An investigation into potential methods of improving the fitness stimulus associated with small-sided games in soccer.
Abstract
Background: Methods that simultaneously target physical, technical and tactical
components of soccer could be an efficient use of training time. Small-sided
games (SSGs) have previously been investigated demonstrating that variables,
such as player numbers and pitch dimensions, can significantly influence the
physical response (Aguiar et al. 2012). Inconsistent study designs limit precise
conclusions about the influences separate variables have on game intensity, with
authors only speculating that game intensity can be controlled through different
methods or variable manipulation (Hill-Haas et al. 2011). A lack of evidence in
the literature examining if the training load exerted from SSGs can be regulated
warrants for research expansion in this area. Objectives: The present
investigation is designed to test the hypothesis that the physical response from
SSGs can be regulated based on real time objective heart rate (HR) data without
being detrimental to the frequency of technical actions. Design: Cross sectional,
repeated measures design. Method: Fourteen male semi-professional soccer
players were recruited from a Scottish Junior North Super League club. Players
were randomly separated into two teams of six, with a reserve pool of four. The
same teams were played whenever possible. Every player performed a Yo-Yo
Intermittent level 2 test. Eight testing sessions were performed thereafter
consisting of 3 x 6 vs. 6 SSGs. Four conditions were each tested twice; baseline
(BL), after game sprint (AGS), in game sprint (IGS) and self monitoring (SM).
Results: Each intervention prescribed, resulted in a significant increase in HR
and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to BL, yet no significant
differences were established between interventions. Percentage of maximum HR
= BL (86.6 ± 4.6%), IGS (89.6 ±3.2), SM (89.91 ± 3.7) and AGS (90.1 ± 3.3).
The AGS intervention recorded a significantly greater mean value for time spent
in HR zone 90-100% compared to BL. RPE values across all games was
significantly lower in BL displaying the lowest recorded mean (6.2 ± 0.68)
followed by AGS (6.73 ± 0.45), IGS (6.73 ± 0.69) and SM (6.90 ± 0.50).
Percentage of forward passes for IGS recorded the only notable difference
between technical actions, resulting in 11.8% more passes towards the
opponents’ goal in comparison to BL. Conclusion: The present study has investigated innovative methods that present clear evidence to strongly suggest
that the interventions could be beneficial to improve soccer performance. Each
intervention may also produce specific intensities due to multiple direct and
indirect mechanisms, which may further influence game dynamics and increase
the complexity of the training response. All interventions used in the current
study require further testing to more clearly assess whether they should
routinely be used.