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

Abstract The present study examined the effects of small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs) manipulating tactical rules (ball-possession [BP] vs goal-scoring with goalkeepers [GS]) pitch size (square [SP] rectangular [RP]) on running performance technical skills young soccer players. Ten male players (chronological age: 12.45 ± 0.51 years; body mass: 41.99 7.97 kg; height: 152.85 10.03 cm) were monitored using GPS units during SSCG formats. distance covered at different intensities number actions used in analyses. SSCG-induced changes 30 m sprint CMJ performances also evaluated. Compared to BP, GS elicited significantly lower distances low intensity (p=0.003; d=-0.95), more sprints (p=0.050; d=0.67), longer terms walking (p=0.035; d=2.60) sprinting (p=0.029; d=0.75); (ii) passes (short [p=0.002; d=1.10] long [p=0.013; d=0.82]) frequent BP than games, while RP game format allowed for greater occurrence (p=0.036; d=0.64) under SP condition; (iii) jumping did not change (p>0.05) In conclusion, demand episodes games. addition, formats can be increase aged 11-13 years.