Analysis of the physical and technical differences between 7-a-side and 8-a-side game modalities in official under 12 soccer matches

Alfredo Bravo-Sánchez, Javier Abián-Vicén and Pablo Abián

International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2017, vol. 17, issue 4, 545-554

Abstract: The aim of the present investigation was to compare physical and technical performance in two types of small sided games (7-a-side and 8-a-side) during official under 12 soccer matches. 154 male under 12 regional soccer players (10.7 ± .8 years) participated in the study. The participants were categorised into two soccer-groups, 76 were classed in the 7-a-side and 78 in the 8-a-side game modality. Physical variables during the matches were assessed using Global Positioning System technology. The matches were video-taped, and each individual technical action was notated afterward. The 7-a-side game modality showed higher values for high-intensity distance (p < .001), very high intensity distance (p < .001); sprint distance (p = .037); and total distance (p < .001) covered and work/rest ratio (p = .005) than the 8-a-side game modality. In addition, an increased number of attacking movements was recorded in the 7-a-side game modality (.16 ± .13 vs. .10 ± .09 m·min-1; p = .001). In conclusion, the 7-a-side game modality included a greater number of physical and technical skills than the 8-a-side game in the under 12 soccer players. Therefore, it would be recommendable to use the 7-a-side game modality to favour better physical–technical development in young soccer players.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2017.1366760

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