EFFECTS OF SMALL- SIDED GAMES ON THE DEMANDS OF THE GOALKEEPER

Small-sided games (SSGs) consist of opposition games in which the number of players and the space are reduced so that the participation of the players is increased and the game is more intense. They constitute a training method widely used at all ages and levels of soccer competition, developed to improve technical, tactical, and physical performance that involves the demands of competition.

In an article published in 2018, sports science researchers from the universities of Murcia and Madrid (Spain) evaluated how the size of the field affects the technical and tactical actions of the goalkeeper when he plays in reduced spaces. 13 youth players participated, including 3 goalkeepers, organized into teams of 5 outfield players plus one goalkeeper. Three different field sizes were defined: large (62 x 44 m), medium (50 x 35 m) and small (32 x 23 m). The goals were the standard used in competition (7.32 m × 2.44 m). Three 8-minute games were played, with 5-minute breaks between games. The researchers recorded and examined numerous variables: technical and tactical actions -defensive and offensive-, area of the opponent’s shot, length and area of the offensive action, and area of the goal towards which the shot was directed. They applied specific observation protocols and statistical analyses.

Figure 1. Three different pitch sizes of the SSG compared to the normal pitch size of a football pitch. The individual playing area did not take goalkeepers into account.

The results showed that the technical-tactical actions of the goalkeeper were different according to the size of the field (Tables 1 and 2). In defensive actions, when the field was larger prevailed 1v1 situations, and when the field was smaller the proportion of blocks increased. In offensive actions the goalkeepers did not show much variety when the field was larger; when the field was smaller the passes with the hand or the foot increased.

As a practical implication of the study, the value of the SSGs is highlighted when training seeks for a high frequency of goalkeeper’s participation, working on the relationship with the defense and the participation of the goalkeeper in the attack phase, and promoting 1 vs 1 situations. Also the size of the reduced field must be considered when planning and designing exercises.

In a second work (2019), in collaboration with colleagues from the universities of Paderborn (Germany) and Wisconsin (United States), the researchers analyzed how changing the size of the field in SSGs affects the tactical and physical demands on goalkeepers. Because a greater number of passes, receptions and shots occurre in the small SSGs, and that the goalkeepers carry out a greater number of defensive and offensive actions, it was hypothesized that the goalkeepers must cover greater distances in small, than in medium and large SSGs. Therefore, the physical and tactical needs of the goalkeeper would change in the different small field sizes. Furthermore, it was assumed that the tactical variables are larger when the size of the field is larger.

In this experience, the characteristics of the teams and fields were the same as those specified above. However, there were particularities: There were no penalty areas, corner kicks (the goalkeeper of the team in possession put the ball back into play every time the ball came out), a maximum number of ball touches per player, nor tactical/technical indications by the coaches during the games.

The position data of each goalkeeper was collected using a global positioning system (GPS). The data obtained was used to calculate indicators of the goalkeeper’s exploration of the field of play (Spatial Exploration Index, Standard Ellipse Area, Prediction Ellipse Area). The total distance covered, the distance covered at different intensities and the accelerations/decelerations were used to assess the physical performance of the players.

Figure 2.  Representation of the SEA and PEA in a SSG small (32 m × 23 m)

The results indicated that the variables of field exploration increased significantly with increasing size of the field. Therefore, when seeking to improve tactical concepts in a global competition-like context, larger field areas are more desirable. Regarding physical performance, the intensity was lower when the size of the field was larger.

Taken together, the two studies indicate that the dimensions chosen have a different impact on the technical and tactical performance of the goalkeeper, both in the offensive and defensive phases, in their ability to explore space and in physical aspects. Therefore, it is suggested that pitch dimensions should be critically considered when designing Small-sided games in training sessions.

In this context, we consider essential that goalkeeper coach be proactive in seeking dialogue and exchange with the rest of the coaching staff, providing knowledge of the goalkeeper’s specific demands according to the different field dimensions.

References

Jara D., Ortega E., Gómez M.Á., de Baranda P.S. 2018. Effect of Pitch Size on Technical-Tactical Actions of the Goalkeeper in Small-Sided Games. Journal of Human Kinetics, 62:157–166. doi: 10.1515/hukin-2017-0167

Jara D, Ortega E., Gómez-Ruano M.Á., Weigelt M., Nikolic B., Sainz de Baranda P.  2019. Physical and Tactical Demands of the Goalkeeper in Football in Different Small-Sided Games. Sensors (Basel), 19(16):3605. doi: 10.3390/s19163605.