Comparison of internal and external loads during different small-sided games in young female soccer players

Objectives. - This study aims to compare the acute internal and external loads during different small-sided games (SSG) of young female soccer players. Methods. - Sixteen female soccer players from a first-team squad of the Turkish third league (mean +/- SD: age: 16.1 +/- 2.3 years, height: 157.9 +/- 5.5 cm, body weight: 55.2 +/- 8.2 kg, training age: 4.0 +/- 2.3 years) participated in this study voluntarily. 2 vs. 2 (4 bouts of 2 min separated by 2 min of passive recovery), 3 vs. 3 (4 bouts of 3 min separated by 2 min of passive recovery), and 4 vs. 4 (4 bouts of 4 min separated by 2 min of passive recovery). SSGs were played in random order and at least 48 hours apart. During SSGs, heart rate (HR) responses and distances covered in four different speed zones were recorded: Walking (WLK), low (LIR), moderate (MIR), and high-intensity (HIR) running. Moreover, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (La - ) responses were determined at the end of each SSG. Results. - The results showed that %HRmax responses were significantly lower and La - and RPE responses were significantly higher in 2 vs. 2 SSG compared to other SSG ( P < 0.05). Moreover, young female players covered a significantly greater distance in 4 vs. 4 SSG than in 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3 SSGs in terms of WLK, LIR, HIR, and total distances ( P < 0.05). Conclusion. - The present study showed that coaches and sports scientists could use 2 vs. 2 SSG to improve anaerobic endurance, while 3 vs. 3 and 4 vs. 4 SSGs can help to develop high-intensity aerobic endurance in young female soccer players. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.