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Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training in Young Soccer Players
Sponsor: Bitlis Eren University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. A total of 24 active male soccer players (aged 16 to 20 years) participating in the Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned into three equal groups: 1. Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG): Completed a 4 vs. 4 transition possession game 3 days a week in addition to routine soccer training. 2. Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG): Completed a 20-meter maximal repeated sprint protocol 3 days a week in addition to routine soccer training. 3. Control Group (CG): Continued only their routine soccer practice schedule. Before and after the 6-week intervention, participants underwent laboratory and field testing to evaluate body composition (body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI), acceleration and maximal speed (10m and 20m sprint tests), agility (Illinois Agility Test), explosive lower-body power (countermovement jump), and maximal anaerobic power (30-second Wingate test). The main goal of the research is to determine which specific training method provides superior adaptations for acceleration, agility, explosive power, and body composition in competitive youth soccer players.
Official title: Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training on Body Composition, Anaerobic Power, and Selected Biomotor Characteristics in Young Male Soccer Players
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
16 Years - 20 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2026-01-12
Completion Date
2026-06-11
Last Updated
2026-09-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Small-Sided Games Protocol
4 vs. 4 transition possession game played 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2 min rest between sets.
Repeated Sprint Protocol
20-meter linear repeated sprints at 100% maximal effort 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6), with 20s active recovery between reps and 3-4 min rest between sets.
Routine Soccer Training
Standard technical, tactical, and physical conditioning soccer training sessions directed by the team's head coach.
Locations (1)
Football Facilities of the Mus Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports / Mus Alparslan University Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Muş, Central, Turkey (Türkiye)