Small-Sided Games: Analysis of the Internal Load and Technical Skills in Young Soccer Players

The Small-Sided Games are very widespread football training exercises because are very functional to improve both the physical condition and the technical abilities. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the internal load of the young football player using the heart rate (HR) and the perceived exertion (RPE) and to describe the number and frequency of some technical skills in 3vs3, 4vs4 and 5vs5. The study shows that the size with small number of players allows to have a grater internal load while the format with large number of participants makes it possible to achieve a higher number and frequency of technical skills. The 3vs3 is more effective for a high-intensity aerobic training while the 5vs5 is more effective to train technical skills.