Effects of the Directionality and the Order of Presentation Within the Session on the Physical Demands of Small-Sided Games in Youth Soccer

Background: The external load associated with different formats of SSGs has been well studied, however it is necessary to know the effect of little-analyzed variables such as directionality or order in the training session. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the physical demands of soccer small-sided games (SSGs) performed under different formats of the offensive game (with or without directionality) and timing regimens (beginning or end of a training session). Methods: Youth players (n = 10; age, 13.5 0.5 years) were measured for total distance (TD), acceleration (ACC) and deceleration distance (DEC), and distances covered at different speeds during 5vs5 SSGs with different formats: (i) without directionality of the attack, where each team tried to maintain the possession of the ball (MAI); (ii) with goalkeeper (1GK), where the directionality of the attack was centered on scoring a goal; (iii) with free-directionality (2GKF), allowing the teams to attack any of the two goals defended by goalkeepers and; (iv) with assigned-directionality (2GKD), where teams defended a goal with the respective goalkeeper and attacked the opponent in the opposite side of the pitch. All SSGs formats were performed at the beginning and after a regular training session. Results: The analysis of variance and Student’s t-test revealed that MAI increases TD, ACC, DEC, and distance covered at 8.1-18.0 km/h compared to 2GKD. Moreover, greater distance at low-speed and lower distance at high-speed was observed at the end of the training session. Conclusions: The SSGs emphasizing ball possession (MAI) can increase the physical demand of youth soccer players compared to other SSGs formats. In spite of reduced physical performance during SSGs with directionality towards the end of the training session, these conditioning games can be used to improve players’ soccer-specific endurance.