Comparison of Physiological and Physical Demands between Small-sided Games and Official Matches in Youth Football Players

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Carril-Valdó, Jordi Ferrandis, Fernando Claver Rabaz, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 20 Feb, 2025 Read the published version in Sport Sciences for Health → Version 1 posted 8 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Purpose: this study aimed to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of small-sided games (SSGs) and competitive matches in youth football players. Method: fifteen U14 sub-elite players were monitored using WIMU PRO TM devices (Huddle, USA) during competition and training. The training involved two 7 vs. 7 SSGs formats: small (SSGs-S; 132m² per player) and large (SSGs-L; 232m² per player). Variables such as relative maximum heart rate (HR MAX ), total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIRD), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), maximum speed (Speed MAX ), average speed (Speed AVG ), and acceleration distance were evaluated. Results: repeated measures ANOVA revealed that players covered more TD, HIRD, and HMLD per minute during SSGs-L than in both competition and SSGs-S ( p < .01; effect size [ES] = .81, .76, .73, respectively). Competitive matches showed higher Speed MAX ( p < .01; ES = .93) and Speed AVG ( p 2 m/s²) than competitive matches ( p < .01; ES = .86). Conclusion: this study emphasizes the importance for fitness coaches to manipulate pitch size during SSGs to replicate, increase or decrease physiological and physical demands relative to competitive conditions. training competition performance area per player Figures Figure 1 Introduction Football match performance of players depends on the interaction between multiple factors, with physical fitness playing a crucial role [ 1 ]. In this line, the quantification of physiological and physical parameters during both competition and training is essential to optimize the players competence level and minimizing injury risk [ 2 – 3 ]. Due to the intermittent and variable nature of actions in football [ 4 ], the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has proven to be useful for fitness coaches in assessing the different physical movements during gameplay [ 5 ]. In this sense, coaches and fitness coaches should assess the training load in order to design optimal training sessions, prescribing drills that produce a positive adaptation to competition requirements [ 6 ]. Training based on SSGs are a commonly used football methodology to replicate match demands [ 7 ], as it allows the simultaneous development of physical, physiological and technical-tactical capacities [ 8 ]. SSGs are characterized by game situations with modified rules and fewer players on reduced pitch dimensions compared to standard match [ 9 ]. The technical-tactical, physiological and physical demands of SSGs can be manipulated according to several constraints, such as the pitch size and the number of players involved [ 8 ]. The combination of both factors represents the relative area per player (ApP), which refers to the total field dimensions divided by the total number of football players and is expressed in meters squared (m 2 ) [ 10 ]. According to the ApP, SSGs can be classified in small (SSGs-S) and large (SSGs-L), when around 100m 2 is used or when the ApP is above 200m 2 and teams have a high number of players ( \(\:\ge\:\) 7), respectively [ 11 ], [ 12 ]. In this regard, previous studies have recommended the use of representative learning spaces to produce an optimal fit between training demands and competition [ 9 ], [ 13 ], such as SSGs-L with ApP of 230m 2 for U15 and U16 elite football players [ 14 ]. The application of SSGs with different ApP influences in the physiological and physical football players responses [ 10 ], defined as internal and external demands, respectively. In this regard, existing studies have observed that increasing the ApP was associated with higher physiological demands, assessed by registering the relative HR MAX [ 15 ], [ 16 ], although other studies did not find significant differences [ 17 ], [ 18 ]. Furthermore, some kinematic variables such as TD, HIRD, HMLD, Speed MAX and Speed AVG have been shown to be higher in SSGs-L compared to SSGs-S [ 17 ], [ 19 ]–[ 21 ], except for acceleration actions that seem to be more demanding and frequent in smaller pitch dimensions [ 22 ], [ 23 ]. However, the majority of studies on SSGs in youth players have mainly focused on the training environment [ 24 ]–[ 28 ], without considering the possible differences in relation with the competition, while the comparison between SSGs and competition has been minimally explored in senior football players [ 29 ]–[ 32 ]. Thus, the comparison of different SSGs with official matches could reveal the extent to which internal and external training intensities are similar to competition [ 6 ], considering that the ApP is a key factor to design SSGs that reproduce, overload or underload players demands, taking into account matches requirements [ 14 ]. This approach would help implement the “train as you play” strategy [ 33 ]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of SSGs and competitive matches in youth football players. Methods Sample A total of fifteen U14 sub-elite football players (13.47 ± 0.51 years; 6.69 ± 1.49 years of experience in football) were included in the present study. All players belonged of the same team that competed in the second highest division for their age group in the region of Madrid (Spain). Football players trained three days per week for 90 minutes (min) per session and played a competitive match (70 min divided into two halves of 35 min) every weekend. The inclusion criteria were: (1) regularly attendance at training sessions; (2) participation in the matches analyzed; and (3) not having an injury that prevented them from playing to their full capacities. Goalkeepers participated in the SSGs but were excluded from data collection due to their differences with outfield players [34]. Prior to the intervention, club staff, participants and their parents or legal guardians were informed of the aim and procedures of the study, emphasizing voluntary nature to participate. In addition, all of them received an informed consent to sign for participate. This study met the Helsinki Declaration principles and the guidelines for sports sciences research [35] and the University Ethics Committee approved this investigation (code: 1505202322823). Procedures The SSGs were performed once per week for a period of six weeks during the spring season as part of the regular training sessions of the U14 team. The evaluated sessions took place on Tuesday (day +3 and -4 regarding the previous and next competition, respectively) at 8.00 pm. Also, two official home matches played at 12.00 pm were evaluated. Both training and competition took place in artificial grass surface with a temperature that ranged between 15 and 20º C. Before the beginning of the study, the coaching staff, in conjunction with the research team, created two competitively balanced teams (A and B) that were kept stable throughout the intervention. Moreover, prior to the intervention, players had a familiarization session with the implemented SSGs and GPS devices. Training sessions started with a 15 min standardized warm-up (slow jogging, joint mobility and progressive sprints) under fitness coach guidance. SSGs were divided into two formats (see figure 1): SSGs-S, with 50m long and 37m wide (132m² ApP); and SSGs-L, with 65m long and 50m wide (232m² ApP). Each SSGs design was performed during each weekly training session (i.e., first Tuesday with the SSGs-S, second Tuesday with the SSGs-L and so on). Players completed six bouts, in which teams were organized in two tactical formations every three bouts: 1-3-1-2 vs. 1-3-3 and 1-2-3-1 vs. 1-3-3. Each repetition had a duration of five min with two min of rest between sets, as used in previous studies [36]. Substitutions were allowed between games. SSGs aim and rules were like a normal competitive match, except that corners and restarts were replaced by goal kicks. Coaches could encourage their players to maintain a high work intensity, but feedback or technical-tactical instructions were not provided. For the home-matches evaluated, the pitch size was 100x70m (318m² ApP). ***INSERT FIGURE 1 HERE*** Regarding the GPS, the research team arrived 30 min before the start of the training session and the match to calibrate and synchronize the devices according to the corresponding procedures of WIMU PRO TM [37]. Over the whole study, the same device was assigned to each player to avoid interunit differences [38]. Participants wore a fitted specific vest provided by the manufacturers with a pocket located at the back between shoulder blades (upper trunk), where the GPS was inserted. Data collection and GPS metrics WIMU PRO TM devices (Huddle, USA) were used to quantify the metrics collected. These GPS have shown to be a valid and reliable instrument to monitoring football players activity [5], operating at sampling frequency of 10 Hz. After sessions and matches, data were downloaded with a dedicated software package (WIMU SPRO TM , Huddle, USA). As for the variables (see table 1), HR MAX were recorded by Garmin Bands (Garmin Ltd., Olathe, Kansas, USA) using ANT+ technology [39]. Physical performance variables were: TD (m/min), HIRD (m/min), HMLD (m/min), Speed MAX (km/h), Speed AVG (km/h), acceleration metrics (m/min), player load (PL; a.u/min) and impacts (imp/min). ***INSERT TABLE 1 HERE*** Statistical analysis Data was transferred from WIMU SPRO TM software (Huddle, USA) to a Microsoft Excel database, where it was organized and exported to SPSS 27.0 (IBM Corporation, USA). Normality data assumption was confirmed graphically by the Shapiro-Wilk test ( p > .05). Results are presented as mean ( M ) ± standard deviation ( SD ) and the significance level was set at p ≤ .05. A one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) of repeated measures was used to calculate the differences in physiological and physical performance variables between the examined formats. Post-hoc analysis was performed using the Bonferroni test to identify which parameters were significantly differences between each game format. ES were determined by calculating partial eta-squared (η²ρ) [40] and are considered as small (η²ρ < .06), moderate (.06 ≥ η²ρ ≤ .15) and large (η²ρ ≥ .15) [41]. Results Results obtained when comparing physiological and physical variables among different game formats are shown in table 2. Except for HR MAX ( p > .05), all parameters analyzed presented significances statistically differences with a very large ES. As can be seen, TD was significantly higher in the SSGs-L compared to distance traveled in the SSGs-S and in the competition ( F = 32.21; p < .01; ES = .81). In this sense, players ran more HIRD in the SSGs-L than in the SSGs-S and match, while this distance was greater in the match than in the SSGs-S ( F = 24.49; p < .01; ES = .76). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in HMLD, obtaining higher values in the SSGs-L compared to the other game formats ( F = 19.82; p < .01; ES = .73). Regarding speed variables, the highest value of Speed MAX was reached during the competition ( M = 25.84 km/h) and was significantly different compared to the SSGs formats. Speed AVG was significantly lower in the SSGs-S and in the SSGs-L than speed obtained in the match and in the SSGs-S, respectively ( F = 39.75; p 2m/s 2 ) were lower in the competition compared to SSGs formats ( F = 46.65; p < .01; ES = .86). At the neuromuscular level, PL was significantly lower in the competition than in the SSGs formats and player also showed a lower PL in the SSGs-L compared to the SSGs-S ( F = 59.24; p < .01; ES = .88). Impacts were significantly higher in the SSGs formats compared to competition ( F = 9.52; p < .01; ES = .56). ***INSERT TABLE 2 HERE*** Discussion The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of SSGs with the competition in sub-elite youth football players. Overall, the main findings revealed that: a) SSGs and competition had similar values of relative HR MAX ; b) SSGs-L stimulated higher running demands (TD, HIRD and HMLD) than the competition and SSGs-S; c) the competition presented higher values for speed variables; and d) higher acceleration demands (> 2m/s 2 ) and neuromuscular activity (PL and impacts) were found in SSGs compared to matches. Regarding physiological demands, our study did not find significant differences between both SSGs and the competition. In this sense, previous studies have found contradictory results. On one hand, there is substantial evidence that increasing the playing space also increases cardiovascular demand [ 10 ], but other studies have not found significant differences between SSGs with different pitch sizes [ 27 ] or comparing SSGs and the competition [ 30 ]. This contradiction may be due to the multifaceted nature of physiological intensity in football, so that other factors such as the type of goals, the number of players, and the rules can also influence and regulate the intensity of the game. Additionally, the fact that SSGs are played in short periods interspersed with recovery pauses may allow players to increase their average intensity, as has been demonstrated previously [ 42 ]. Nevertheless, our study highlights that 7 vs. 7 SSGs in areas of 132 m² and 232 m² can reach a similar intensity to the competition, serving as an appropriate stimulus for preparing players for the match cardiovascular demands. In terms of physical demands, it is noteworthy that the SSGs-L exhibited higher TD, HIRD and HMLD demands than SSGs-S. This finding aligns with previous literature, which consistently observed that large field dimensions in SSGs promote longer running distances, as well as more HIRD and HMLD compared to small SSGs [ 12 ], [ 17 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 28 ]. In this sense, larger ApP increase intra and inter-team distances during gameplay [ 9 ], forcing players to cover greater distances to attack and defend, providing a more optimal scenario for reaching higher speed runs, in comparison with small ApP in SSGs. Nevertheless, it is important to note that significantly higher TD and HIRD values were observed in the SSGs-L compared to competition. This finding has also been observed in previous studies [ 30 ], [ 31 ] and may be partly attributed to short 5-min bouts in which SSGs were played, allowing players to maintain high intensity actions. In contrast, matches require sustaining actions throughout two halves of 35 min, during which players experience fatigue and a decrease in TD and HIRD, especially in the second half [ 24 ]. Additionally, it is possible that U14 players are not as effective as older players in maintaining a balanced space coverage and to resolving performance issues collectively [ 11 ], [ 21 ] potentially leading them to cover more distance in SSGs that lack direct coach instructions. In this context, it may be likely that large SSGs present higher physical demands than competition [ 43 ]. This allows coaches to implement these SSGs to create high demanding training environments that are tactically representative. As for speed variables, the competition exhibited higher Speed MAX and Speed AVG than SSGs-L and SSGs-S. These findings align with previous studies that have observed how SSGs fail to achieve maximum speed levels comparable to competition across different age categories [ 30 ], [ 44 ]. This phenomenon is not surprising, given that official matches are played with an ApP of 318m² in our study, which provides a very large space to cover. Additionally, the motivation and competitive demands of official matches could increase the intensity of actions to beat the opposing team, resulting in higher Speed MAX and Speed AVG compared to SSGs. Thus, one of the current challenges in fitness preparation is to design training tasks that can stimulate players to reach maximum speed, as relying solely on SSGs may limit this stimulation [ 29 ], [ 45 ]. Furthermore, our results revealed that SSGs registered more distance in high intensity accelerations per min (> 2m/s 2 ), as well as higher PL and a greater number of impacts compared to competition. Regarding accelerations, it is not surprising that playing in smaller spaces leads to more changes of direction, duels, tackles, and short runs, what is directly related to more accelerations and decelerations, as multiple studies have shown across different categories [ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 26 ], [ 27 ]. Contrary to our findings, it is interesting to note that existing literature has shown that an increase in ApP leads to higher values of PL [ 16 ], [ 28 ] and the number of impacts [ 12 ]. In our study, the high demands of PL and impacts could be associated with the high values of TD, HIRD and accelerations found in SSGs, as a possible consequence of the clear relationship among these metrics [ 2 ], [ 4 ]. Nevertheless, differences in player quality, age and the specific type of SSGs used may account for the discrepancies with previous studies, suggesting that further research is needed to explore the relationship between PL and number of impacts according to the type of SSGs and/or competition [ 12 ]. This study has several limitations that must be addressed. Firstly, the sample size is small and the players belong to a single team, which means that the results of this study cannot be generalized or extrapolated to other categories or contexts. However, this limitation can also be seen as a strength, as quantifying the load of a specific category or team allows for a highly specific approach to the analysis and optimization of player performance [ 25 ], [ 29 ]. Secondly, due to the small sample size, players were not divided into specific positions, which would have provided deeper insights into the comparisons between different game formats. Despite these limitations, this study is among the first to compare the demands of competition and SSGs in sub-elite U14 football players, offering valuable practical applications for practitioners. Moreover, the metrics evaluated in the current study are recommended for the assessment of internal and external load and provide an integrated analysis at the cardiovascular, locomotor and neuromuscular levels [ 23 ], [ 46 ]. Conclusions Firstly, our research showed that designing 7 vs. 7 SSGs with ApP of 132 m² and 232 m² over 5-min periods can match the physiological intensity of competition. Secondly, the SSGs-L (232m 2 ) generated higher demands in terms of TD, HIRD and HMLD per min compared to actual competition. Thirdly, both SSGs induced lower demands in Speed MAX and Speed AVG compared to competition. Finally, both SSGs formats elicited greater demands in high-intensity accelerations (> 2m/s 2 ), as well as PL and the number of impacts compared to competition. As practical applications, coaches and fitness coaches should consider that ApP is a critical factor in the design of SSGs, and its regulation can create training activities that replicate and even increase the external load of competition. Additionally, our study supports the idea that alternative methods to traditional SSGs are necessary to train scenarios where maximum speeds are reached in young football players. Abbreviations ApP, ES, GPS, HIRD, HMLD, HR MAX , min, m 2 , PL, SSGs-S, SSGs-L, SSGs, TD Declarations Competing interests: the authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethics approval: this study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the University Ethics Committee (code: 1505202322823). Informed consent: informed consent was obtained from the parents of the participants included in the study. 