The evaluation of small-sided games as a talent identification tool in highly trained prepubertal soccer players. Issue 20 (17th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fenner, Jonathan S J; Iga, John; Unnithan, Viswanath
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 34:Issue 20(2016)
• Page Start: 1983
• Page End: 1990
• Publication Date: 2016-10-17
• Subjects: Small-sided games -- youth soccer -- identifying talent; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1149602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological and technical attributes of prepubertal soccer players during multiple small-sided games (SSGs), and determine if SSGs can act as a talent identification tool. Sixteen highly trained U10 soccer players participated and separated into two groups of eight. Each group played six small-sided (4 vs. 4) matches of 5-min duration. Each player was awarded total points for the match result and goals scored. A game technical scoring chart was used to rate each player's performance during each game. Time-motion characteristics were measured using micromechanical devices. Total points had a very large significant relationship with game technical scoring chart ( r = 0.758, P < 0.001). High-speed running distance had a significantly large correlation with game technical scoring chart ( r = 0.547, P < 0.05). Total distance covered had a significant and moderate correlation with game technical scoring chart ( r = 0.545, P < 0.05) and total points ( r = 0.438, P < 0.05). The results demonstrated a large agreement between the highest-rated players and success in multiple SSGs, possibly due to higher-rated players covering larger distances in total and at high speed. Consequently, multiple SSG could be used to identify the more talented prepubertal soccer players.