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The Effect of Tactical Small-Sided Games on Anaerobic Performance in Football

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 266 - 277, 30.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.55238/seder.1680474

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of tactical small-sided games (SSGs), designed according to the specific phases of play in football attack, defense, and transitions on anaerobic performance.
Method: The study involved a total of 43 young male football players, divided into three groups: 16 participants in the tactical SSG group (age: 14.81±0.40 years, height: 172.88±4.98 cm, body weight: 59.51±5.04 kg, BMI: 19.89±1.15 kg/m²), 16 in the SSG group (age: 15.69±0.48 years, height: 177.46±7.86 cm, body weight: 67.08±7.14 kg, BMI: 21.27±1.45 kg/m²), and 11 in the control group (age: 14±0 years, height: 167.68±6.74 cm, body weight: 52.64±6.67 kg, BMI: 18.66±1.51 kg/m²). The study was conducted over 8 weeks, with training sessions performed twice per week. The tactical group implemented small-sided games that incorporated structured adaptations for attacking, defending, and transitional phases, whereas the small-sided group participated in sessions without any tactical interventions. The control group continued football training routine. All small-sided games were conducted in two formats: 5v5 with 2 goalkeepers on a 40x52 m² pitch, and 3v3 with 2 goalkeepers on a 30x40 m² pitch. Each game was conducted in four 3-minute bouts, with 1-minute rest intervals between repetitions. Anaerobic performance was assessed using a Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) before and after the training program. According to the Skewness-Kurtosis method, the data were found to be normally distributed. One-way ANOVA test was used for between-group comparisons.
Results: After 8 weeks, the greatest improvement in anaerobic performance was observed in the tactical group, followed by the SSG group (p<0.05). No significant improvement was detected in the control group (p>0.05). However, the fatigue index showed a numerical increase in all three groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Tactical small-sided games conducted over 8 weeks were demonstrated to be more effective in improving anaerobic performance compared to SSGs.

