Promoting tactical-technical actions during small-sided soccer games: A narrative review on constraints’ manipulation within ecological teaching models

Abstract

Aiming to improve the players’ performance in soccer, coaches and teachers have been employing contemporary training methods, which include the use of small-sided games.These games are pedagogical tools used in training sessions to improve the players’ tactical, technical, physical and psychological skills in environments that are similar to the formal game. The use of small-sided games has advantages in the soccer teaching-learning-training process, as long as the coach comprehends which game variables should be manipulated to achieve his/her goals. In this regard, this narrative review aimed to present and discuss the manipulation of some aspects that influence the tactical-technical modulation in small-sided soccer games. The effectiveness of small-sided games as pedagogical tools depends on its multiple configurations, such as the composition of teams, the number of players per team, the size of the pitch and the manipulation of the game rules.These game configurations must be aligned with the goals of the coach and the team, and meet the athletes’ ability to solve problem-situations, based on their tactical-technical knowledge.