Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 small-sided football games

Abstract

The aims of this study were (i) to characterise the acceleration demands of two different formats of small-sided game (SSG), i.e., 4v4 + goalkeepers (4v4 + GK) and 8v8 + goalkeepers (8v8 + GK); (ii) to analyse the correlation between performance in power-based tests and acceleration-based physical loading during the two different SSG formats and (iii) to analyse the neuromuscular-induced fatigue. Eighteen adult male footballers participated in the study (20.7 ± 1.0 years, 178 ± 5 cm and 71.4 ± 2.1 kg). Baseline measurements were obtained from countermovement jumps, 15 s repeated jumps and 5 and 15 m sprints. A total of 36 min was analysed for each SSG (4v4 + GK: two sets of 3 × 6 min, and 8v8 + GK: 2 × 18 min). Heart rate, blood lactate, perceived exertion and movement pattern (GPS) were analysed. Distances covered by very-high-intensity activities and very-high-speed running were lower in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (effect sizes (ES) = -0.69 ± 0.67 and -1.04 ± 0.67, respectively; very likely), while accelerations and decelerations were higher in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (ES = 1.13-1.52; almost certainly). Blood lactate concentrations were higher (ES = 1.40 ± 0.58; almost certainly) and players perceived themselves to be more tired (ES = 0.80-2.31; almost certainly) after 4v4 + GK than after 8v8 + GK. Sprint ability in 5 and 15 m tests decreased (ES = 0.87 ± 0.58 and 0.89 ± 0.58, respectively; almost certainly) only after 4v4 + GK. This SSG format appeared more demanding in relation to repetitions and fatigue development of muscle power-based actions than 8v8 + GK. It may therefore be logical to use the former type of SSG to target development of power-related football actions.

Análisis de la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo diferenciado y de la fatiga en distintos formatos de juegos reducidos en fútbol

“…Por otro lado, además de las respuestas de los jugadores ante distintos tipos de JR, también se ha analizado la fatiga, expresada como la pérdida de rendimiento físico posterior a realizar la tarea que inducen este tipo de formatos de entrenamiento (33). Estos autores observaron que los JR en los que participan un menor número de jugadores y menos EII por jugador provocaban una pérdida de rendimiento en la capacidad de sprint de 5 y de 15 m que no provocaba un JR con más jugadores y más EII.…”

Analysis on the external training load of players in small sided and friendly football games

“…lower running distance with more accelerations/decelerations in sized-reduced games), game-based trials with smaller pitch areas and number of players have been reported to induce greater play intensity and number of short-term activities including spurts, changes of directions and stoppages (Malone et al, 2016;Rebelo et al, 2016a). In contrast, FM have been shown to produce greater player displacements with minimal accelerations and decelerations (David Casamichana et al, 2012).…”

“…Based on previous reports (Malone et al, 2016;Rebelo, Silva, Rago, Barreira, & Krustrup, 2016a) our hypothesis was that LSG, compared to SSG, would elicit more accurate movement patterns to those during a competitive, friendly match.…”

“…In particular, Rebelo et al (2016b) identified, when analysing the 4 vs 4 SSGs, that this game was highly demanding in relation to repetitions and fatigue development in muscle power-based actions compared to other SSG formats with larger pitches and numbers of players such as 8 vs 8 games. However, the present results are different from those reported by Malone et al (2017) who found higher RPE and high intensity running during T2 SSGs and FT.…”

“…LSG involve a reduced number of players combined with a larger pitch area to maintain the relative pitch area per player (Malone et al, 2016). In theory, the LSG allows a higher involvement of players and thus, appropriate intensity with a greater playing space to produce high-intensity displacement (Rebelo, Silva, Rago, Barreira, & Krustrup, 2016b). Therefore, LSG may produce a greater training stimuli that is reflective of match performance.…”