The effects of different small‐sided games configurations on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and running demands in professional soccer players
Petrus Gantois, Francisco Piqueras‐Sanchiz, Miguel José Ferreira Andrade Cid, José Pino‐Ortega, Daniel Castillo, Fábio Yuzo Nakamura
Abstract
ABSTRACT We examined the effects of different small‐sided games (SSG) configurations on heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and running demands in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (U18) participated in this randomized cross‐over study. Players performed three SSG in different “fixed” and “dynamic” pitch sizes (3v3 in large (SSG L ) and small (SSG S ) fixed area; or 3v3 in dynamic dimensions [SSG D ]), with 4x4 minutes interspersed by 2 minutes of rest. HR measures (maximum [HR max ], average [HR avg ], and percentage of maximum [%HR max ]), RPE, and running demands were collected across the SGG sessions. The following running activities were recorded: total distance covered (TD), distance covered (DC) at 6–12 km·h −1 , ≥ 12–18 km·h −1 , and >18 km·h −1 , peak running speed, acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) at 1–2 m·s −2 and 2–3 m·s −2 , player load, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). SSG L displayed higher HR avg , %HR max , and RPE values than SSG S ( p < 0.05). SSG L resulted in higher TD, DC at 6–12 km·h −1 , ≥ 12–18 km·h −1 , > 18 km·h −1 , and higher peak speed than SSG S and SSG D ( p < 0.05). Moreover, SSG D presented higher TD and DC at 6–12 km·h −1 and ≥ 12–18 km·h −1 than SSG S ( p < 0.05). In contrast, SSG D and SSG S showed higher number of ACC and DEC at 1–2 m·s −2 than SSG L ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pitch size and playing area of the SSG can be manipulated to promote desired physiological and physical demands in young soccer players.