INTERVAL VERSUS CONTINUOUS SMALL-SIDED SOCCER GAMES WITH SAME PITCH SIZE AND NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Abstract

The aim of the study compared effects of intermittent and continuous small-sided games (SSGs) on physiological and technical activities in soccer players. Totally 16 male amateur soccer players (Mean age: 22.37±1.69 years, height: 170.89±5.96 cm and body mass: 67.37±7.47 kg) were recruited as participants. Subjects were separated in 4 groups of 4 players according to the Yo-Yo test results and their coaches' comments. Four-a-side SSGs were used in a pitch size of 26 m x 34 m and 2 different small-sided games were used in this study. Intermittent SSG (ISSG) included a series of 3 bouts of 6 min duration with 3 min recovery between sets. Continuous SSG (CSSG) was a bout of 18 min duration with no recovery. Heart rate (HR), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentration (LA) were measured as physical parameters and shoot on target, total pass, accurate pass, inaccurate pass, interception, dribbling, tackle, and possessing the ball were counted by Mathball Match Analyses System. A repeated measures ANOVA method, paired and unpaired tests were used to analyses data. The results of this study suggest that SSGs might cause increases of HR, RPE, and LA and that intermittent and continuous SSGs might not bring about an alteration on HR, RPE and LA.