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Human Communication Research , 28 (4), 612–625. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1468-2958.2002.TB00828.X Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Casamichana, D., Castellano, J., & Dellal, A. (2013). Influence of different training regimes on physical and physiological demands during small-sided soccer games: continuos vs. intermittent format. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , 27 (3), 690–697. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0B013E31825D99DC Nevado-Garrosa, F., & Suárez-Arrones, L. (2015). Comparación de las demandas físicas de tareas de fútbol reducido y la competición en jugadoras de fútbol sub 13. (Comparison of physical demands in small sided games and competition in football players under 13). Cultura, Ciencia y Deporte , 10 (30), 235–243. https://doi.org/10.12800/CCD.V10I30.592 Sanchez-Sanchez, J., et al (2019). Physical Performance During Soccer-7 Competition and Small-Sided Games in U12 Players. Journal of Human Kinetics , 67 (1), 281–290. https://doi.org/10.2478/HUKIN-2018-0082 Asian-Clemente, J., Rabano-Muñoz, A., Muñoz, B., Franco, J., & Suarez-Arrones, L. (2021). Can Small-side Games Provide Adequate High-speed Training in Professional Soccer? International Journal of Sports Medicine , 42 (6), 523–528. https://doi.org/10.1055/A-1293-8471 Miguel, M., Oliveira, R., Loureiro, N., García-Rubio, J., & Ibáñez, S. J. (2021). Load measures in training/match monitoring in soccer: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 18 (5), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH18052721 Tables Table 1 Physiological and physical variables Variable (units) Definition HR MAX (%) Percentage of heart rate considering the maximum heart rate reached by each player. TD (m/min) Total distance traveled per min, including movements as walking, jogging, high intensity running and sprinting. HIRD (m/min) Total distance covered above 21 km/h. HMLD (m/min) Total distance covered by a player when its Metabolic Power is over 25.5 W/kg. Speed MAX (km/h) Maximum velocity recorded. Speed AVG (km/h) Value of the average velocity. Acceleration (<2m/s²) (m/min) Distance covered by low intensity accelerations (2m/s²) (m/min) Distance covered by high intensity accelerations (>2m/s²). PL (a.u/min) Total value obtained from the sum of accelerations in the anteroposterior, mediolateral and vertical axes. Impacts (imp/min) Number of intense actions that measure G-force during the game. Note . m/min = meters per minute; km/h = kilometres per hour; W/Kg = watt per kilogram of body weigh; a.u/min = arbitrary units per minute; m/s² = meters per second squared. Table 2 Comparative analysis of physiological and physical variables according to the game format (M±SD) Variables (units) Game Format ANOVA SSGs-s (132m 2 ) SSGs-l (232m 2 ) Competition (318m 2 ) F p ES HR MAX (%) 84.01±3.22 85.96±4.37 85.52±5.57 1.51 0.25 0.17 TD (m/min) 109.05±7.98≠ 120.13±10.63*# 109.67±9.71≠ 32.21 <0.01 0.81 HIRD (m/min) 5.03±2.26≠# 9.35±4.35*# 7.86±3.16* 24.49 <0.01 0.76 HMLD (m/min) 20.03±5.31≠ 25.01±5.46*# 18.91±4.29≠ 19.82 <0.01 0.73 Speed MAX (km/h) 21.70±1.49≠# 17.10±2.18*# 25.84±2.39*≠ 102.74 <0.01 0.93 Speed AVG (km/h) 6.63±0.45# 5.53±0.64* 6.79±0.51≠ 39.75 <0.01 0.84 Accelerations (<2m/s 2 ) (m/min) 37.38±3.81≠# 43.10± 4.52* 42.17±5.56* 27.14 2m/s 2 ) (m/min) 18.69±3.36# 18.72± 3.12# 12.83±2.47*≠ 46.65 <0.01 0.86 PL (a.u/min) 19.73±1.42≠# 19.16±1.50*# 15.55±1.40*≠ 59.24 <0.01 0.88 Impacts (imp/min) 198.89±22.34# 198.89±22.40# 180.93±25.07*≠ 9.52 <0.01 0.56 *= different from 132m 2 ; #= different from competition; ≠ = different from 232m 2 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 20 Feb, 2025 Read the published version in Sport Sciences for Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 02 Dec, 2024 Reviews received at journal 08 Nov, 2024 Reviewers agreed at journal 14 Oct, 2024 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 Sep, 2024 Reviewers invited by journal 16 Sep, 2024 Editor assigned by journal 14 Sep, 2024 Submission checks completed at journal 14 Sep, 2024 First submitted to journal 13 Sep, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5084905","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":385191687,"identity":"d3ec5fe1-34b0-4230-9bcc-748437516a9f","order_by":0,"name":"Jorge J. Carril-Valdó","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA3UlEQVRIie2RMQrCMBRAfwjEJdC1m1doESodWq9SCXRzEsQxIrRL3AN6mEhAN48gShfHgIuDg7YOxSXWTTBvCuG/5MEHcDh+EMTb40IZAPyVwreyi/KGpl2mcLmqLgbS/nCtuU6KY8/jWBtrmNhHsQQWbg5jrifFFPuK5L5VkTkZUFBIUlQrGQ6ARtawRrmDGjVK3Cje1R4mc1wBqHGjoNcvYA8TO4JEwFitbMUhw74mkVUJywKb2zxNJO2dT7dZxrxyWVnDQg7Eh6C9YB+X2X+u5u3N9IPgcDgcf8gDtvJD4vyjqHAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Rey Juan Carlos University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jorge","middleName":"J.","lastName":"Carril-Valdó","suffix":""},{"id":385191688,"identity":"ac01b53c-e922-49cb-900e-5b4811f7ccab","order_by":1,"name":"Jordi Ferrandis","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rey Juan Carlos University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jordi","middleName":"","lastName":"Ferrandis","suffix":""},{"id":385191689,"identity":"2dab506d-eea0-44db-a7d0-7a1070eba582","order_by":2,"name":"Fernando Claver Rabaz","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rey Juan Carlos University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fernando","middleName":"Claver","lastName":"Rabaz","suffix":""},{"id":385191690,"identity":"5841d698-7b99-4cb2-8793-5910e8a79c1b","order_by":3,"name":"Alexander Gil-Arias","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rey Juan Carlos University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Alexander","middleName":"","lastName":"Gil-Arias","suffix":""},{"id":385191691,"identity":"354c9fe7-0855-4206-b255-c80993fcaf9f","order_by":4,"name":"Joaquín González-Rodenas","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rey Juan Carlos University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Joaquín","middleName":"","lastName":"González-Rodenas","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-09-13 15:39:55","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01340-x","type":"published","date":"2025-02-20T15:57:25+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":71622439,"identity":"9dcb6024-30c1-4e75-a3cf-c6ba1c0c8a63","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-12-17 08:27:39","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":82250,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSSGs and competition formats\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote\u003c/em\u003e. For competitive matches, the team tactical formation was 1-4-2-3-1.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5084905/v1/590b5dea3b18d4a94ba6780d.png"},{"id":77053900,"identity":"212bfa35-1e6c-4e16-8cdb-dc9f08a5ad9b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-24 16:30:48","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":725092,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5084905/v1/ef41eab0-c281-406e-8c33-6bf42f6018fe.