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.

Publisher: Dept. of Sports Medicine, Medical Faculty of Uludag University Country of Publication: Turkey NLM ID: 101174629 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1303-2968 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13032968 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Sports Sci Med Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Bursa, Turkey : Dept. of Sports Medicine, Medical Faculty of Uludag University, 2002-

Soccer*/physiology ; Adaptation, Physiological* ; Physical Fitness*/physiology ; Physical Conditioning, Human*/methods ; Physical Conditioning, Human*/physiology; Humans ; Male ; Adolescent ; Athletic Performance/physiology ; Running/physiology ; Exercise Test

Small-sided games (SSGs) are frequently utilized in training settings to elicit specific stimuli that can promote physical fitness adaptations over time. However, various task constraints, such as pitch dimensions, can significantly influence both the acute external and internal load responses. Thus, understanding the impact of different pitch dimensions on physical fitness adaptations is crucial. This study sought to compare the physical adaptations induced by an SSG-based program utilizing more elongated pitches (SSGlw2; length-to-width ratio: 2.0) versus less elongated pitches (SSGwl1; length-to-width ratio: 1.0) on the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT), and 30-meter sprint. This study employed a randomized controlled design. Forty-eight male soccer players (16.4 ± 0.6 years) participated. These players were randomly allocated to two experimental groups (N = 16, SSGlw1; N = 16, SSGlw2) and underwent two weekly additional training sessions over an 8-week period, while a group of 16 players continued with their regular in-field sessions as a control group. Evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention period. Significant interactions time u group were observed in regards YYIRT (F = 15.857; p < 0.001; = 0.413) and 30-m sprint test (p < 0.001). Between-group differences on YYIRT were found in post-intervention (p < 0.001), on which SSGlw2 (p < 0.001) and SSGlw1 (p < 0.001) were significantly greater in comparison to control group. Additionally, between-group differences on 30-m sprint were found in post-intervention (p < 0.001), on which SSGlw2 was significantly better than SSGlw1 (p < 0.001) and control group (p < 0.001). Coaches are advised to prioritize the use of more elongated pitch sizes to promote adaptations in sprint performance, while still acknowledging that aerobic capacity improvements remain significant compared to other pitch shapes.
(© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.)

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Keywords: Soccer; aerobic fitness; athletic performance; physical fitness; youth

Date Created: 20240606 Date Completed: 20240606 Latest Revision: 20240607

20240607

PMC11149068

10.52082/jssm.2024.487

38841646