Manipulation of number of players and bouts duration in small-sided games in youth soccer players

Purpose To examine the influence of player number, bout duration and their interaction on small-sided game (SSG) variations in running performance, perceptual response and technical components in under-14 soccer players. Methods Eleven players randomly performed 3v3 and 5v5 SSG of 4 × 5 min, 2 × 10 min and 20 min duration. Total distance (TD), distance covered at high-intensity running (HIR), sprinting and > 80% peak speed of the Carminatti’s test (PS T-CAR ) were analyzed every 5-min epoch. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and players’ technical performance were also assessed. Results TD ( p < 0.001) and distance > 80% PS T-CAR ( p = 0.017) were significantly greater in 4 × 5 min than in the other conditions. The distance covered > 80% PS T-CAR was significantly ( p = 0.026) reduced from the 1st and 2nd to the 4th quarter (Δ = − 34% and − 23%, respectively) during the 3v3, while no decrement was found in the 5v5. A downward trend over time was observed for TD ( p = 0.088), HIR ( p = 0.060) and sprinting ( p = 0.085). Players covered more distance > 80% PS T-CAR during the 3v3 first quarter ( p = 0.009). RPE was affected by player number and bout duration ( p < 0.0001), with higher RPE during 3v3 and 1 × 20 min conditions. Significantly more successful passes, contacts with the ball, ball involvement, goals scored and shots on target were achieved during 3v3. Conclusions Shorter bout duration elicited greater TD and distance > 80% PS T-CAR . A combined influence of player number and period of the game on high-intensity activities was evident. The RPE was significantly influenced by the player number and bout duration. The 5v5 elicited less successful technical outcomes. The 3v3 may be useful for work-rate enhancement and integrated training.