References

  • Adamczyk, J. (2011). The estimation of the RAST test usefulness in monitoring the anaerobic capacity of sprinters in athletics. Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, 18(3), 214-218.
  • Akyuz, C., & Camliguney, A. F. (2020). The Impact of 8-Week Deceleration Training on Dynamic Balance Skills of Young Soccer Players. Journal of Educational Issues, 6(1), 383-394.
  • Ansori MK, Tomoliyus, Sudarko RA, Primasoni N, Widodo H, Emayanti Anggraeni. Effect of small-sided game versus high-intensity interval training method in increasing anaerobic endurance in youth football athletes (15-17 years). Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 2024;28(5):353–359. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0503
  • Apriliyanto, R. (2019). Pengaruh Pelatihan Small Sided Games Terhadap Peningkatan Kapasitas Aerobik Maksimal Dan Keterampilan Dribbling Pada Pemain Sepakbola. Biormatika: Jurnal ilmiah fakultas keguruan dan ilmu pendidikan, 5(01), 56-64.
  • Arslan E, Orer G, Clemente F. Running-based high-intensity interval training vs. small-sided game training programs: effects on the physical performance, psychophysiological responses and technical skills in young soccer players. Biology of Sport, 2020;37(2): 165–173. https://doi.org/10.5114/ biolsport.2020.94237
  • Bangsbo, J., Iaia, FM., & Krustrup, P. (2007). Metabolic response and fatigue in soccer. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2(111), 27.
  • Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. J Sports Sci, 24(7), 665–674.
  • Bravo, D. F., Impellizzeri, F. M., Rampinini, E., Castagna, C., Bishop, D., & Wisloff, U. (2008). Sprint vs. interval training in football. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 29(8). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-989371
  • Caetano, F. G., De Oliveira, M. J., Marche, A. L., Nakamura, F. Y., Cunha, S. A., & Moura, F. A. (2015). Characterization of the sprint and repeated-sprint sequences performed by professional futsal players, according to playing position, during official matches. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 31(6). https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2014-0159
  • Chelly, M. S., Ghenem, M. A., Abid, K., Hermassi, S., Tabka, Z., & Shephard, R. J. (2010). Effects of in-season short-term plyometric training program on leg power, jump and sprint performance of soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2670–2676.
  • Clemente, F. M., Lourenço, M. F., & Mendes, R. S. (2014) Developing aerobic and anaerobic fitness using small-sided soccer games: Methodological proposals. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 36(3), 76–87.
  • Dello Iacono, A., Beato, M., & Unnithan, V. (2021). Comparative Effects of Game Profile-Based Training and Small-Sided Games on Physical Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 35(10), 2810–2817. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003225
  • Eniseler, N., Şahan, Ç., Özcan, I., & Dinler, K. (2017). High-intensity small-sided games versus repeated sprint training in junior soccer players. Journal of human kinetics, 60(1), 101-111.
  • Fahrudin, M. F. A., Siantoro, G., Kusuma, I. D. M. A. W., Syafii, I., Prianto, D. A., Pramono, B. A., & Fajar, M. K. (2024). Enhancing Anaerobic Endurance in Student Futsal Players through Small-Sided Games Combined with High- Intensity Interval Training. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(2), 232-236.
  • Hammami, A., Gabbett, T. J., Slimani, M., & Bouhlel, E. (2017). Does small-sided games training improve physical fitness and team-sport-specifc skills? a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(10), 1446–1455.
  • Hill-Haas, S. V., Dawson, B., Impellizzeri, F. M., & Coutts, A. J. (2011). Physiology of small-sided games training in football: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 41(3), 199–220.
  • Iacono, A. D., Beato, M., & Unnithan, V. (2021). Comparative effects of game profile–based training and small-sided games on physical performance of elite young soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 35(10), 2810-2817.
  • Jensen, J., Randers, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2007). Effect of additional in-season aerobic high-intensity drills on physical fitness of elite football players. J Sports Sci Med, 6(10), 79.
  • Kusuma, K. C. A., Artanayasa, I. W., Sudiana, I. K., & Yudi, A. A. (2023). Enhancing anaerobic endurance in football players: A comparative study of 3-a-side and 5-a-side small-sided games. Journal Sport Area, 8(3), 318-327.
  • Manari, D., Manara, M., Zurini, A., Tortorella, G., Vaccarezza, M., Prandelli, N., Ancelotti, D., Vitale, M., Mirandola, P., & Galli D. (2016). VO2Max and VO2AT: athletic performance and field role of elite soccer players. Sport Sci Health, 12, 221–226.
  • McGinley, C., & Bishop, D. J. (2016). Influence of training intensity on adaptations in acid/base transport proteins, muscle buffer capacity, and repeated-sprint ability in active men. Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(6), 1290–1305. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00630.2016
  • Morera-Siercovich, P. L., & Moncada-Jiménez, J. (2020). A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Small-Sided Games on the Repeated Sprint Ability in Soccer. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 9(4), 70-84.
  • Müniroğlu, S., Yıldırım, Y., & Karakulak, İ. (2011). Profesyonel futbolcuların futbolda taktik konusunda görüşlerinin incelenmesi. Spormetre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 9(3), 97–103.
  • Narizuka, T., & Yamazaki, Y. (2019). Clustering algorithm for formations in football games. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48623-1
  • Owen, A. L., Wong, D. P., Paul, D., & Dellal, A. (2012). Effects of a periodized small-sided game training intervention on physical performance in elite professional soccer. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(10), 2748-2754.
  • Pamungkas, G., Sumaryanto, S., & Komarudin, K. (2024). Impact of the small-sided games training method on the anaerobic endurance of U-17 soccer players. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, (52), 246-251.
  • Radziminski, L., Rompa, P., Barnat, W., Dargiewicz, R., & Jastrzebski, Z. (2013). A comparison of the physiological and technical effects of high-intensity running and small-sided games in young soccer players. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 8(3), 455-465.
  • Rodríguez-Fernández, A., Sánchez Sánchez, J., Rodríguez-Marroyo, J. A., Casamichana, D., & Villa, J. G. (2017). Effects of 5-week pre-season small-sided-game-based training on repeat sprint ability. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(5). https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.16.06263-0
  • Sabag, A., Little, J. P., & Johnson, N. A. (2022). Low‐volume high‐intensity interval training for cardiometabolic health. The Journal of physiology, 600(5), 1013-1026.
  • Saputra, A., & Bafirman, B. (2021). Pengaruh Latihan Small Side Game Terhadap Peningkatan Vo2max Pemain Sepakbola Persiss. Jurnal Stamina, 4(4), 181-189.
  • Silva, J. R. (2019). Concurrent aerobic and strength training for performance in soccer. Concurrent aerobic and strength training: scientific basics and practical applications, 397-416.
  • Spyrou, K., Freitas, T. T., Marín-Cascales, E., & Alcaraz, P. E. (2020). Physical and Physiological Match-Play Demands and Player Characteristics in Futsal: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.569897
  • Stolen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisloff, U. (2005). Physiology of Soccer, Review: Article. Sports of Medicine, 35(6), 501-536.
  • Stöggl, T. L., & Björklund, G. (2017). High Intensity Interval Training Leads to Greater Improvements in Acute Heart Rate Recovery and Anaerobic Power as High Volume Low Intensity Training. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 562. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00562
  • Umam, A. K., & Suherman, W. S. (2023). Effect of Small Sided Games Training on Anaerobic Endurance and Fatigue Index in U-17 Soccer Athletes. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6(09), 4023-4029.
  • Wragg, CB., Maxwell, N. S., & Doust, J. H. (2000). Evaluation of the reliability and validity of a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability. Eur J Appl Physiol Sep, 83(1), 77-83.

