The effects of different small-sided games configurations on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and running demands in professional soccer players.

We examined the effects of different small-sided games (SSG) configurations on heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and running demands in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (U18) participated in this randomized cross-over study. Players performed three SSG in different "fixed" and "dynamic" pitch sizes (3v3 in large (SSG L ) and small (SSG S ) fixed area; or 3v3 in dynamic dimensions [SSG D ]), with 4x4 minutes interspersed by 2 minutes of rest. HR measures (maximum [HR max ], average [HR avg ], and percentage of maximum [%HR max ]), RPE, and running demands were collected across the SGG sessions. The following running activities were recorded: total distance covered (TD), distance covered (DC) at 6-12 km·h -1 , ≥ 12-18 km·h -1 , and >18 km·h -1 , peak running speed, acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) at 1-2 m·s -2 and 2-3 m·s -2 , player load, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). SSG L displayed higher HR avg , %HR max , and RPE values than SSG S ( p < 0.05). SSG L resulted in higher TD, DC at 6-12 km·h -1 , ≥ 12-18 km·h -1 , > 18 km·h -1 , and higher peak speed than SSG S and SSG D ( p < 0.05). Moreover, SSG D presented higher TD and DC at 6-12 km·h -1 and ≥ 12-18 km·h -1 than SSG S ( p < 0.05). In contrast, SSG D and SSG S showed higher number of ACC and DEC at 1-2 m·s -2 than SSG L ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pitch size and playing area of the SSG can be manipulated to promote desired physiological and physical demands in young soccer players. HighlightsWe examined how fixed (small and large) or variable (dynamic) pitch sizes affected the psychophysiological and running demands of young soccer players during small-sided games.Small-sided games with larger pitch sizes and areas per player elicited greater psychophysiological and running demands than small areas.The pitch size designed in the current study does not appear to affect the number of acceleration and deceleration (> 2 m·s -2 ).Varying the pitch size during the small-sided games (i.e. dynamic condition) could be an interesting constraint to be considered by soccer coaches in order to enhance task variability.