ABSTRACT

Small-sided games (SSGs) are less structured than traditional fitness training methods, but represent very popular specific training drills for players of different levels (Hill-Haas et al., 2011). In football, SSGs are used to train physical, technical and tactical aspects of performance in a way similar to match play (Dellal et al., 2011; Randers et al., 2010). Previous studies have pointed out that SSGs represent an efficient training tool that increases players' game practice time and induces the specific physiological responses within a major technical and tactical involvement (e.g., Duarte et al., 2009; Hill-Haas et al., 2009; Katis and Kellis, 2009). Coaches and researchers assume that the time spent in these types of activities can be defined as deliberate practice experience and should play an important role in youth football training programs.