An Investıgatıon Of The Physıologıcal And Kınematıc Varıables Of Football Players In Dıfferent Small Sıded Games

Technical Summary: Investigation of Physiological and Kinematic Variables in Football Players During Different Small-Sided Games

Problem Statement
Modern football is characterized by high-intensity, intermittent efforts requiring a blend of aerobic and anaerobic capacities, speed, strength, and agility. While the competitive calendar has become increasingly dense, eliminating traditional transition periods and limiting pre-season preparation time, coaches require efficient training methods that simultaneously develop physiological fitness and technical-tactical skills. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely recognized as effective tools for this dual purpose. However, the literature contains limited information regarding the specific differential effects of varying SSG formats (specifically 2v2, 3v3, and 5v5) on motor performance and physiological adaptations in professional players. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of these three specific SSG formats on the physiological responses and motor performance characteristics of professional soccer players.

Methodology
The study employed a randomized experimental design without a control group, involving 20 male professional soccer players (mean age: 20.85 ± 2.21 years) from Afyonspor. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups based on the SSG format: 2v2 (n=4), 3v3 (n=6), and 5v5 (n=10).

• Intervention: The training program lasted six weeks, with sessions conducted twice weekly. Each session consisted of three 4-minute bouts of SSGs separated by 4-minute active recovery periods.
• Intensity Control: Exercise intensity was strictly monitored using the Polar Team Pro system to ensure players maintained a heart rate between 90% and 95% of their maximal heart rate (HRmax).
• Game Specifications:
  • 2v2: Played on a 12×20 m pitch.
  • 3v3: Played on an 18×30 m pitch.
  • 5v5: Played on a 50×40 m pitch.
• Measurements: Pre-test and post-test assessments included:
  • Agility: T-Test.
  • Aerobic Capacity: Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1).
  • Anaerobic Power: Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) measuring maximum, minimum, and average power.
  • Lower-Body Strength: Measured via a Takei 5402 dynamometer.
  • Explosive Power: Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height measured via force plate.
• Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Within-group changes were assessed using paired-samples t-tests, while between-group comparisons utilized repeated-measures ANOVA. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.

Key Results
All three SSG formats (2v2, 3v3, and 5v5) resulted in statistically significant improvements (p < .05) across all measured variables following the six-week intervention:

• Agility: All groups showed reduced T-Test times.
• Aerobic Capacity: All groups demonstrated increased distances covered in the Yo-Yo IR1.
• Strength and Power: Significant increases were observed in leg strength, RAST maximum power, minimum power, and average power.
• Explosive Power: CMJ height improved significantly across all groups.

Comparative Analysis:
While statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups regarding the magnitude of improvement (p > .05), an analysis of effect sizes (Cohen's d) provided a nuanced perspective:

• The 2v2 format consistently demonstrated the largest effect sizes across agility, lower-body strength, and anaerobic performance measures compared to the 3v3 and 5v5 formats.
• The 3v3 format generally showed larger effect sizes than the 5v5 format, though both were effective.
• Specifically, the 2v2 group exhibited the most substantial practical gains in agility (d = 0.499 to 1.518 depending on the metric context) and anaerobic power (d = 2.605 for RAST max power).

Significance and Claims
The authors conclude that high-intensity small-sided games are an effective method for enhancing physiological and motor performance characteristics in professional soccer players, regardless of the specific game format used. The study claims that while all formats yield comparable overall adaptations, the 2v2 format elicits the greatest practical improvements in terms of effect size.

Consequently, the paper suggests that coaches may prefer the 2v2 format when the primary objective is to maximize physical development (specifically strength, agility, and anaerobic power) while simultaneously integrating technical and tactical training. This is particularly relevant for periods with congested schedules where time for dedicated physical conditioning is limited. The study emphasizes that these games successfully maintain cardiovascular loads above 90% HRmax, making them a viable alternative to traditional conditioning drills.