Physiology of small-sided games training in football: a systematic review.

Small-sided games (SSGs) are played on reduced pitch areas, often using modified rules and involving a smaller number of players than traditional football. These games are less structured than traditional fitness training methods but are very popular training drills for players of all ages and levels. At present, there is relatively little information regarding how SSGs can best be used to improve physical capacities and technical or tactical skills in footballers.

Time-motion characteristics and physiological responses of small-sided games in elite youth players: the influence of player number and rule changes.

The aim of this study was to examine acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics associated with 4 soccer-specific small-sided game (SSG) formats (3 vs. 4 players, 3 vs. 3 players + floater, 5 vs.

Acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of two small-sided training regimes in youth soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics associated with continuous and intermittent small-sided games (SSGs). The continuous (SSGC) regime involved 24 minutes' playing duration (no planned rest intervals), whereas the intermittent regime (SSGI) involved 4 x 6-minute bouts with 1.5 minutes of passive planned rest (work:rest ratio 4:1).

Physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of various small-sided soccer games in youth players.

The aim of this study was to examine acute physiological responses and time-motion characteristics associated with three different small-sided soccer game formats in youth players. Sixteen male soccer players aged 16.3+/-0.