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Comparison of Physiological and Physical Demands between Small-sided Games and Official Matches in Youth Football Players","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eFootball match performance of players depends on the interaction between multiple factors, with physical fitness playing a crucial role [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. In this line, the quantification of physiological and physical parameters during both competition and training is essential to optimize the players competence level and minimizing injury risk [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Due to the intermittent and variable nature of actions in football [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e], the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has proven to be useful for fitness coaches in assessing the different physical movements during gameplay [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this sense, coaches and fitness coaches should assess the training load in order to design optimal training sessions, prescribing drills that produce a positive adaptation to competition requirements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Training based on SSGs are a commonly used football methodology to replicate match demands [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], as it allows the simultaneous development of physical, physiological and technical-tactical capacities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. SSGs are characterized by game situations with modified rules and fewer players on reduced pitch dimensions compared to standard match [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe technical-tactical, physiological and physical demands of SSGs can be manipulated according to several constraints, such as the pitch size and the number of players involved [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. The combination of both factors represents the relative area per player (ApP), which refers to the total field dimensions divided by the total number of football players and is expressed in meters squared (m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. According to the ApP, SSGs can be classified in small (SSGs-S) and large (SSGs-L), when around 100m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e is used or when the ApP is above 200m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e and teams have a high number of players (\u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\ge\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e7), respectively [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. In this regard, previous studies have recommended the use of representative learning spaces to produce an optimal fit between training demands and competition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e], such as SSGs-L with ApP of 230m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e for U15 and U16 elite football players [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe application of SSGs with different ApP influences in the physiological and physical football players responses [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], defined as internal and external demands, respectively. In this regard, existing studies have observed that increasing the ApP was associated with higher physiological demands, assessed by registering the relative HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], although other studies did not find significant differences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, some kinematic variables such as TD, HIRD, HMLD, Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e and Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e have been shown to be higher in SSGs-L compared to SSGs-S [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR20\" citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]\u0026ndash;[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], except for acceleration actions that seem to be more demanding and frequent in smaller pitch dimensions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, the majority of studies on SSGs in youth players have mainly focused on the training environment [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR25 CR26 CR27\" citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u0026ndash;[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e], without considering the possible differences in relation with the competition, while the comparison between SSGs and competition has been minimally explored in senior football players [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR30 CR31\" citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u0026ndash;[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThus, the comparison of different SSGs with official matches could reveal the extent to which internal and external training intensities are similar to competition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], considering that the ApP is a key factor to design SSGs that reproduce, overload or underload players demands, taking into account matches requirements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. This approach would help implement the \u0026ldquo;train as you play\u0026rdquo; strategy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, the aim of this study was to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of SSGs and competitive matches in youth football players.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of fifteen U14 sub-elite football players (13.47 \u0026plusmn; 0.51 years; 6.69 \u0026plusmn; 1.49 years of experience in football) were included in the present study. All players belonged of the same team that competed in the second highest division for their age group in the region of Madrid (Spain). Football players trained three days per week for 90 minutes (min) per session and played a competitive match (70 min divided into two halves of 35 min) every weekend. The inclusion criteria were: (1) regularly attendance at training sessions; (2) participation in the matches analyzed; and (3) not having an injury that prevented them from playing to their full capacities. Goalkeepers participated in the SSGs but were excluded from data collection due to their differences with outfield players [34]. Prior to the intervention, club staff, participants and their parents or legal guardians were informed of the aim and procedures of the study, emphasizing voluntary nature to participate. In addition, all of them received an informed consent to sign for participate. This study met the Helsinki Declaration principles and the guidelines for sports sciences research [35] and the University Ethics Committee approved this investigation (code: 1505202322823).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcedures\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SSGs were performed once per week for a period of six weeks during the spring season as part of the regular training sessions of the U14 team. The evaluated sessions took place on Tuesday (day +3 and -4 regarding the previous and next competition, respectively) at 8.00 pm. Also, two official home matches played at 12.00 pm were evaluated. Both training and competition took place in artificial grass surface with a temperature that ranged between 15 and 20\u0026ordm; C.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the beginning of the study, the coaching staff, in conjunction with the research team, created two competitively balanced teams (A and B) that were kept stable throughout the intervention. Moreover,\u0026nbsp;prior to the intervention, players had a familiarization session with the implemented SSGs and GPS devices.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraining sessions started with a 15 min standardized warm-up (slow jogging, joint mobility and progressive sprints) under fitness coach guidance. SSGs were divided into two formats (see figure 1): SSGs-S, with 50m long and 37m wide (132m\u0026sup2; ApP); and SSGs-L, with 65m long and 50m wide (232m\u0026sup2; ApP). Each SSGs design was performed during each weekly training session (i.e., first Tuesday with the SSGs-S, second Tuesday with the SSGs-L and so on). Players completed six bouts, in which teams were organized in two tactical formations every three bouts: 1-3-1-2 vs. 1-3-3 and 1-2-3-1 vs. 1-3-3. Each repetition had a duration of five min with two min of rest between sets, as used in previous studies [36]. Substitutions were allowed between games. SSGs aim and rules were like a normal competitive match, except that corners and restarts were replaced by goal kicks. Coaches could encourage their players to maintain a high work intensity, but feedback or technical-tactical instructions were not provided. For the home-matches evaluated, the pitch size was 100x70m (318m\u0026sup2; ApP).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e***INSERT FIGURE 1 HERE***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding the GPS, the research team arrived 30 min before the start of the training session and the match to calibrate and synchronize the devices according to the corresponding procedures of WIMU PRO\u003csup\u003eTM\u003c/sup\u003e [37]. Over the whole study, the same device was assigned to each player to avoid interunit differences [38]. Participants wore a fitted specific vest provided by the manufacturers with a pocket located at the back between shoulder blades (upper trunk), where the GPS was inserted.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData collection and GPS metrics\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWIMU PRO\u003csup\u003eTM\u003c/sup\u003e devices (Huddle, USA) were used to quantify the metrics collected. These GPS have shown to be a valid and reliable instrument to monitoring football players activity [5], operating at sampling frequency of 10 Hz. After sessions and matches, data were downloaded with a dedicated software package (WIMU SPRO\u003csup\u003eTM\u003c/sup\u003e, Huddle, USA).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs for the variables (see table 1), HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e were recorded by Garmin Bands (Garmin Ltd., Olathe, Kansas, USA) using ANT+ technology [39]. Physical performance variables were: TD (m/min), HIRD (m/min), HMLD (m/min), Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (km/h), Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e (km/h), acceleration metrics (m/min), player load (PL; a.u/min) and impacts (imp/min).