Small-sided soccer games on sand are more physically demanding but less technically specific compared to games on artificial turf

The use of sand has been suggested as fitness-enhancing surface in field-based team sports. However, concerns have arisen in regard whether physical responses associated to sand training are sport-specific. We compared physical and technical demands during small-sided soccer games (4 vs. 4 + goalkeeper; SSGs) played on artificial turf and on sand. Movement patterns, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and technical parameters were obtained from eight adult male soccerers (20.1±1.0 years, 176±4 cm and 70.1±2.0 kg) using Global Positioning Systems, Visual Analogue Scale questionnaires, and notational analysis. High-intensity actions (high intensity running, high intensity activities), low changes of speed, as well as peak and average speed were higher on artificial turf (P