Biology of Sport
eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X
Biology of Sport
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abstract:
Original paper

Physiological, technical, and time-motion responses according to small-sided game formats and pitch size variations in adolescent male soccer players: effects of biological maturity status

Bilel Cherni
1, 2
,
Hamza Marzouki
2, 3
,
Okba Selmi
2, 3
,
Yung-Sheng Chen
4, 5, 6
,
Anissa Bouassida
2, 3
,
Karim Chamari
1, 7

  1. High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Tunisia
  2. Research Unit: Sport Sciences, Health and Movement, University of Jendouba, Kef, Tunisia
  3. High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, Tunisia
  4. Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Taipei, Taiwan
  5. High Performance Unit, Chinese Taipei Football Association, New Taipei City, Taiwan
  6. Exercise and Health Promotion Association, New Taipei City, Taiwan
  7. Naufar, Wellness and Recovery Center, Doha, Qatar
Biol Sport.2025;42(3):37–49
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2025.146788
Online publish date: 2025/01/16
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We examined the impact of biological maturity status ((pre-, circa- and post-peak height velocity (PHV)) on time-motion, physiological and technical responses of under-15 soccer players during different small-sided game (SSG) formats performed on different pitch sizes. Thirty-six players (n = 12 per biological maturity group) performed 3- and 4-a-side SSGs on regular (36 × 27 m, 40 × 30 m, respectively) and large (40 × 29 m, 44 × 33 m, respectively) pitches. Total distance (TD), peak velocity, accelerations (Accl) > 2.5 m · s−2, decelerations (Dec) > 2.5 m · s−2, distances covered at different speeds (0 to < 7.0, 7.0 to < 14.0, 14.0 to < 18.0, and ≥ 18.0 km · h−1), peak heart rate (HRpeak), HRmean (expressed as percentage of HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), post-SSG blood lactate concentration (BLa), and technical actions were recorded. There was a biological maturity effect on RPE, HRmean (%HRmax), percentage of successful passes (%SP), and interceptions, with pre-PHV players showing higher RPE and interception scores in large SSG formats (p < 0.05), and post-PHV players demonstrating higher HRmean (%HRmax) and %SP on regular and large 3-a-side and 4-a-side pitches (p < 0.05). Across all biological maturity groups, 4-a-side resulted in higher TD, distances covered at different speeds and ball-loss scores, and lower Accl, Dec, BLa, %SP, and duel scores than 3-a-side SSGs (p < 0.05) for both pitch sizes. On large pitches, 3-a-side SSGs resulted in higher ball possession, interception, and RPE scores (p < 0.05), while regular pitch sizes favoured higher Accl and Dec in both 3- and 4-a-side SSGs (p < 0.05). Large SSG formats generally outperformed regular formats in time-motion metrics. Our findings underscore the importance of considering both biological maturity and game format when designing training sessions for youth soccer players.
keywords:

Biological maturation, Physical metrics, Technical performance, Youth soccer, Soccer training, GPS devices

  
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