The aim of this study was to identify the physiological responses of 3 forms of players’ numbers during two different games rules of small-sided games (SSG: stop-ball vs. small-goals rules). Eighteen youth amateur soccer players (age 13.5±0.7 years; height 168.9±6.1cm; body mass 63.1±7.7 kg)...

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of variations in pitch dimensions on pre-adolescent youth soccer players’ physiological responses during two different types of small-sided games (SSG). Sixteen young soccer players (age: 13.2 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 52.5 ± 7 kg; height: 163.4...

Small-sided games (SSGs) are a recommended training method for significant performance enhancement, and training efficiency. The stop-ball (SSG-SB) effects on physical responses (e.g., acceleration, deceleration, sprints, total distance, and indicator of workload) have not been investigated yet. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the SSG-SB compared to the small-goals SSG (SSG-SG) on physical and heart rate (HR) responses at high intensity (total distance (>18 km/h)), sprints (>18 km/h), and acceleration and deceleration (>3 m/s²) during a 4 vs. 4 SSG format in youth professional soccer players. Sixteen male elite young soccer players (mean ± SD body height, 176.5 ± 6.3 cm; age, 18.3 ± 0.7 years; body weight, 73.4 ± 7.2 kg) performed two forms of SSGs, i.e., SSG-SB or SSG-SG, for 4 × 4 min with a recovery of 2 min between sets. Data were compared using the t-test. The SSG-SB induced a significantly higher mean HR (180.0 ± 2.0 vs. 173.0 ± 3.0 beats per minute; p < 0.05) compared to the SSG-SG. Likewise, the SSG-SB was significantly higher compared to the SSG-SG for total distance (2580 ± 220.3 vs. 2230 ± 210 m; p < 0.001), player load (98.07 ± 12.5 vs. 89.4 ± 10.5; p < 0.05), sprint distance (7.9 ± 2.3 vs. 5.2 ± 2.0 m; p < 0.05), acceleration (15.6 ± 2.75 vs. 12.5 ± 1.75; p < 0.05), and deceleration (17.3 ± 3.20 vs. 14.4 ± 2.55; p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the SSG-SG and the SSG-SB for maximal velocity, power, and sprints duration. This study provides new information about the effectiveness of the SSG-SB as a training stimulus for soccer.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two different formats of small-sided games (SSGs; 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3) on physiological parameters in youth volleyball players. Twelve youth volleyball players (17.2±7.44 years, 1.89±0.6 m, 72.83±8.57 kg) completed three different games...

Background: Futsal is a high-intensity team sport taxing both the aerobic and the anaerobic pathways. Thus, this sport requires the development of some specific physical capacities such as: Sprinting, jumping, agility and endurance. Objectives: Examine the effect of three months specific training on physical capacities (speed, explosive strength, agility and endurance) of Iraq futsal players. Methods: Twenty males’ professional futsal players (age: 19.73 ± 1.1 years, height: 172 ± 4.2 cm; body mass: 55.3 ± 8.9 kg) were divided into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). Participants were selected from a first division team in Iraq. Before and after three months of specific training (at the pre-season phase), 5m and 15m sprint, counter movement jump (CMJ), change of direction [505 agility test (CODA)] and futsal intermittent endurance (FIET) tests were realized. During the three months, the CG continue their usual training and the EG used plyometric as well as technical and physical exercises. Results: For the sprint performance, although no-significant difference was reported between pre- and post-training for the 5 m sprint, the 15 m sprint performance was better at post- compared to pre-training (P < 0.05) for the EG. For jumping performance, CMJ was higher at post- compared to pre-training (P < 0.05) for the EG. Likewise, for agility and endurance, CODA performance and peak velocity during the FIET test were better at post- compared to pre-training (P < 0.05) for the EG. However, except a better performance for 15m sprint and peak velocity during the FIET test for the EG compared to CG at post-training (P < 0.05), no-significant differences were reported between pre- and post-training for the CG and between the two groups at pre- and post-training. Conclusions: In the light of these data, results have shown that improvement in physical capacities take into consideration the characteristics of futsal during training.

Background: Hamstring injuries are common in sports that involve rapid, forceful lengthening of the hamstring muscles, such as sprinting, jumping, and kicking. This type of injury is more likely to occur in team sports such as football and handball. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate chronic effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on muscle strength and neuromuscular activity of the hamstring muscle. Methods: Six male team sports players (age: 24.38 ± 1.94 years; height: 180.73 ± 6.05 cm; body-mass: 80.23 ± 10.42 kg) were recruited for this study. Participants completed a 2-month rehabilitation program that included three sessions per week of contract-relax (CR) PNF stretching. Neuromuscular activity and strength were evaluated by electromyography (EMG) and force sensor before and after 8 weeks of CR-PNF stretching. Results: The neuromuscular activity of the medial and lateral hamstring muscles was significantly different between pre-and post-training for the apex and area of muscle (P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a large difference between pre- and post-training for hamstring muscle strength (medial and lateral) in the contract and relax positions (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Eight weeks of contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching is effective in increasing neuromuscular activity and muscle strength in the hamstring muscles.