Examining the influence of eight weeks of small-sided games (SSGs) enhancing pass accuracy and eye–foot coordination: a factorial experimental design

Pass accuracy is a fundamental skill for soccer players. This study examined the improvement of basic passing techniques by applying small-sided games (SSGs), specifically the rondo model. Thus, this study assessed the impact of two-touch SSG exercises on enhancing passing accuracy, focusing on eye-foot coordination. The study focused on the 15-17-year-old athletes from the Bina Mandiri Soccer Academy, Malang Regency, Indonesia. The sample comprised 36 players, and a 2 x 2 factorial field experimental method was used. All participants were grouped into two groups to receive interventions of 5v5 and 4v4+2 with two touches. A passing accuracy instrument was used to determine the ability of pass accuracy, and a soccer wall volley test was used to determine eye-foot coordination. ANOVA was used to determine the differences in the effect and interaction between eye-foot coordination and SSGs on pass accuracy. The results showed that eye-foot coordination influenced the improvement of pass accuracy (p = 0.038 < 0.05), 5v5 and 4v4+2 interventions did not provide differences in the results on improving pass accuracy (p = 0.760 > 0.05), and there was an interaction between eye-foot coordination and intervention groups on pass accuracy. In conclusion, SSGs with 5v5 and 4v4+2 models with two touches can improve pass accuracy, but there is no better effect in improving pass accuracy. Eye-foot coordination has an essential role in the mastery of pass accuracy. Athletes with high eye-foot coordination are more appropriate if treated with SSG model 5v5, while athletes with low eye-foot coordination are more appropriate if treated with 4v4+2.