Variation of Activity Demands in Small-Sided Soccer Games

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the physical and technical activity during different periods within small-sided soccer games (SSGs). 20 elite players completed 3 different SSGs (2-a-side, 3-a-side and 4-a-side games) in which the number of ball touches per individual possession was fixed at a maximum of 2. The duration and the pitch size of each SSG were strictly controlled (2 min, 3 min, 4 min, respectively; 1:75 m 2 ) with each period repeated 4 times (P1, P2, P3, P4). The physical and technical activities, heart rate responses, blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analysed. The results showed a decrease of high and very high-intensity activities (from − 26.2% to − 37.7%, P