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e***INSERT TABLE 1 HERE***\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData was transferred from WIMU SPRO\u003csup\u003eTM\u003c/sup\u003e software (Huddle, USA) to a Microsoft Excel database, where it was organized and exported to SPSS 27.0 (IBM Corporation, USA). Normality data assumption was confirmed graphically by the Shapiro-Wilk test (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026gt; .05). Results are presented as mean (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e)\u0026nbsp;\u0026plusmn; standard deviation (\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e) and the significance level was set at \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026le; .05. A one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) of repeated measures was used to calculate the differences in physiological and physical performance variables between the examined formats. Post-hoc analysis was performed using the Bonferroni test to identify which parameters were significantly differences between each game format. ES were determined by calculating partial eta-squared (\u0026eta;\u0026sup2;\u0026rho;) [40] and are considered as small (\u0026eta;\u0026sup2;\u0026rho; \u0026lt; .06), moderate (.06 \u0026ge; \u0026eta;\u0026sup2;\u0026rho; \u0026le; .15) and large (\u0026eta;\u0026sup2;\u0026rho; \u0026ge; .15) [41].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eResults obtained when comparing physiological and physical variables among different game formats are shown in table 2. Except for HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026gt; .05), all parameters analyzed presented significances statistically differences with a very large ES.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs can be seen, TD was significantly higher in the SSGs-L compared to distance traveled in the SSGs-S and in the competition (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 32.21; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .81). In this sense, players ran more HIRD in the SSGs-L than in the SSGs-S and match, while this distance was greater in the match than in the SSGs-S (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 24.49; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .76). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in HMLD, obtaining higher values in the SSGs-L compared to the other game formats (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 19.82; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .73).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegarding speed variables, the highest value of Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003ewas reached during the competition (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e = 25.84 km/h) and was significantly different compared to the SSGs formats. Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003ewas significantly lower in the SSGs-S and in the SSGs-L than speed obtained in the match and in the SSGs-S, respectively (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 39.75; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .84). Furthermore, there were significant differences for acceleration parameters, the accelerations (\u0026gt;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) were lower in the competition compared to SSGs formats (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 46.65; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .86).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the neuromuscular level, PL was significantly lower in the competition than in the SSGs formats and player also showed a lower PL in the SSGs-L compared to the SSGs-S (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 59.24; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .88). Impacts were significantly higher in the SSGs formats compared to competition (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e = 9.52; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; \u003cem\u003eES\u003c/em\u003e = .56).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e***INSERT TABLE 2 HERE***\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of this study was to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of SSGs with the competition in sub-elite youth football players. Overall, the main findings revealed that: a) SSGs and competition had similar values of relative HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e; b) SSGs-L stimulated higher running demands (TD, HIRD and HMLD) than the competition and SSGs-S; c) the competition presented higher values for speed variables; and d) higher acceleration demands (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) and neuromuscular activity (PL and impacts) were found in SSGs compared to matches.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding physiological demands, our study did not find significant differences between both SSGs and the competition. In this sense, previous studies have found contradictory results. On one hand, there is substantial evidence that increasing the playing space also increases cardiovascular demand [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], but other studies have not found significant differences between SSGs with different pitch sizes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] or comparing SSGs and the competition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. This contradiction may be due to the multifaceted nature of physiological intensity in football, so that other factors such as the type of goals, the number of players, and the rules can also influence and regulate the intensity of the game. Additionally, the fact that SSGs are played in short periods interspersed with recovery pauses may allow players to increase their average intensity, as has been demonstrated previously [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Nevertheless, our study highlights that 7 vs. 7 SSGs in areas of 132 m\u0026sup2; and 232 m\u0026sup2; can reach a similar intensity to the competition, serving as an appropriate stimulus for preparing players for the match cardiovascular demands.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn terms of physical demands, it is noteworthy that the SSGs-L exhibited higher TD, HIRD and HMLD demands than SSGs-S. This finding aligns with previous literature, which consistently observed that large field dimensions in SSGs promote longer running distances, as well as more HIRD and HMLD compared to small SSGs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. In this sense, larger ApP increase intra and inter-team distances during gameplay [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e], forcing players to cover greater distances to attack and defend, providing a more optimal scenario for reaching higher speed runs, in comparison with small ApP in SSGs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNevertheless, it is important to note that significantly higher TD and HIRD values were observed in the SSGs-L compared to competition. This finding has also been observed in previous studies [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] and may be partly attributed to short 5-min bouts in which SSGs were played, allowing players to maintain high intensity actions. In contrast, matches require sustaining actions throughout two halves of 35 min, during which players experience fatigue and a decrease in TD and HIRD, especially in the second half [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, it is possible that U14 players are not as effective as older players in maintaining a balanced space coverage and to resolving performance issues collectively [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] potentially leading them to cover more distance in SSGs that lack direct coach instructions. In this context, it may be likely that large SSGs present higher physical demands than competition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. This allows coaches to implement these SSGs to create high demanding training environments that are tactically representative.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs for speed variables, the competition exhibited higher Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e and Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e than SSGs-L and SSGs-S. These findings align with previous studies that have observed how SSGs fail to achieve maximum speed levels comparable to competition across different age categories [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. This phenomenon is not surprising, given that official matches are played with an ApP of 318m\u0026sup2; in our study, which provides a very large space to cover. Additionally, the motivation and competitive demands of official matches could increase the intensity of actions to beat the opposing team, resulting in higher Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e and Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e compared to SSGs. Thus, one of the current challenges in fitness preparation is to design training tasks that can stimulate players to reach maximum speed, as relying solely on SSGs may limit this stimulation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, our results revealed that SSGs registered more distance in high intensity accelerations per min (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e), as well as higher PL and a greater number of impacts compared to competition. Regarding accelerations, it is not surprising that playing in smaller spaces leads to more changes of direction, duels, tackles, and short