Does size matter? Effects of small vs. large pitch small-sided game training on speed and endurance in collegiate soccer players

The aim of this study was to compare the training effect of small-sided games (SSGs) played using large (SSG-L) and small (SSG-S) area per player (ApP) on speed and endurance in college soccer players. Twenty male NCAA division 1 soccer players were randomly assigned to 2 experimental training groups: SSG-L (n = 10), or SSG-S (n = 10). During the 4-week intervention, both groups performed 3 sets of 4-8 minutes of 5 vs 5 SSGs using either a large (300m2; SSG-L) or small (75m2; SSG-S) ApP. Pre- and post-training, players completed linear sprint (20- and 40-m sprint), repeated sprint, and aerobic endurance tests. Following the intervention, both groups exhibited improvements in 20-m, 40-m, and maximum sprinting speed (all p  0.05, g = 0.04 –0.29). No differences or interaction effects in repeat-sprint ability were found for either group (p > 0.05). A decline in maximal aerobic speed occurred in SSG-S (p = 0.010, g = 0.60) whilst no change was reported for SSG-L. Following the intervention, anaerobic speed reserve was lower for SSG-L versus SSG-S (p = 0.013; g = -0.23). No further between-group differences were reported at either time-point. These results suggest that SSGs played with small ApP may not be adequate to maintain aerobic fitness.