Manipulation of number of players and bouts duration in small-sided games in youth soccer players

To examine the influence of player number, bout duration and their interaction on small-sided game (SSG) variations in running performance, perceptual response and technical components in under-14 soccer players. Eleven players randomly performed 3v3 and 5v5 SSG of 4 × 5 min, 2 × 10 min and 20 min duration. Total distance (TD), distance covered at high-intensity running (HIR), sprinting and > 80% peak speed of the Carminatti’s test (PST-CAR) were analyzed every 5-min epoch. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and players’ technical performance were also assessed. TD (p  80% PST-CAR (p = 0.017) were significantly greater in 4 × 5 min than in the other conditions. The distance covered > 80% PST-CAR was significantly (p = 0.026) reduced from the 1st and 2nd to the 4th quarter (Δ = − 34% and − 23%, respectively) during the 3v3, while no decrement was found in the 5v5. A downward trend over time was observed for TD (p = 0.088), HIR (p = 0.060) and sprinting (p = 0.085). Players covered more distance > 80% PST-CAR during the 3v3 first quarter (p = 0.009). RPE was affected by player number and bout duration (p  80% PST-CAR. A combined influence of player number and period of the game on high-intensity activities was evident. The RPE was significantly influenced by the player number and bout duration. The 5v5 elicited less successful technical outcomes. The 3v3 may be useful for work-rate enhancement and integrated training.