runs, what is directly related to more accelerations and decelerations, as multiple studies have shown across different categories [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContrary to our findings, it is interesting to note that existing literature has shown that an increase in ApP leads to higher values of PL [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] and the number of impacts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. In our study, the high demands of PL and impacts could be associated with the high values of TD, HIRD and accelerations found in SSGs, as a possible consequence of the clear relationship among these metrics [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Nevertheless, differences in player quality, age and the specific type of SSGs used may account for the discrepancies with previous studies, suggesting that further research is needed to explore the relationship between PL and number of impacts according to the type of SSGs and/or competition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study has several limitations that must be addressed. Firstly, the sample size is small and the players belong to a single team, which means that the results of this study cannot be generalized or extrapolated to other categories or contexts. However, this limitation can also be seen as a strength, as quantifying the load of a specific category or team allows for a highly specific approach to the analysis and optimization of player performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Secondly, due to the small sample size, players were not divided into specific positions, which would have provided deeper insights into the comparisons between different game formats.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite these limitations, this study is among the first to compare the demands of competition and SSGs in sub-elite U14 football players, offering valuable practical applications for practitioners. Moreover, the metrics evaluated in the current study are recommended for the assessment of internal and external load and provide an integrated analysis at the cardiovascular, locomotor and neuromuscular levels [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eFirstly, our research showed that designing 7 vs. 7 SSGs with ApP of 132 m\u0026sup2; and 232 m\u0026sup2; over 5-min periods can match the physiological intensity of competition. Secondly, the SSGs-L (232m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) generated higher demands in terms of TD, HIRD and HMLD per min compared to actual competition. Thirdly, both SSGs induced lower demands in Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e and Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e compared to competition. Finally, both SSGs formats elicited greater demands in high-intensity accelerations (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e), as well as PL and the number of impacts compared to competition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs practical applications, coaches and fitness coaches should consider that ApP is a critical factor in the design of SSGs, and its regulation can create training activities that replicate and even increase the external load of competition. Additionally, our study supports the idea that alternative methods to traditional SSGs are necessary to train scenarios where maximum speeds are reached in young football players.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eApP, ES, GPS, HIRD, HMLD, HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e, min, m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e, PL, SSGs-S, SSGs-L, SSGs, TD\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe authors declare no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEthics approval:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethis study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the University Ethics Committee (code: 1505202322823).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInformed consent:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003einformed consent was obtained from the parents of the participants included in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethis study was supported by \u0026ldquo;Investigo\u0026rdquo; program (European Union: Next Generation EU) and by a grant for the acquisition and expansion of scientific equipment from the Rey Juan Carlos University.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConceptualization: F.C., A.G-A. and J.G-R; Methodology: J.J. C-V, J.F. and F. C; Formal analysis and investigation: J.J. C-V., J.F. and J.G-R; Writing \u0026ndash; original draft preparation: J.J. C-V; Writing \u0026ndash; review and editing: J.J. C-V, J.F., F.C., A.G-A. and J.G-R; Funding acquisition: F.C. and A.G-A; Supervision: F.C., A.G-A. and J.G-R.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author via e-mail.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReina G\u0026oacute;mez, A., \u0026amp; Hern\u0026aacute;ndez Mendo, A. (2012). Revisi\u0026oacute;n de indicadores de rendimiento en f\u0026uacute;tbol. \u003cem\u003eRevista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de La Actividad F\u0026iacute;sica y El Deporte\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e1\u003c/em\u003e(1). https://doi.org/10.24310/RICCAFD.2012.V1I1.1990\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasamichana, D., \u0026amp; Castellano, J. (2015). 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The influence of relative playing area and player numerical imbalance on physical and perceptual demands in soccer small-sided game formats. \u003cem\u003eScience and Medicine in Football\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(2), 221\u0026ndash;227. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2021.1939408\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSantos, F. J., et al (2021). Effects of pitch size and goalkeeper participation on physical load measures during small-sided games in sub-elite professional soccer players. \u003cem\u003eApplied Sciences\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/APP11178024\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCastillo, D., et al (2019). Influence of different small-sided game formats on physical and physiological demands and physical performance in young soccer players. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e35\u003c/em\u003e(8), 2287\u0026ndash;2293. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003114\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEspada, M. C., et al (2023). The effect of pitch size manipulation during small sided-games performed by different age category football players: a pilot study. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Men\u0026rsquo;s Health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e19\u003c/em\u003e(12), 1\u0026ndash;10. https://doi.org/10.22514/JOMH.2023.110\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSantos, F., et al (2024). External load of different format small-sided games in youth football players in relation to age. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Sports Science and Coaching\u003c/em\u003e, 1\u0026ndash;11. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241231485\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilva, H., Nakamura, F. Y., Beato, M., \u0026amp; Marcelino, R. (2022). Acceleration and deceleration demands during training sessions in football: a systematic review. \u003cem\u003eScience and Medicine in Football\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e(3), 198\u0026ndash;213. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2022.2090600\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZurutuza, U., Castellano, J., Echeazarra, I., Guridi, I., \u0026amp; Casamichana, D. (2020). Selecting Training-Load Measures to Explain Variability in Football Training Games. \u003cem\u003eFrontiers in Psychology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e10\u003c/em\u003e. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2019.02897\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarbero-Alvarez, J. C., et al. 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Physical and physiological responses of U-14, U-16, and U-18 soccer players on different small-sided games. \u003cem\u003eSports\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e8\u003c/em\u003e(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/SPORTS8050066\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMartone, D., et al (2017). Exercise intensity and technical demands of small-sided soccer games for under-12 and under-14 players: Effect of area per player. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e31\u003c/em\u003e(6), 1486\u0026ndash;1492. