Individual vs General Time-Motion Analysis and Physiological Response in 4 vs 4 and 5 vs 5 Small-Sided Soccer Games

The purposes of this study were to present a new time-motion analysis approach in soccer small-sided games by incorporating the physical potential of individual players and to evaluate the physiological response applied to 4 vs. 4 and 5 vs. 5 small-sided games. Thirteen professional soccer players participated in small-sided game training sessions. The physical demands (GPS) and physiological responses (Heart Rate – HR) of the 4 vs. 4 and 5 vs. 5 small-sided games were compared. In contrast to previous studies, speed zones were divided individually for each player according to his maximal running speed (Smax) and running velocity at the lactate threshold (V/LT). The analyses confirmed that the mean V/LT of the player was 3.8 ± 0.16 m·s-1 and the Smax speed was 8.26 ± 0.65 m·s-1. The total distance covered during the 4 vs. 4 games was significantly longer than that covered during the 5 vs. 5 games. The application of obligatory limits for speed zones could result in an inappropriate assessment of the players’ commitment during training. Utilizing an individual assessment of player motion during small-sided games can improve the optimization of training load application.