The Role of Small-Sided Games as Both a Training Stimulus and a Talent Identification Model

The preparation of soccer players for competition requires training to be viewed in an ergonomics context, whereby the training requirements are matched to the competitive demands of match-play (Kelly and Drust 2009). Small-sided games (SSG) are modified games played on reduced pitch areas, often using adapted rules and involving small numbers of players than traditional soccer games (Hill-Haas et al. 2011). This approach is used as a useful way of training, because of the multiple benefits achieved; these games combine technical, tactical and physiological training (Unnithan et al. 2012).

Exercise intensity in SSG’s has typically been assessed by heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), more recently global positioning systems (GPS) have all been utilised in monitoring exercise intensity. All of these methods have limitations and there is no clear methodology that is superior to the other, therefore, studies examining SSG protocols are best monitored via a combination of each of these measures (Hill-Haas et al. 2011). The exercise intensity of SSG’s is demonstrated through a player’s movements and physiological response to the stimulus. The prescriptive variables of the SSG can be manipulated by a coach to influence exercise intensity, these factors include; pitch area, player number, training regime (continuous or interval), and rule modifications (Hill-Haas et al. 2011).

In SSG’s, players’ experience similar situations that they encounter in competitive matches (Aguiar et al. 2012). Consequently, SSG’s are a popular method for developing specific physiological attributes for soccer players, as well as technical and tactical proficiency. A player’s technical ability is the predominant component of successful soccer players, as it can consistently determine the difference between elite, sub-elite and non-elite players (Meylan et al. 2010). A competitive SSG format can provide a player with an environment whereby they have a greater number of ball contacts per individual than large-sided games (Owen et al. 2011). Small-sided game’s induce a higher amount of technical actions and provide a player with more opportunities to demonstrate their technical proficiency. Decision-making is an essential part of a competitive soccer performance, therefore training this aspect of a soccer player requires them to take part in drills that ensure there is a constant stream of opportunities to make decisions; SSG’s encompasses this process (Roca, Williams and Ford 2012). Accuracy and speed of decision is cited as an important factor in determining the difference between high and low performance in players (McMorris et al. 1999). Small-sided games maybe the device that can incorporate ‘total’ soccer performance as it is utilised in soccer training for this precise reason. Subsequently, work by both Unnithan et al., 2012 and Fenner et al., 2016 demonstrated the efficacy of SSG as a tool for talent identification in elite youth soccer players.