Manipulating the number of players and targets in team sports. Small-sided games during physical education classes

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of players and targets number variation on technical, tactical and physiological indicators in basketball, handball and indoor football. Nine 8th grade students (age 13.3 ± 0.7 years, stature 166.8 ± 3.8 cm, body mass 55.3 ± 4.2 kg) participated in four small-sided games (SSG) for each sport. Despite the differences between the sports, similar average values for technical and tactical indicators were found in both basketball and indoor football SSG. An increase in the number of players affected the duration of unsuccessful offensive phases, the number of passes per offensive phase, successful passes per offensive phase and decreased ball possession per player. Whilst all SSG in this study imposed high physiological demands, 3-a-side games played with one target elicited the greatest responses. In conclusion, the 3-a-side SSG promoted similar technical-tactical indicators and higher physiological demands than 4-a-side SSG.