The evaluation of small-sided games as a talent identification tool in highly trained prepubertal soccer players |
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| Authors: | Jonathan S J Fenner John Iga Viswanath Unnithan |
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| Institution: | 1. Medical and Exercise Science Department;2. Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Wolverhampton, UK;3. Centre for Sport, Health and Exercise Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK;4. Football Development, The Football Association, London, UK;5. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK;6. Centre for Sport, Health and Exercise Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological and technical attributes of prepubertal soccer players during multiple small-sided games (SSGs), and determine if SSGs can act as a talent identification tool. Sixteen highly trained U10 soccer players participated and separated into two groups of eight. Each group played six small-sided (4 vs. 4) matches of 5-min duration. Each player was awarded total points for the match result and goals scored. A game technical scoring chart was used to rate each player’s performance during each game. Time-motion characteristics were measured using micromechanical devices. Total points had a very large significant relationship with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.758, P < 0.001). High-speed running distance had a significantly large correlation with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.547, P < 0.05). Total distance covered had a significant and moderate correlation with game technical scoring chart (r = 0.545, P < 0.05) and total points (r = 0.438, P < 0.05). The results demonstrated a large agreement between the highest-rated players and success in multiple SSGs, possibly due to higher-rated players covering larger distances in total and at high speed. Consequently, multiple SSG could be used to identify the more talented prepubertal soccer players. |
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| Keywords: | Small-sided games youth soccer identifying talent |
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