Variations of Internal and External Load Variables between Intermittent Small-Sided Soccer Game Training Regimens

The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) analyze the variations of internal and external load between intermittent regimens (6 × 3' and 3 × 6') during a small-sided game (SSG); and (ii) analyze the variations of internal and external load within-intermittent regimens (between sets). Ten male amateur soccer players (age: 21.7 ± 2.1 years) participated in this study. Almost certain large decreases in total distance (-8.6%, [-12.3; -4.8], Effect Size (ES): -1.51, [-2.20; -0.82]) and running distance (-34.0%, [47.0; -17.8], ES: -2.23, [-3.40; -1.05]) were observed when comparing the 3 × 6' and 6 × 3'. Very likely moderate and large decreases in total accelerations (-24.0%, [-35.1; -10.9]; ES: -1.11, [-1.75; -0.47]) and total of decelerations (-26.7%, [-38.8; -12.1]; ES:-1.49, [-2.36; -0.62]), respectively, were found when comparing the 3 × 6' and 6 × 3'. Very likely increases in rated of perceived exertion in the set 3 in comparison to the 1st during the 3 × 6' SSG (34.5%, [12.4; 61.0], ES: 1.35, [0.53; 2.16]) and the 6 × 3' (29.9%, [11.6; 51.2]; ES: 1.17, [0.49; 1.85]). Longer sets increase the perception of effort and contribute to a large decrease in total and running distances, and total of accelerations and decelerations. Meaningful decreases in time-motion demands occur between sets 2 and 3 while perceived effort increases.