Comparative Effects of Game Profile–Based Training and Small-Sided Games on Physical Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players. Issue 10 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dello Iacono, Antonio; Beato, Marco; Unnithan, Viswanath
• Is Part Of: Journal of strength and conditioning research. Volume 35:Issue 10(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: change of direction -- explosiveness -- peak performance -- power -- sprinting -- team sport; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Weight training -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Physical fitness -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Dello Iacono, A, Beato, M, and Unnithan, V. Comparative effects of game profile–based training and small-sided games on physical performance of elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2810–2817, 2021—This study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of game profile–based training (GPBT) and small-sided game (SSG) training on physical performances of elite youth soccer players during the in-season period. Twenty young soccer players (18.6 ± 0.6) were randomly assigned to either GPBT or SSG protocols performed twice a week for 8 weeks. The GPBT consisted of 2 sets of 6–10 minutes of intermittent soccer-specific circuits. The SSG training consisted of 3–5 sets of 5 vs. 5 SSGs played on a 42 × 30-m pitch. Before and after the training program, the following physical performances were assessed: repeated sprint ability, change of direction (COD), linear sprinting on 10 m and 20 m, countermovement jump, and intermittent running (YYIRL1). Significant improvements were found in all the assessed variables after both training interventions ( p < 0.05). The GPBT group improved more than the SSG group in the 10-m and 20-m sprint tests by 2.4% ( g = 0.4; small effect) and 4% ( g = 0.9; large effect), respectively. Conversely, the SSG group jumped 4% higher ( g = 0.4; small effect) and resulted 6.7% quicker than the GPBT ( g = 1.5; large effect) in completing the COD task. These results suggest both GPBT and SSGs to be effective for fitness development among elite young soccer players during the competitive season. More importantly, these 2 conditioning methodologies may be considered in terms of specificity for selectively improving or maintaining specific soccer fitness-related performances in the latter phase of the season.