Verbal Encouragement Improves Game Intensity, Technical Aspects, and Psychological Responses During Soccer-Specific Training.

Background: Soccer match outcomes rely on technical accuracy, intensity of play, and athlete motivation, and these parameters can be developed during sport-specific practice such as during small-sided games (SSGs). Verbal encouragement as a coaching technique improves exercise intensity and athlete enjoyment (indicative of motivation), but the impact on technical performance alongside these critical parameters remains unknown.

Purpose: To examine the effects of verbal encouragement on technical performance, exercise intensity, and enjoyment during SSGs.