Futbolda Taktiksel Dar Alan Oyunların Anaerobik Performansa Etkisi

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 266 - 277, 30.08.2025
https://doi.org/10.55238/seder.1680474

Abstract

Amaç: Futbolda oyun fazlarına özgü hücum, savunma ve geçiş uyarlamalarına göre tasarlanan taktiksel dar alan oyunlarının anaerobik performansa etkisini belirlemektir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya taktiksel dar alan antrenman grubunda 16 (yaş: 14,81±0,40 yıl, boy: 172,88±4,98 cm, vücut ağırlığı: 59,51±5,04 kg, BMI: 19,89±1,15 kg/m2), dar alan antrenman grubunda 16 (yaş: 15,69±0,48 yıl, boy: 177,46±7,86 cm, vücut ağırlığı: 67,08±7,14 kg, BMI: 21,27±1,45 kg/m2) ve kontrol grubunda 11 (yaş: 14±0 yıl, boy: 167,68±6,74 cm, vücut ağırlığı: 52,64±6,67 kg, BMI: 18,66±1,51 kg/m2) genç erkek futbolcu katılmıştır. Çalışma 8 hafta süresince haftada 2 kere uygulanmıştır. Taktiksel grup hücum, savunma ve geçiş uyarlamaları olan dar alan oyunları uygularken, dar alan grubu müdahalesiz çalışmalar uygulamıştır. Kontrol grubu ise rutin futbol antrenmanlarına devam etmiştir. Tüm dar alan oyunlar 40x52m2 alanda 5v5+2 kaleci ile ve 30x40m2 alanda 3v3+2 kaleci ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tüm dar alan oyunları 4 tekrardan 3 dakika olarak uygulanmıştır. Tekrarlar arası 1 dakika dinlenme verilmiştir. Antrenmanların öncesinde ve sonrasında genç futbolcuların anaerobik performansları koşu temelli anaerobik sürat testi ile ölçülmüştür. Skewness-Kurtosis normallik testlerine göre grupların normal dağılım gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. Gruplar arası karşılaştırmalarda one-way-anova testi kullanılmıştır.
Bulgular: haftalık çalışmamıza göre anaerobik performans değerlerinde en fazla TG grubunda, ikincil olarak DG grubunda gelişim görülmüştür (p<0,05). Ancak KG grubunun değerlerinde gelişim görülmemiştir (p>0,05). Yorgunluk indeksi ilk ve son test ölçümleri arasında 8 haftalık çalışma sonucunda 3 grupta da yorgunluk değeri sayısal olarak artmıştır (p>0,05).
Sonuç: 8 Haftalık taktiksel dar alan oyunların dar alan oyunlara göre anaerobik performans gelişiminde daha etkili olduğu belirlenmiştir.

