Different Pitch Configurations Constrain the Playing Tactics and the Creation of Goal Scoring Opportunities during Small Sided Games in Youth Soccer Players

Joaquín González-Rodenas, Rodrigo Aranda-Malavés, Andrés Tudela-Desantes, Pedro de Matías-Cid and Rafael Aranda
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Joaquín González-Rodenas: Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28942 Madrid, Spain
Rodrigo Aranda-Malavés: Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Andrés Tudela-Desantes: Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Pedro de Matías-Cid: Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Rafael Aranda: Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-14

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the tactical effects of different pitch configurations on the collective playing tactics and the creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO) during small sided soccer games (SSG) in youth players. A total of 22 players performed a 7 vs. 7 + 1 floater (including goalkeepers) under three different pitch configurations (“Standard”, 53 × 38 m; “Long”, 63 × 32 m; and “Wide”, 43 × 47 m). Eleven tactical indicators related to the development and the end of the team possessions were evaluated by systematic observation. Friedman tests (non-parametric ANOVA for repeated measures) revealed that the long and wide configurations produced more counterattacks ( p = 0.0028; ES = 0.3), higher offensive penetration ( p = 0.007; ES = 0.41), and more GSO ( p = 0.018; ES = 0.30) than the standard format. Regarding the creation of GSO, the wide configuration produced more assists in the form of crosses than the long and standard formats ( p = 0.025; ES = 0.31), more utilization of wide subspaces to assist the final player ( p = 0.022; ES = 0.35), more number of headers as the final action ( p = 0.022; ES = 0.32), and less assists in the form of passes in behind the defense ( p = 0.034; ES = 0.28), than the long configuration. The modulation of the pitch configuration during SSG produced different tactical demands, requiring players to implement different tactical solutions to create GSO.

Keywords: non-linear pedagogy; constraints led approach; sport pedagogy; practice design; football training (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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