lower within- and between-player variability than the number of sprints. Considering these two measures, there are no considerable variations between the weeks. Coaches should consider identifying strategies to stabilize the stimulus regarding the number of sprints if this represents one of the targets for employing SSGs.