An Approach to the Fatigue in Young Soccer Players Resulting from Sided Games

Abstract

It is crucial to understand the fatigue associated with sided games (SGs) of soccer in the training context, in order to establish the appropriate intervals between training sessions. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different SGs on internal load, measured by the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), and on sprint performance. Ten outfield players (age: 14.5 ± 0.5 years, height: 169 ± 6 cm, body mass: 59.7 ± 6.4 kg) belonging to U15 age category participated in this study. The participants played four SG formats with modifications in the pitch size and in the bout duration, but with the same total duration for the SGs (SG1, SG2, SG3, and SG4). All the players performed a 10 and a 30 m sprint test before and after the SGs. The internal load was measured by the sRPE. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the sRPE registered by the soccer players for the different SGs, but worse sprint performances over the 10 m (p < 0.05; ES: 0.74–1.38, large) and 30 m (p < 0.05; ES: 0.70–2.10, moderate to large) distances after completion of the SGs, except the 10 m sprint after SG2 and SG3 (p > 0.05; ES: 0.43–0.55, moderate). In addition, no correlation (p > 0.05) was reported between the sprint performances for the 10 and 30 m distances and the sRPE registered during the SGs. These results could be useful for technical staff wishing to design the playing area and bout duration of their training tasks effectively.

Neuromuscular and perceptual-cognitive response to 4v4 small-sided game in youth soccer players

“…However, our findings can be related to the fact that amateur and professional players' kinematic profiles in SSGs differ in the amount of high-intensity actions (Dellal et al, 2011). Additionally, no correlation was reported between changes in linear sprint performances and the rate of perceived exertion registered during the four different 5v5 SSG protocols (Castillo et al, 2019). It is also suggested that interindividual differences exist between the perceived effort and the lactate responses of players during SSGs (Köklü et al, 2015).…”

“…A lower number of repetitions and longer resting periods compensate for players' neuromuscular performance decrement. This can also be achieved by reducing the pitch size of SSGs (Castillo et al, 2019). The question Frontiers in Physiology frontiersin.org remains whether declines in reactive agility and perceptual-cognitive performance can be compensated as well.…”

Tactical rule and pitch size change the physical and technical performance of young soccer players during small-sided games

“…In general, players at these early ages experience lower level of fatigue than their older teammates 29 . Some studies have demonstrated that the level of neuromuscular fatigue manifested by the loss of performance in the ability to accelerate or jump after SSCG cessation is increased in older adolescent and professional soccer players [21][22][23] . Thus, the impact of SSCGs on neuromuscular performance in young soccer players seems to be age-dependent, progressively increasing as players pass through adolescence and reach adulthood.…”

“…Younger players show distinct physical and technical-tactical responses to SSCGs compared to their older and more experienced teammates 19,20 . Furthermore, some investigations have revealed that SSCGs can induce a decrement in speed-power related abilities (e.g., 30 m sprint time and countermovement [CMJ] height) after different SSCG formats in soccer players [21][22][23] . However, the effects of SSCGs with varying pitch size and tactical rules on the neuromuscular abilities of young players in the early ages of adolescence (11-13 years) are less evident.…”

“…Knowing whether SSCGs are fatiguing or non-fatiguing games can aid coaches to better decide which day these activities are more appropriate within the micro-cycle of novice players. In a practical setting, fatiguing activities are not advised in sessions before (match day minus 1 and 2) or after a match 23 .…”