Endurance Performance Adaptations between SSG and HIIT in Soccer Players: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the endurance performance chronic adaptations induced by running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSGs), and combined HIIT+SSGs in male and female youth and adult soccer players. The studies included in this review followed the PICOS criteria: (i) healthy soccer players; (ii) interventions based on SSGs; (iii) comparators exposed to only HIIT or combined SSGs+HIIT; (iv) endurance performance variables. Studies were searched for in the following databases: (i) PubMed; (ii) Scopus; (iii) SPORTDiscus; (iv) Web of Science. After conducting an initial database search that retrieved a total of 5,389 records, a thorough screening process resulted in the inclusion of 20 articles that met the eligibility criteria. Sixteen studies reported outcomes related to endurance performance measured through field-based tests, while 5 studies provided results from direct measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results showed a non-significant small-magnitude favoring effect for the HIIT groups compared to the SSGs groups (ES=0.37, p=0.074) for endurance, while a non-significant small-magnitude favoring SSGs was observed (ES=–0.20, p=0.303) for VO2max. Despite the very low certainty of evidence, the findings suggest similar effects induced by both SSG and HIIT on improving endurance performance and VO2max.

Can The Pitch Dimension Influence the Physical Fitness Adaptations Induced by Small-Sided Training Programs Added to Regular In-Field Training? A Randomized Controlled Study in Youth Soccer Players

“…Regardless of pitch shape, our results demonstrated that both interventions were equally effective in significantly enhancing aerobic capacity. These findings are consistent with existing literature on SSG interventions, which show comparable adaptations in aerobic capacity to other intense and intermittent methods such as high-intensity interval training (Moran et al, 2019;Clemente et al, 2024). On the other hand, our results contradict a study (Faga et al, 2022) that examined the effects of small (75 m 2 ) and large (300 m 2 ) pitches on maximal aerobic speed.…”

“…The utilization of SSGs as a training intervention has been progressively gaining traction in the realm of sports science (Clemente et al, 2021a). The evidence consistently supports the positive impact of SSGs on enhancing aerobic fitness, analogous to other methods such as high-intensity interval training (Moran et al, 2019;Clemente et al, 2024). However, the effects of SSGs on certain aspects of training interventions, particularly acceleration and sprinting, remain inconsistent (Faude et al, 2014;Jastrzebski et al, 2014;Arslan et al, 2020).…”

Small-Sided Soccer Games Promote Greater Adaptations on Vertical Jump and Change-of-Direction Deficit and Similar Adaptations in Aerobic Capacity than High-Intensity Interval Training in Females

“…SSGs have gathered attention as an alternative and game-based approach to achieving adaptations like HIIT (Clemente et al, 2024). Research indicates that SSGs effectively enhance aerobic capacity through repeated bursts of high-intensity efforts interspersed with brief recovery periods, mirroring the intermittent nature of soccer matches (Moran et al, 2019).…”

“…While research on the effects of SSG and HIIT is well-established among men soccer players, suggesting that both induce similar significant effects on aerobic performance (Clemente et al, 2024), exists an inconsistency in findings regarding their impacts on COD and jumping abilities (Faude et al, 2013;Arslan et al, 2020). Specifically, studies indicate contradictory outcomes, with those concerning COD favoring HIIT (Faude et al, 2013;Arslan et al, 2020).…”

Bibliometric analysis of scientific production in small-sided games

“…Small-sided games (SSGs) represent modified versions of the formal games played by team sports athletes [1]. In SSGs, coaches tweak the rules and task objectives to elicit specific behaviours from the players [2].…”