How and why do soccer coaches use small-sided games in the training process?

Abstract

Purpose. The small-sided games (SSGs) allow to work in specificity, in accordance with the characteristics of the soccer game, the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological aspects. This study intends to understand how and why coaches use the SSGs in the training process. Methods. For this purpose, we applied a semi-structured interview. Two coaches were interviewed owing to their vast experience in high-performance training and youth training. The analysis was carried out through content analysis. We used categorization to group data with common characteristics. The category system was defined later. Results. The results demonstrate that SSGs are an integral part of the training process, allowing work in the physical, technical, and tactical aspects. The coaches interviewed argue that SSGs are an important work strategy for the articulation of the players in the sector and inter-sector of the team, on the basis of the tactical principles that they see reproduced in the competition. Conclusions. According to the interviewed coaches, SSGs are relevant as they may develop both tactical principles and physical capabilities. Applying such games during all the season allows to establish a direct relationship with specific moments that occur in official competitions.