The influence of different game formats on technical actions and playing time parameters – A study with under-7 and under-9 soccer players in a competitive context

Abstract

Soccer competitions in childhood should ensure a high involvement of all players regardless of their talent. The purpose of the present study was to compare soccer players’ technical actions and playing time parameters in 7v7 in comparison to 3v3 (on mini-goals without goalkeepers; under-7) and 5v5 (on 1.65 × 5 m. goals with goalkeepers; under-9) game formats in a competitive context. Using a quasi-experimental within-subject design, tournaments with under-7 ( n = 42) and under-9 ( n = 43) players were conducted. Technical actions and playing time parameters were rated. Based on the total number of technical actions in 7v7, median splits of the samples were conducted to compare differences between high-involved (dominant) and low-involved (non-dominant) players. No differences in the effective playing time comparing game formats within the age groups were found. In total, 7884 technical actions were rated. In both age groups, the total number of technical actions was higher in the smaller game formats. In under-7, the number of technical actions in all variables was higher in 3v3. In under-9, the number of technical actions was also higher in 5v5 except for unsuccessful passes as well as successful 1v1 situations. More unsuccessful 1v1 situations were found in 7v7. Concerning the total number of technical actions, both dominant and non-dominant players in both age groups performed more technical actions in small-sided games. Due to the higher involvement of the children, better conditions for the acquisition of soccer-specific skills in the smaller game formats compared to 7v7 game formats can be concluded.

Design and Reliability of an Observational Framework to Evaluate the Individual Offensive Behavior in Youth Soccer—The INDISOC Tool

“…In this manner, the player´s behavior could be evaluated according to several dimensions at the start, development, and the end of IBPs. Regarding the technical actions, previous studies usually analyzed ball technical actions such as “passes, touches per possession, passes towards the opponent goal, successful passes, shots, crosses, dribbles, clearances, aerial challenges, interceptions, losses of control, tackles, corners, free kicks, throw-ins, and rules breached” [ 30 , 31 ].…”

International Perspectives

“…In the basic development stage, recent initiatives focus on more free-play in small-sided games (SSGs) to provide 'street-soccer' learning conditions. These SSGs will also replace the established seven vs. seven game formats from the U6 to U11 age groups in matches and tournaments from the 2023/24 season (DFB, 2022c; see also Bergmann et al, 2022aBergmann et al, , 2022b. These initiatives aim to improve players' technical skills and creativity as well as diminish the focus on winning (e.g., no scores and league tables).…”

Impact of game format and age group on technical performance in youth football

“…Previous studies suggest that the number of technical actions is greater in the 8-a-side game format compared to 11-a-side (Joo, Hwang-Bo, & Jee, 2016); the chance of a shot on goal is greater in 5-a-side game format compared to 7-a-side and 8-a-side game formats in U10 age-group (Lapresa, Arana, Amatria, Fernández, & Anguera, 2017); and there are more technical actions in the 4-a-side game format compared to 8-a-side (Fenoglio, 2004). In summary, comparisons between formats suggest that individual frequencies of technical actions tend to increase in formats with fewer players (Clemente, Chen, Bezerra, Guiomar, & Lima, 2018;Bergmann, Braksiek, & Meier, 2022;Clemente & Sarmento 2020).…”

“…Despite these pedagogical insights, uncertainties persist regarding the variability of young players' technical actions between different game formats (Bergmann et al, 2022) and the effects of different age-groups on their respective technical actions. Assessing the technical performance of young players in different game formats can be relevant for developing and optimizing match-play conditions, ultimately enhancing player involvement, enjoyment, and satisfaction, leading to continued participation (Machado, Ribeiro, Palheta, Alcântara, Barreira, Guilherme, Garganta, & Scaglia, 2019;Hill, & Green, 2008).…”