The Effect of Tactical Small-Sided Games on Anaerobic Performance in Football

Authors : Cem Akyüz, Asiye Filiz Çamlıgüney
Pages : 266-277
Doi:10.55238/seder.1680474
View : 63 | Download : 35
Publication Date : 2025-08-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of tactical small-sided games (SSGs), designed according to the specific phases of play in football attack, defense, and transitions on anaerobic performance. Method: The study involved a total of 43 young male football players, divided into three groups: 16 participants in the tactical SSG group (age: 14.81±0.40 years, height: 172.88±4.98 cm, body weight: 59.51±5.04 kg, BMI: 19.89±1.15 kg/m²), 16 in the SSG group (age: 15.69±0.48 years, height: 177.46±7.86 cm, body weight: 67.08±7.14 kg, BMI: 21.27±1.45 kg/m²), and 11 in the control group (age: 14±0 years, height: 167.68±6.74 cm, body weight: 52.64±6.67 kg, BMI: 18.66±1.51 kg/m²). The study was conducted over 8 weeks, with training sessions performed twice per week. The tactical group implemented small-sided games that incorporated structured adaptations for attacking, defending, and transitional phases, whereas the small-sided group participated in sessions without any tactical interventions. The control group continued football training routine. All small-sided games were conducted in two formats: 5v5 with 2 goalkeepers on a 40x52 m² pitch, and 3v3 with 2 goalkeepers on a 30x40 m² pitch. Each game was conducted in four 3-minute bouts, with 1-minute rest intervals between repetitions. Anaerobic performance was assessed using a Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) before and after the training program. According to the Skewness-Kurtosis method, the data were found to be normally distributed. One-way ANOVA test was used for between-group comparisons. Results: After 8 weeks, the greatest improvement in anaerobic performance was observed in the tactical group, followed by the SSG group (p<0.05). No significant improvement was detected in the control group (p>0.05). However, the fatigue index showed a numerical increase in all three groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Tactical small-sided games conducted over 8 weeks were demonstrated to be more effective in improving anaerobic performance compared to SSGs.
Keywords : Geçiş, Güç, Hücum, RAST, Taktik, Savunma

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