Optimizing the number of players and training bout durations in soccer small-sided games: Effects on mood balance and technical performance.

Unlabelled: This study aimed to determine the effects of different bout durations (1 × 12 min, 2 × 6 min and 3 × 4 min) of three-a-side (3vs3) and four-a-side (4vs4) small sided games (SSGs) with goalkeepers, on the profile of mood state (POMS) scores, and technical performance (percentage of successful passes, percentage of successful tackles, percentage of successful duels, and percentage of ball loss) in soccer players.

Methods: Sixteen semiprofessional male soccer players participated in the study (age: 20.7 ± 0.7 years, height: 179.5 ± 6.1 cm, body mass: 67.2 ± 4.9 kg, body fat: 10.7 ± 0.7%). In randomized counterbalanced order, participants completed the six different conditioned SSGs (2 playing-formats × 3 bout-durations). POMS scores and technical performance data were collected during each bout of SSGs.

Results: The data demonstrated that the continuous-bout-duration (1 × 12 min) of 4vs4 and 3vs3 SSGs was characterized by a significant decrease in total mood disturbance (TMD) compared to 2 × 6 min and 3 × 4 min (4vs4:p < 0.01; 3vs3:p < 0.001). Continuous bout duration showed a greater (p < 0.05) percentage of successful passes compared to 2 × 6 min (4vs4; d = 2.57 [very large] and 3vs3: d = 1.79 [large]) and 3 × 4 min (4vs4: d = 2.14 [very large] and 3vs3; d = 1.73 [large]). The percentage of successful tackles was only greater (p < 0.05) for 1 × 12 min in 4vs4 (2 × 6 min; d = 0.83 [moderate] and 3 × 4 min: d = 0.86 [moderate]) and successful duels in 3vs3 (2 × 6 min; d = 1.41 [large] and 3 × 4 min; d = 1.43 [large]).

Conclusion: The bout durations in four- and three-a-side soccer games seem to influence behavioral and technical performance of the players. Therefore, coaches should consider longer continuous bouts when planning SSGs-based training to significantly decrease TMD and enhance technical-tactical performance in soccer SSGs.