Effects of small-sided games on technical-tactical actions and physical performance in handball: a systematic review

Purpose. This systematic review aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of the task constraints of small -sided games on technical -tactical, physical, and physiological indicators in handball players. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed between 2000 and 2020 in SciELO, ISI Web of Science, SPORTDiscus by EBSCOhost, Medline, Redalyc, and Scopus. Studies in female and male youth and adult handball players which involved acute and chronic effects of small -sided games on technical -tactical, physical, and physiological indicators were considered. Methodological quality was determined for the included studies. Results. Altogether, 20 studies were included; 91% were published since 2014. The studies presented a mean of 80% in terms of methodological quality. Seven articles (35%) had a mean of 75% or less, and 13 articles (65%) had a mean above 75%. Decreasing on pitch area increased the total distance covered, while the smaller player format promoted increasing the total distance covered and time in sprints. Additionally, the time above 90% of the relative heart rate increased concomitantly with the player format increase. Conclusions. The greater individual playing area (i.e., the pitch area divided by the number of players) resulted in higher values of total distance covered. The results identified gaps in the knowledge on the effects of task constraints on collective dynamic and tactical behaviour in handball players to be analysed in further studies.