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001615\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCastellano, J., Echeazarra, I., \u0026amp; Est\u0026eacute;fano, I. (2017). Comparison of the physical demands in sub13 and sub14 football players on a 7-a-side game played with different lengths. \u003cem\u003eCultura, Ciencia y Deporte\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e12\u003c/em\u003e(34), 55\u0026ndash;65. https://doi.org/10.12800/CCD.V12I34.832\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasamichana, D., \u0026amp; Castellano, J. (2011). Physical demands in semi-professional football players: Is training carried out the same as competition? \u003cem\u003eCultura, Ciencia y Deporte\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(17), 121\u0026ndash;127. https://doi.org/10.12800/CCD.V6I17.39\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCastillo-Rodr\u0026iacute;guez, A., Dur\u0026aacute;n-Salas, \u0026Aacute;., Gim\u0026eacute;nez, J. V., Onetti-Onetti, W., \u0026amp; Su\u0026aacute;rez-Arrones, L. (2023). The Influence of Pitch Dimensions during Small-Sided Games to Reach Match Physical and Physiological Demands on the Youth Soccer Players. \u003cem\u003eSensors\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e23\u003c/em\u003e(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/S23031299\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eG\u0026oacute;mez-Carmona, C. D., Gamonales, J. M., Pino-Ortega, J., \u0026amp; Ib\u0026aacute;\u0026ntilde;ez, S. J. (2018). Comparative Analysis of Load Profile between Small-Sided Games and Official Matches in Youth Soccer Players. \u003cem\u003eSports\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/SPORTS6040173\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMart\u0026iacute;n-Garc\u0026iacute;a, A., Castellano, J., M\u0026eacute;ndez Villanueva, A., G\u0026oacute;mez-D\u0026iacute;az, A., Cos, F., \u0026amp; Casamichana, D. (2020). Physical Demands of Ball Possession Games in Relation to the Most Demanding Passages of a Competitive Match. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Sports Science \u0026amp; Medicine\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e19\u003c/em\u003e(1), 1. /pmc/articles/PMC7039032/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolt, J. E., Ward, P., \u0026amp; Wallhead, T. L. (2006). The transfer of learning from play practices to game play in young adult soccer players. \u003cem\u003ePhysical Education \u0026amp; Sport Pedagogy\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(2), 101\u0026ndash;118. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408980600708270\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite, A., et al (2018). Match-Play and Performance Test Responses of Soccer Goalkeepers: A Review of Current Literature. \u003cem\u003eSports Medicine\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e48\u003c/em\u003e(11), 2497\u0026ndash;2516. https://doi.org/10.1007/S40279-018-0977-2\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarriss, D. J., Macsween, A., \u0026amp; Atkinson, G. (2019). Ethical Standards in Sport and Exercise Science Research: 2020 Update. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Sports Medicine\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e40\u003c/em\u003e(13), 813\u0026ndash;817. https://doi.org/10.1055/A-1015-3123\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGonz\u0026aacute;lez-Rodenas, J., Aranda-Malav\u0026eacute;s, R., Tudela-desantes, A., de Mat\u0026iacute;as-Cid, P., \u0026amp; Aranda, R. (2021). Different pitch configurations constrain the playing tactics and the creation of goal scoring opportunities during small sided games in youth soccer players. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e18\u003c/em\u003e(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH181910500\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBastida-Castillo, A., G\u0026oacute;mez-Carmona, C. D., De La Cruz S\u0026aacute;nchez, E., \u0026amp; Pino-Ortega, J. (2019). Comparing accuracy between global positioning systems and ultra-wideband-based position tracking systems used for tactical analyses in soccer. \u003cem\u003eEuropean Journal of Sport Science\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e19\u003c/em\u003e(9), 1157\u0026ndash;1165. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2019.1584248\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiboli, A., Coratella, G., Rampichini, S., Ce, E., \u0026amp; Esposito, F. (2020). Area per player in small-sided games to replicate the external load and estimated physiological match demands in elite soccer players. \u003cem\u003ePLoS ONE\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e15\u003c/em\u003e(9 September 2020). https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0229194\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMolina-Carmona, I., G\u0026oacute;mez-Carmona, C., Bastida-Castillo, A., \u0026amp; Pino-Ortega, J. (2018). Validez del dispositivo inercial WIMU PRO para el registro de la frecuencia cardiaca en un test de campo. \u003cem\u003eSPORT TK-Revista EuroAmericana de Ciencias Del Deporte\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e7\u003c/em\u003e(1), 81\u0026ndash;86. https://doi.org/10.6018/321921\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLevine, T. R., \u0026amp; Hullett, C. R. (2002). Eta Squared, Partial Eta Squared, and Misreporting of Effect Size in Communication Research. \u003cem\u003eHuman Communication Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e28\u003c/em\u003e(4), 612\u0026ndash;625. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1468-2958.2002.TB00828.X\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCohen, J. (1988). \u003cem\u003eStatistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences\u003c/em\u003e (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasamichana, D., Castellano, J., \u0026amp; Dellal, A. (2013). Influence of different training regimes on physical and physiological demands during small-sided soccer games: continuos vs. intermittent format. \u003cem\u003eThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e27\u003c/em\u003e(3), 690\u0026ndash;697. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0B013E31825D99DC\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNevado-Garrosa, F., \u0026amp; Su\u0026aacute;rez-Arrones, L. (2015). Comparaci\u0026oacute;n de las demandas f\u0026iacute;sicas de tareas de f\u0026uacute;tbol reducido y la competici\u0026oacute;n en jugadoras de f\u0026uacute;tbol sub 13. (Comparison of physical demands in small sided games and competition in football players under 13). \u003cem\u003eCultura, Ciencia y Deporte\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e10\u003c/em\u003e(30), 235\u0026ndash;243. https://doi.org/10.12800/CCD.V10I30.592\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSanchez-Sanchez, J., et al (2019). Physical Performance During Soccer-7 Competition and Small-Sided Games in U12 Players. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Human Kinetics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e67\u003c/em\u003e(1), 281\u0026ndash;290. https://doi.org/10.2478/HUKIN-2018-0082\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAsian-Clemente, J., Rabano-Mu\u0026ntilde;oz, A., Mu\u0026ntilde;oz, B., Franco, J., \u0026amp; Suarez-Arrones, L. (2021). Can Small-side Games Provide Adequate High-speed Training in Professional Soccer? \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Sports Medicine\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e42\u003c/em\u003e(6), 523\u0026ndash;528. https://doi.org/10.1055/A-1293-8471\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiguel, M., Oliveira, R., Loureiro, N., Garc\u0026iacute;a-Rubio, J., \u0026amp; Ib\u0026aacute;\u0026ntilde;ez, S. J. (2021). Load measures in training/match monitoring in soccer: A systematic review. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e18\u003c/em\u003e(5), 1\u0026ndash;26. https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH18052721\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ePhysiological and physical variables\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"597\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariable (units)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDefinition\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage of heart rate considering the maximum heart rate reached by each player.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal distance traveled per min, including movements as walking, jogging, high intensity running and sprinting.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHIRD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal distance covered above 21 km/h.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHMLD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal distance covered by a player when its Metabolic Power is over 25.5 W/kg.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpeed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(km/h)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum velocity recorded.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpeed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(km/h)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eValue of the average velocity.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcceleration (\u0026lt;2m/s\u0026sup2;) (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDistance covered by low intensity accelerations (\u0026lt;2m/s\u0026sup2;).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAcceleration (\u0026gt;2m/s\u0026sup2;) (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDistance covered by high intensity accelerations (\u0026gt;2m/s\u0026sup2;).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePL (a.u/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal value obtained from the sum of accelerations in the anteroposterior, mediolateral and vertical axes.