The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval running and small-sided game training programs on the physical capacity and the level of soccer-specific technical skills in young soccer players. Twenty male soccer players (U-16) were divided into two groups (running group - RG, small-sided game group - SSGG) and completed two different 8-week training programs. The intervention consisted of two training sessions a week (RG - 5x4 min running, with an active recovery period of 3 min; SSGG -3vs.3 games or 3vs.3 with a neutral player for 5x4 min, with an active recovery period of 3 min). A significant group x time interaction was found in the O 2 max (p = 0.025). Moreover, the significant pre to post changes of O 2 max were observed in the SSGG (p = 0.032). The differences between the results of shuttle runs and sprint tests were not significant with the exception of 5 m sprint in RG (p = 0.04). An improvement in the peak power and total work capacity was observed in the RG and SSGG. A significant improvement (p = 0.014) in soccer-specific technical skills level was noted only in the SSGG. The results of this study suggest that the small-sided games, compared with interval running, are more highly recommended training drills for the coincident development of physical capacity and technical skills in young soccer players.
CITATION STYLE
Radziminski, L., Rompa, P., Barnat, W., Dargiewicz, R., & Jastrzebski, Z. (2013). A comparison of the physiological and technical effects of high-intensity running and small-sided games in young soccer players. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 8(3), 455–465. https://doi.org/10.1260/1747-9541.8.3.455
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