Introduction: Physical match actions are simulated through modified games. Pitch size and set configuration seems to influence the physical responses during small-sided games. Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the effects of pitch size and set configuration during small-sided games. Methodology: Fourteen young male field soccer players performed three small-sided games, involving 7 vs. 7 + 2 goalkeepers: 3 x 8 min with 5 min of rest between sets on a 68 x 40 m pitch (194 m2); same pitch area but 6 x 4 min with 2 min of rest (194 m2); and 6 x 4 min with 2 min of rest on a 40 x 34 m pitch (97 m2). Vertical jump, kick velocity and sprint were assessed to examine the residual fatigue before and after each small-sided game. Results: Larger pitch sizes showed significantly higher physical demands. Shorter bouts demanded greater distances at high intensity than longer bouts. A significant SSG x time interaction was observed for 10-m sprint time (P = 0.04), where a greater impairment was observed after completing 6 x 4 min (194 m2). Discussion: Higher external loads have been observed during games on larger pitches. A 4 min bout was provided as the optimal physical training stimulus. Conclusions: Larger pitch sizes and shorter bout durations are higher-demand games than smaller pitch sizes and longer bouts. Sprint performance is impaired after completing every small-sided game, especially acceleration capacity after completing modified games involving larger pitch areas and shorter bout durations.

This study aimed to analyze residual post-match fatigue using time-motion analysis across small-sided games (SSGs), fitness performance, and heart rate variability (HRV) in academy soccer players. Fifteen male academy players (18.3 ± 0.6 years) performed four SSG formats: 3 vs. 3 and 3 vs. 3 + 2 goalkeepers, played on small (25 × 18 m; 75 m² per player) and large (36 × 25 m; 150 m² per player) areas in a four-week experimental design. Two non-match weeks served as baseline weeks, and two weeks followed an official match. Time-motion during SSGs was monitored via GNSS. Before each training session (24, 72, and 120 h post-match), HRV, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and maximum isometric force (MIF) of the hamstrings were measured. External load metrics were generally lower in post-match sessions than in non-match weeks; however, their low reliability limited the interpretability of SSG outputs. CMJ height was reduced, MIF was elevated post-match, whereas HRV showed distinct mid-week responses, decreasing in starters but increasing in non-starters. Post-match fatigue was evident in neuromuscular performance but was inconsistently reflected in SSG outputs. CMJ height reliably reflects post-match fatigue in male academy soccer players and should be prioritized when monitoring neuromuscular recovery.

This study aimed to analyze residual post-match fatigue using time-motion analysis across small-sided games (SSGs), fitness performance, and heart rate variability (HRV) in youth soccer players. Fifteen academy players (18.3 ± 0.6 years) performed four SSGs formats: 3 vs. 3 and 3 vs. 3 + 2 goalkeepers, played on small (25 × 18 m; 75 m² per player) and large (36 × 25 m; 150 m² per player) areas in a four-week experimental design. Two non-match weeks served as control weeks, and two weeks followed an official match. Time-motion during SSGs was monitored via GPS. Before each training session (24, 72, and 120 h post-match), HRV, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and maximum isometric force (MIF) of the hamstring were measured. Time-motion was generally lower in post-match sessions than in control weeks, particularly at 24 h post-match; however, reliability was low. These reductions were more evident in SSGs on large areas, with GK. CMJ height and MIF were reduced post-match, whereas HRV showed only transient changes. Post-match fatigue was evident in fitness performance but was inconsistently reflected in SSGs outputs. CMJ height and hamstring MIF are sensitive markers of post-match fatigue in elite youth soccer players and should be prioritized when monitoring recovery.

Purpose: Systematic monitoring of physical performance and training load is crucial to optimize adaptation and prevent performance decline across the soccer season, particularly among developing players. This study aimed to compare seasonal changes in physical performance and training load (TL) between higher- and lower-level youth soccer players. Methods: Fifteen male players (U23-U19) from the same professional academy (lower-level [LL] = 8; higher-level [HL] = 7) were monitored with 10-Hz global positioning system (GPS) units across 23 weeks, divided into the first (12 weeks) and second (11 weeks) periods of the competitive season. Three stages of evaluation were selected (early-season test [T0], mid-season test [T1], and end-season test [T2]). The battery of physical tests included the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, 20-m sprint test (T10, T10–20, and T20), V-Cut test (V-Cut), and 30–15 intermittent fitness test (30-15 _IFT [VIFT]). Results: Significant group x time interactions were found in very high-intensity running (VHIR) for the TL season ( p = 0.020 and 0.013, respectively) and sprint times at mid-season ( p = 0.029, 0.003, and 0.001). HL accumulated significantly greater TL in all metrics, particularly during the first period, whereas LL players covered less sprinting distance. Reduced high-speed exposure was associated with a decline in intermittent running capacity across the season. Conclusions: A higher intensity load accumulated until the mid-season with a horizontal load distribution in the central days of the training week develops the sprint performance and intermittent running capacity in academy soccer players.