HITraining in Soccer SSGs v MSGs v LSGs Scientific Approach

Physical and Technical Comparisons between Various Sided - Games within Professional Soccer 

This study compared the technical activity and physical moments on various sided-games within Professional Soccer.10 elite male players from a Scottish Premier League performed small- SSGs (4v4) medium-MSGs (5v5 to 8v8 ) and large- LSGs ( 9v9 to 11v11) each lasting for 3x5'min .Results show significant physical differences between SSGs, MSGs and LSGs for most of the variables measured. It was shown that SSGs induce a significantly faster playing speed when compared to MSGs and LSGs (150.5 vs 108.3 vs 120.4 m.min but significantly less repeated high - intensity efforts  (0.88 vs 4.40m) high -intensity running(7 vs 39m ) and sprint distance (0 vs 11m) when compared to LSGs .Findings also revealed significant differences between SSGs ,MSGs and LSGs in technical demands (passes,dribbles,shotsheaders ).High levels of reproducibility (ICC=0.99) where yielded when using the same sided-games to facilitate its use as part a periodised weekly structure.

At the Elite level of the sport ,players are suggested to need a high level of aerobic endurance  involving lower sub-maximal intensities coupled with an ability to reproduce high-intensity ,maximal efforts .Previous research has indicated that SSGs induce significantly higher HR responses as compared to LSGs allowing for an aerobic development .Furthermore during SSGs players spent significantly longer time in the >85% maximal HR zone (large effect ) as compared to large sided games. When discussing the speed or intensity of play within this study it should be noted how the meters (m.min ) between the sided games where significantly different with SSGs showing the highest meters values(198.5mmin )when compared to MSGs (106.9 m.min ) and LSGs (120.4 m.min ).The faster speed of play within the SSGs may be associated with the smaller pitch size and limited time in possession of the ball due to close proximity of the opponents.The results show that as the number of players increase from SSGs ,MSGs,to LSGs the speed of play  decreases due to less pressure from the opponents increased pitch sizes and more passing options ensuring the players can limit the amount of running they perform. However, SSGs and MSGs do not induce high-speed movements when compared to LSGs.

Key Point 1 (Pitch Size - Ball Contacts) : Τhese key findings within the study are attributedagain to the fact that when playing SSGs or MSGs the pitch sizes do not allow for the playersto accelerate to the levels the can achieve within the LSGs on the greater pitch dimensions.Also the distance between players and opponents in possession will be increased, leading togreater distances needing to be covered in order to apply pressure. Due to LSGs revealing less ball contacts,the players may also spend more time moving to areas in order to receive passes or pressure the opponents in possession subsequently leading to greater higher speed movements.It should be noted that these increased sprint and HI distances covered during the LSGs may positively influence match and further training performance through the muscular adaptations achieved .

Key Point 2 (Passing):The investigation revealed a significant difference between each game (SSGs,MSGs,LSGs) with respect to  number of  passes. The results show that the more players on the pitch ,the fewer total passes made. This may be attributed to the fact that when there are fewer players on the pitch (4v4 to 11v11)the pitch dimensions are smaller and coincidentally the are less passing options ,coupled with the fact that there is more pressure applied on the person in possession of the ball ,increasing the need to pass more.

Key Point 3 (Dribbling) :More dribbling in SSGs  when compared to MSGs and LSGs.Due to their being less passing options within the SSGs ,the increased need for players to dribble past opponents to create space in trying to maintain possession is a key function of these type of games. According to (Hoff ),when dribbling the ball the energy cost is significantly higher pushing HR responses within SSGs higher.

Key Point 4 (Microcycle) : The combination of different sided games throughout the course of training week is something that should be noted in order to maximize the preparation of the players and expose players to varying physical and technical demands within a more controlled environment.  

Sample 1 ( SSG )

Sample 2 ( LSG )

Authors : Adam l Owen ,Darren J Paul ,Del P .Wong ,Dellal A 

"Physical and Technical Comparisons between Various Sided Games within Professional Soccer "

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256490435_Physical_and_Technical_Comparisons_between_Various-Sided_Games_within_Professional_Soccer