References

  • Adamczyk, J. (2011). The estimation of the RAST test usefulness in monitoring the anaerobic capacity of sprinters in athletics. Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, 18(3), 214-218.
  • Akyuz, C., & Camliguney, A. F. (2020). The Impact of 8-Week Deceleration Training on Dynamic Balance Skills of Young Soccer Players. Journal of Educational Issues, 6(1), 383-394.
  • Ansori MK, Tomoliyus, Sudarko RA, Primasoni N, Widodo H, Emayanti Anggraeni. Effect of small-sided game versus high-intensity interval training method in increasing anaerobic endurance in youth football athletes (15-17 years). Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 2024;28(5):353–359. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0503
  • Apriliyanto, R. (2019). Pengaruh Pelatihan Small Sided Games Terhadap Peningkatan Kapasitas Aerobik Maksimal Dan Keterampilan Dribbling Pada Pemain Sepakbola. Biormatika: Jurnal ilmiah fakultas keguruan dan ilmu pendidikan, 5(01), 56-64.
  • Arslan E, Orer G, Clemente F. Running-based high-intensity interval training vs. small-sided game training programs: effects on the physical performance, psychophysiological responses and technical skills in young soccer players. Biology of Sport, 2020;37(2): 165–173. https://doi.org/10.5114/ biolsport.2020.94237
  • Bangsbo, J., Iaia, FM., & Krustrup, P. (2007). Metabolic response and fatigue in soccer. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2(111), 27.
  • Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and metabolic demands of training and match-play in the elite football player. J Sports Sci, 24(7), 665–674.
  • Bravo, D. F., Impellizzeri, F. M., Rampinini, E., Castagna, C., Bishop, D., & Wisloff, U. (2008). Sprint vs. interval training in football. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 29(8). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-989371
  • Caetano, F. G., De Oliveira, M. J., Marche, A. L., Nakamura, F. Y., Cunha, S. A., & Moura, F. A. (2015). Characterization of the sprint and repeated-sprint sequences performed by professional futsal players, according to playing position, during official matches. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 31(6). https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2014-0159
  • Chelly, M. S., Ghenem, M. A., Abid, K., Hermassi, S., Tabka, Z., & Shephard, R. J. (2010). Effects of in-season short-term plyometric training program on leg power, jump and sprint performance of soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2670–2676.
  • Clemente, F. M., Lourenço, M. F., & Mendes, R. S. (2014) Developing aerobic and anaerobic fitness using small-sided soccer games: Methodological proposals. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 36(3), 76–87.
  • Dello Iacono, A., Beato, M., & Unnithan, V. (2021). Comparative Effects of Game Profile-Based Training and Small-Sided Games on Physical Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 35(10), 2810–2817. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003225
  • Eniseler, N., Şahan, Ç., Özcan, I., & Dinler, K. (2017). High-intensity small-sided games versus repeated sprint training in junior soccer players. Journal of human kinetics, 60(1), 101-111.
  • Fahrudin, M. F. A., Siantoro, G., Kusuma, I. D. M. A. W., Syafii, I., Prianto, D. A., Pramono, B. A., & Fajar, M. K. (2024). Enhancing Anaerobic Endurance in Student Futsal Players through Small-Sided Games Combined with High- Intensity Interval Training. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(2), 232-236.
  • Hammami, A., Gabbett, T. J., Slimani, M., & Bouhlel, E. (2017). Does small-sided games training improve physical fitness and team-sport-specifc skills? a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(10), 1446–1455.
  • Hill-Haas, S. V., Dawson, B., Impellizzeri, F. M., & Coutts, A. J. (2011). Physiology of small-sided games training in football: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 41(3), 199–220.
  • Iacono, A. D., Beato, M., & Unnithan, V. (2021). Comparative effects of game profile–based training and small-sided games on physical performance of elite young soccer players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 35(10), 2810-2817.
  • Jensen, J., Randers, M., Krustrup, P., & Bangsbo, J. (2007). Effect of additional in-season aerobic high-intensity drills on physical fitness of elite football players. J Sports Sci Med, 6(10), 79.
  • Kusuma, K. C. A., Artanayasa, I. W., Sudiana, I. K., & Yudi, A. A. (2023). Enhancing anaerobic endurance in football players: A comparative study of 3-a-side and 5-a-side small-sided games. Journal Sport Area, 8(3), 318-327.
  • Manari, D., Manara, M., Zurini, A., Tortorella, G., Vaccarezza, M., Prandelli, N., Ancelotti, D., Vitale, M., Mirandola, P., & Galli D. (2016). VO2Max and VO2AT: athletic performance and field role of elite soccer players. Sport Sci Health, 12, 221–226.
  • McGinley, C., & Bishop, D. J. (2016). Influence of training intensity on adaptations in acid/base transport proteins, muscle buffer capacity, and repeated-sprint ability in active men. Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(6), 1290–1305. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00630.2016
  • Morera-Siercovich, P. L., & Moncada-Jiménez, J. (2020). A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Small-Sided Games on the Repeated Sprint Ability in Soccer. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 9(4), 70-84.
  • Müniroğlu, S., Yıldırım, Y., & Karakulak, İ. (2011). Profesyonel futbolcuların futbolda taktik konusunda görüşlerinin incelenmesi. Spormetre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 9(3), 97–103.
  • Narizuka, T., & Yamazaki, Y. (2019). Clustering algorithm for formations in football games. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48623-1
  • Owen, A. L., Wong, D. P., Paul, D., & Dellal, A. (2012). Effects of a periodized small-sided game training intervention on physical performance in elite professional soccer. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(10), 2748-2754.
  • Pamungkas, G., Sumaryanto, S., & Komarudin, K. (2024). Impact of the small-sided games training method on the anaerobic endurance of U-17 soccer players. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, (52), 246-251.
  • Radziminski, L., Rompa, P., Barnat, W., Dargiewicz, R., & Jastrzebski, Z. (2013). A comparison of the physiological and technical effects of high-intensity running and small-sided games in young soccer players. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 8(3), 455-465.
  • Rodríguez-Fernández, A., Sánchez Sánchez, J., Rodríguez-Marroyo, J. A., Casamichana, D., & Villa, J. G. (2017). Effects of 5-week pre-season small-sided-game-based training on repeat sprint ability. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 57(5). https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.16.06263-0
  • Sabag, A., Little, J. P., & Johnson, N. A. (2022). Low‐volume high‐intensity interval training for cardiometabolic health. The Journal of physiology, 600(5), 1013-1026.
  • Saputra, A., & Bafirman, B. (2021). Pengaruh Latihan Small Side Game Terhadap Peningkatan Vo2max Pemain Sepakbola Persiss. Jurnal Stamina, 4(4), 181-189.
  • Silva, J. R. (2019). Concurrent aerobic and strength training for performance in soccer. Concurrent aerobic and strength training: scientific basics and practical applications, 397-416.
  • Spyrou, K., Freitas, T. T., Marín-Cascales, E., & Alcaraz, P. E. (2020). Physical and Physiological Match-Play Demands and Player Characteristics in Futsal: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.569897
  • Stolen, T., Chamari, K., Castagna, C., & Wisloff, U. (2005). Physiology of Soccer, Review: Article. Sports of Medicine, 35(6), 501-536.
  • Stöggl, T. L., & Björklund, G. (2017). High Intensity Interval Training Leads to Greater Improvements in Acute Heart Rate Recovery and Anaerobic Power as High Volume Low Intensity Training. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 562. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00562
  • Umam, A. K., & Suherman, W. S. (2023). Effect of Small Sided Games Training on Anaerobic Endurance and Fatigue Index in U-17 Soccer Athletes. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6(09), 4023-4029.
  • Wragg, CB., Maxwell, N. S., & Doust, J. H. (2000). Evaluation of the reliability and validity of a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability. Eur J Appl Physiol Sep, 83(1), 77-83.
There are 36 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Sports Training
Journal Section Article
Authors

Cem Akyüz 0000-0002-8991-6968

Asiye Filiz Çamlıgüney 0000-0003-0363-3025

Early Pub Date August 26, 2025
Publication Date August 30, 2025
Submission Date April 21, 2025
Acceptance Date August 26, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 9 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Akyüz, C., & Çamlıgüney, A. F. (2025). The Effect of Tactical Small-Sided Games on Anaerobic Performance in Football. Spor Eğitim Dergisi, 9(2), 266-277. https://doi.org/10.55238/seder.1680474

Journal of Sports Education © 2017 by Ibrahim Erdemir is licensed under CC BY 4.0