Research article - (2024)23, 619 - 627
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.619
Do Different Playing Formats and Aerobic Capacity Influence Variances in Psychophysiological Demands and Technical Performance in Small-Sided Games? A Study among Under-17 Male Soccer Players
Tao Wang1, TianQing Xue2,, Jia He3
1Geely University of China, Chengdu, China
2School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Anhui, China
3Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China

TianQing Xue
✉ School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou 247000, Anhui, China
Email: xtq2022@czu.edu.cn
Received: 27-06-2024 -- Accepted: 15-07-2024
Published (online): 01-09-2024

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the variations in psychophysiological demands (mean heart rate, meanHR; rate of perceived exertion, RPE) and technical performance (umber of successful and unsuccessful passes, and occurrences of ball loss) between 2v2 and 4v4 small-sided games (SSGs) formats, and (ii) examine the relationships of aerobic capacity measured in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT) on psychophysiological and technical performance during SSGs. This study used a cross-sectional design with repeated measures, where the same players participated in both 2v2 and 4v4 formats across two training sessions per format. Twenty-four talent/developmental male youth soccer players, aged 16.6 ± 0.5 years. The meanHR, measured through heart rate sensors, the RPE, assessed using the CR6-20 scale, and the number of successful and unsuccessful passes, along with occurrences of ball loss, recorded using an ad hoc observational tool, were evaluated in each repetition. Players during the 2v2 format had significantly greater mean HR (+4.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), RPE (+12.2%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), successful passes (+22.2%; p = 0.006; d = 0.884), unsuccessful passes (+62.5%; p < 0.001; d = 1.197) and lost balls (+111.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.085) than 4v4 format. The YYIRT was significantly and largely correlated with unsuccessful passes (r = 0.502; p = 0.012) and lost balls (r = 0.421; p = 0.041) in 2v2 format. In conclusion, this study suggests that engaging in 2v2 activities constitutes a more intense form of practice, significantly enhancing individual participation in technical aspects. Moreover, aerobic capacity may influence the smaller formats of play and how players perform key technical actions. Therefore, coaches must consider this to ensure the necessary performance in such games.

Key words: Football, sports performance, sports training, ecological training

Key Points
  • The 2v2 small-sided game format significantly increases psychophysiological intensity, with higher mean heart rates and perceived exertion, compared to the 4v4 format. This suggests 2v2 is a more demanding training activity.
  • Players in 2v2 games experience a substantial rise in both successful and unsuccessful passes, as well as ball losses, indicating heightened individual involvement in technical actions compared to 4v4 games.
  • While aerobic capacity does not correlate with overall psychophysiological demands in small-sided games, it is significantly linked to the frequency of unsuccessful passes and lost possessions specifically in the 2v2 format.








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