Comparative Analysis of Training Load and Technical Demands in various Small-Sided Games During Soccer Preseason

Small-sided games (SSG) are often used as a multifunctional form of specific training that allows development of various key components during soccer training. The main goal of this research was to determine the differences in internal and external load of different small-sided games (SSG) during preseason. The secondary goal was to analyze specific technical demands during these SSG. Twelve players of the First Croatian Junior League (U19) participated in this research in the fourth week of the preparatory period for the competitive season 2019/2020. Testing was conducted on two separate days with a day of rest in-between. Internal (IL) and external load (EL) variables and some technical demands were observed in the research. Significant differences in IL and EL were found between different types of SSG. Overall, IL (primarily HRmax (F=4.24, p<0.05, η²=0.44) and 90-100%Hrmax (F=5.18, p<0.01, η²=0.37) and EL (primarily TD (F=3.50, p<0.05, η²=0.28) and WR (F=6.26, p<0.01, η²=0.41) increased during 5vs.5 with GK (goalkeeper) series. On the other hand, greater EL (WR (F=11.43, p<0.001, η²=0.51), 2.1-3.0 m/s (F=7.03, p<0.001, η²=0.39) was observed in regular 6vs.6 while some IL parameters (%HRmax (F=6.07, p<0.01, η²=0.36) and HRmax (F=8.60, p<0.001, η²=0.44) were higher in two 6vs.6 GK series. In terms of technical demands, incidences of the PASS, RECEIVE and TURN variables were on average higher in 5vs.5 and 6vs.6 compared to 5vs.5GK and 6vs.6GK. To conclude, different SSG generated different IL and EL outcomes, especially with the addition of goalkeeper. Also, SSG could be used as a useful training tool for pre-season training in order to improve functional abilities while adding specific match-like situations for players.