Assessing physical, technical, and tactical performance of youth football players in small-sided games: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The small-sided games are considered an important way to improve football players performance. Objective: This systematic review aimed synthesize available information concerning the methodologies, variables, and procedures employed to assess physical, tactical, and technical performance among youth football players through small-sided games. Methodology: Literature searches were conducted across three databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed and Web of Science. Were employed the following descriptors: (“soccer OR football”) AND (“technical/tactical/physical performance”) AND (“small-sided games”), focused on original articles in English that analysed young male football players. The initial search produced 105 results, and after screening, 45 papers were included in the final sample. Results: These papers adopted a cross-sectional design, utilizing various procedures aimed at detecting the effect of multiple constraints on players’ physical, tactical, and technical performance. Discussion: The findings suggested that small-sided games represent an effective methodological tool for improving the performance of youth football players. Researchers commonly investigated variations in the number of players, pitch size and pitch configuration. Technical actions (passes, shoots and ball receptions) offensive and defensive tactical principles, as well as physical variables (total distance covered and distance covered at different velocities) were frequently analysed. Conclusions: This review presents a comprehensive depiction of the procedures, variables, and constraints commonly employed in the collection and analysis of technical, tactical, and physical data in small-sided games involving youth players.