Influence of pitch size and goalkeepers on external and internal load during small-sided games in amateur soccer players

To analyse the influence of goalkeepers during 4-a-side small-sided games, played in pitches of two different sizes (small: 30 × 20 m, large: 40 × 30 m). Total distance covered (TD), distance covered at low- (LSD), moderate- (MSD), high- (HSD) and very high-speed (VHSD), average and maximal speed, Edwards’ training load (Edw-TL), time spent above 90% of maximal heart rate (T90%) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored, in 18 amateur soccer players. Higher TD (mean difference: + 181 m, Hedge’s g: 0.93 and + 400 m, 3.37), MSD (+ 85 m, 0.79 and + 146 m, 1.64), HSD (+ 101 m, 1.41 and + 179 m, 3.26), VHSD (+ 30 m, 1.89 and + 35 m, 1.26), average speed (+ 0.65 km h−1, 0.88 and + 1.47 km h−1, 3.31) and maximal speed (+ 3.60 km h−1, 1.40 and + 3.58 km h−1, 1.40) were found in large than small pitch, without and with goalkeepers, respectively. Goalkeeper’s presence increased Edw-TL (+ 8.4 AU, 0.70) and reduced TD (− 141 m, 0.75), HSD (− 54 m, 0.75) and average speed (− 0.54 km h−1, 0.76) in small pitch and maximal speed (1.59 km h−1, 0.60 and 1.61 km h−1, 0.66) in both small and large pitches, respectively. RPE was higher (+ 20, 1.52) in the large than small pitch when the goalkeepers were present. Implementing small-sided games, coaches should be aware that lower external load with similar internal load could be provided using small pitch with goalkeeper rather than either small goals or larger pitch. Furthermore, large small-sided games without goalkeeper may be the best choice for eliciting high training load.