This study examined how player numbers and touch restrictions influence physical and technical demands during small-sided games (SSGs) in youth soccer. Sixteen U15 players completed 3v3, 5v5, and 7v7 formats under one-touch (1 T), two-touch (2 T), and free play (FP) conditions on regular goals, with a constant relative pitch size, four 3-min bouts, and 3-min passive recovery between bouts. Physical variables (total distance TD, high-intensity distance HID >14.4 km/h, sprint distance SpD >19.8 km/h, peak speed, sprint counts, number of accelerations ACC > 2 m/s 2 and decelerations DEC > - 2 m/s 2 ) and technical actions (ball touches, releases, possessions, one-touch plays) were recorded using inertial measurement units. Generalized linear mixed-effect models, with exponentiated regression coefficients, showed that ball touches increased from 3v3 to 5v5 across all touch conditions (30–39%), whereas ball releases were primarily elevated in larger formats under 2 T conditions (35–37%). Sprint frequency was higher in larger formats across touch conditions, while SpD decreased from 3v3 to 7v7 (−26% to −27%). Increases in DEC in 3v3 were observed only under 2 T (42%) and FP conditions (49%). Isolated increases in 5v5 compared to 7v7 under 2 T (+31%) were shown for HID. Lower player numbers consistently increased DEC and individual ball involvement, especially under 2 T and FP conditions, whereas larger formats promoted sprint frequency and SpD. These findings suggest that adjusting player numbers is generally more effective than modifying touch restrictions, but combining both strategies can optimize specific physical and technical outcomes in youth players when employing SSGs.
Jäger et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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