Validity and reliability of a 6-a-side small-sided game as an indicator of match-related physical performance in elite youth Brazilian soccer players

Author(s)

Aquino, Rodrigo ^{[1, 2]} ; Melli-Neto, Bruno ^[3] ; Ferrari, Joao Victor S. ^[3] ; Bedo, Bruno L. S. ^[1] ; Palucci Vieira, Luiz H. ^[4] ; Santiago, Paulo Roberto P. ^{[3, 1]} ; Goncalves, Luiz Guilherme C. ^[5] ; Oliveira, Lucas P. ^[5] ; Puggina, Enrico F. ^{[3, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Postgrad Program Rehabil & Funct Performance, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estacio, Fac Phys Educ, Abrahao Issa Halach 980, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[4] Sao Paulo State Univ, Human Movement Res Lab, Postgrad Program Movement Sci, Bauru - Brazil

^[5] Botafogo Football Soccer Club, Dept Performance Anal, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES; v. 37, n. 23 MAY 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The aims of this study were: (i) to compare the external and internal load during a 6-a-side small-sided game (6v6-SSG) according to age-group; (ii) to relate these parameters between the 6v6-SSG and official matches; and (iii) to test the reliability of the 6v6-SSG. A total of 51 Brazilian youth soccer players participated in this study (U11 {[}n = 16]; U13 {[}n = 10]; U15 {[}n = 9]; U17 {[}n = 8]; U20 {[}n = 8]). Three experiments were conducted. Experiment A: fifty-one U11 to U20 players were submitted to 6v6-SSGs (n = 10 games; two for each age-group). Experiment B: thirty-two players were randomized to also play official matches (n = 6 matches). Experiment C: thirty-five youth players played the 6v6-SSG twice for test and retest reliability analysis. External load was obtained using Global Positioning Systems and the internal load parameter was calculated through mean heart rate. Statistical approaches showed progressive increases in all parameters according to categories (U11< U13< U15< U17< U20; p < 0.05; ES = 0.4223.68). Even controlling for chronological age, all parameters showed likely to almost certain correlations between 6v6-SSG and official matches (r = 0.250.92). Collectively, the proposed protocol indicates good reliability (CV% = 2.012.6; TE% = 2.32.7%; ICC = 0.780.90). This research suggests that the 6v6-SSG is an alternative tool to indicate match-related physical performance in youth soccer players. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/16164-5 - Effects of strength training with vascular occlusion on motor performance in young adults
• Grantee: Enrico Fuini Puggina
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/11698-0 - Analysis of physical indicators in football teams: development and validation of an evaluation protocol in a reduced game situation
• Grantee: Bruno Melli Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation