Man-marking, pressure on the ball, and offside and their effect on physiological, physical, technical and tactical parameters during small-sided games

Abstract

Man-marking (MM), and pressure on the ball are task constraints frequently manipulated by coaches during small-sided games (SSG). Man marking seemed to increase the physiological load of SSG measured through heart rate measures [average and percentage heart rate (HR), time spent >80% maximum HR] and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Additionally, MM increased the physical parameters in soccer players. Total distance covered, as well as the relative distance and other related variables with higher intensity such as distance in velocity bands at high-intensity >13 km/h as well as sprinting increased in comparison to non-MM. Players also experienced greater work rate, as reported through the work-to-rest ratio. Pressure on the ball increased players’ physiological intensity (e.g., percentage of time spent in 90%–100% HR max) and physical load (e.g., number and distance of high-speed runs). Tactical changes through pressure on the ball was expressed as higher number of ball recovery, lower decision making and execution with a lower spatial exploration index. Utilizing offside during SSG did not change the physiological load of players whilst decreasing total distance and low(er) speed running such 7–16 km/h). Offside affected players depth positioning, consequently the length-per-width ratio and players’ spatial exploration. As a result, coaches can utilize MM and pressure on the ball to increase intensity of SSG. Offside, however, diminishes physicality of games whilst restricting tactical behaviour of players.