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SMALL-SIDED SOCCER GAMES IMPROVE GAME INTELLIGENCE AND BALL POSSESSION OF U/12 BOYS

Abstract

The use of 4 and 7- a- side games are the best means of teaching the technical and tactical (decision making) parts of the game in preparation for the adult game, compared to 11-a-side games. PURPOSE: To investigate two under 12 (average age of 11.9 years) teams playing 4v4, 7v7, and 11v11 soccer games in order to determine which game is most effective and appropriate for U/12 youth soccer players. METHODS: Thirty-four male soccer players participated in this study. The players were divided into two teams. Each team played seven games (three 4v4, two 7v7, and two 11v11) over a four week period. The field dimensions for the games were as followed: 4v4 (30 M x 20 M), 7v7 (60 M x 40 M), 11 x 11 (100 M x 60 M). The duration of each game was seven minutes. We analyzed the following: Total Touches per Game [TTG], Total Passes (Attempted) [TPATG], Total Passes (Successful) [TPSG], Successful Passes Rate [SPRPERC], Attempts at Goal [ATGOAL], Ball out of Play [BOP], and Turnovers of Possession [TOPOSS]. We compared the results of the variables for each game. RESULTS: The data was non-parametric, so a Kruskal- Wallis ranking test was performed instead of ANOVA. The means show that TTG was highest in the 4v4 (311.50 ± 61.518), then 7v7 (214.00 ± 73.539), then 11v11 (170.50 ± 12.021) as expected. CONCLUSIONS: The ball is in play far more in small sided games which means there is a repeated decision making experience, which improves game intelligence and ball possession. Small sided games (4v4, and 7v7) would be more appropriate (in comparison to 11v11 games) to the age and stage of youth players.

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