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 217px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eImpacts (imp/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 380px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNumber of intense actions that measure G-force during the game.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote\u003c/em\u003e. m/min = meters per minute; km/h = kilometres per hour; W/Kg = watt per kilogram of body weigh; a.u/min = arbitrary units per minute; m/s\u0026sup2; = meters per second squared.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eComparative analysis of physiological and physical variables according to the game format (M\u0026plusmn;SD)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"737\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVariables (units)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 31.3386%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGame Format\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.3162%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eANOVA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSSGs-s (132m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSSGs-l (232m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompetition (318m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eES\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84.01\u0026plusmn;3.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.96\u0026plusmn;4.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.52\u0026plusmn;5.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109.05\u0026plusmn;7.98\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120.13\u0026plusmn;10.63*#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e109.67\u0026plusmn;9.71\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHIRD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.03\u0026plusmn;2.26\u0026ne;#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.35\u0026plusmn;4.35*#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.86\u0026plusmn;3.16*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHMLD (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.03\u0026plusmn;5.31\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.01\u0026plusmn;5.46*#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.91\u0026plusmn;4.29\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpeed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (km/h)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.70\u0026plusmn;1.49\u0026ne;#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.10\u0026plusmn;2.18*#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.84\u0026plusmn;2.39*\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpeed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u0026nbsp;\u003c/sub\u003e(km/h)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.63\u0026plusmn;0.45#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.53\u0026plusmn;0.64*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.79\u0026plusmn;0.51\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccelerations (\u0026lt;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.38\u0026plusmn;3.81\u0026ne;#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.10\u0026plusmn; 4.52*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.17\u0026plusmn;5.56*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccelerations (\u0026gt;2m/s\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.69\u0026plusmn;3.36#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.72\u0026plusmn; 3.12#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.83\u0026plusmn;2.47*\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePL (a.u/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.73\u0026plusmn;1.42\u0026ne;#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.16\u0026plusmn;1.50*#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.55\u0026plusmn;1.40*\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 20.1314%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eImpacts (imp/min)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e198.89\u0026plusmn;22.34#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 11.8298%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e198.89\u0026plusmn;22.40#\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 13.9052%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e180.93\u0026plusmn;25.07*\u0026ne;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 6.0187%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*= different from 132m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e; #= different from competition;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ne; = different from 232m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"sport-sciences-for-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssfh","sideBox":"Learn more about [Sport Sciences for Health](http://link.springer.com/journal/11332)","snPcode":"11332","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11332/3","title":"Sport Sciences for Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"training, competition, performance, area per player","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurpose:\u003c/strong\u003e this study aimed to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of small-sided games (SSGs) and competitive matches in youth football players.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c/strong\u003e fifteen U14 sub-elite players were monitored using WIMU PRO\u003csup\u003eTM\u003c/sup\u003e devices (Huddle, USA) during competition and training. The training involved two 7 vs. 7 SSGs formats: small (SSGs-S; 132m² per player) and large (SSGs-L; 232m² per player). Variables such as relative maximum heart rate (HR\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e), total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIRD), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), maximum speed (Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e), average speed (Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e), and acceleration distance were evaluated.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003e repeated measures ANOVA revealed that players covered more TD, HIRD, and HMLD per minute during SSGs-L than in both competition and SSGs-S (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; effect size [ES] = .81, .76, .73, respectively). Competitive matches showed higher Speed\u003csub\u003eMAX\u003c/sub\u003e (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; ES = .93) and Speed\u003csub\u003eAVG\u003c/sub\u003e (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; ES = .84) compared to SSGs. Both SSGs formats exhibited higher distances covered in accelerations (\u0026gt;2 m/s²) than competitive matches (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; .01; ES = .86).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003e this study emphasizes the importance for fitness coaches to manipulate pitch size during SSGs to replicate, increase or decrease physiological and physical demands relative to competitive conditions.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Comparison of Physiological and Physical Demands between Small-sided Games and Official Matches in Youth Football Players","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-12-17 08:27:34","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5084905/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2024-12-02T13:38:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2024-11-08T22:24:18+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"136269765492935218990952206525443851518","date":"2024-10-14T17:11:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"178574120001049900235915598082574400081","date":"2024-09-16T14:47:09+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2024-09-16T11:51:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-09-14T04:09:07+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-09-14T04:07:55+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Sport Sciences for Health","date":"2024-09-13T15:38:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"sport-sciences-for-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssfh","sideBox":"Learn more about [Sport Sciences for Health](http://link.springer.com/journal/11332)","snPcode":"11332","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11332/3","title":"Sport Sciences for Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"48bf61a7-2a4d-48ef-b397-4200e8febd5d","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 17th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-24T16:24:08+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-5084905","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01340-x","journal":{"identity":"sport-sciences-for-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Sport Sciences for Health"},"publishedOn":"2025-02-20 15:57:25","publishedOnDateReadable":"February 20th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-12-17 08:27:34","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s11332-025-01340-x","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01340-x","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5084905","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5084905","identity":"rs-5084905","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"_2-kVJe1T_tPrBINL-cwx","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}