Individual tactical effects of finishing at three mini-goals instead of one regular goal during small sided games in youth soccer players.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of modifying the number and type of targets on the individual offensive behavior during small-sided games (SSGs) in youth soccer players. A total of 20 youth elite players (age: 13.9± 0.6 years; weight: 53.2±5.6 kg; height: 1.6±8.3) performed a training game in form of 5vs5 players + 1 floater (excluding goalkeepers) under two different formats: 1) finishing at one regular goal and goalkeeper (RG) and 2) finishing at three mini-goals without goalkeeper (3MG). The sample comprised 1056 individual possessions for which six technical tactical indicators were evaluated by means of observational methodology. Descriptive and comparative analyses revealed that 3MG games created a context where players of all playing positions received the ball in more advanced field zones, under less defensive pressure, and performed fewer dribbles than during the RG games. Also, regression logistic analyses showed how players had lower odds of performing passes to progress vs to possess (Odds ratio= 0.577; 95% confidence interval: 0.427-0.779; p<0.05), as well as registered higher odds to achieve a positive outcome in their actions (Odds ratio=2.143; 95% confidence interval: 1.488-3.086; p<0.05) during the 3MG format. This study shows that finishing at one regular goal increases the defensive pressure on the ball carrier and the implementation of more penetrative actions such as dribbles and passes to progress, in comparison with finishing at three mini-goals.