Does size matter? Effects of small versus large pitch small-sided game training on speed and endurance in collegiate soccer players

The aim of this study was to compare the training effect of small-sided games played using large and small area per player on speed and endurance in college soccer players. Twenty male NCAA division 1 soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: small-sided games using a large area per player (n = 10), or small-sided games using a small area per player (n = 10). During the 4-week intervention, both groups performed three sets of 4-8 min of 5 versus 5 small-sided games using either a large (300 m(2)) or small (75 m(2)) area per player. Pre- and post-training, players completed linear sprint (20- and 40-m), repeated sprint, and aerobic endurance tests. Following the intervention, both groups exhibited improvements in 20-m, 40-m, and maximum sprinting speed (all p < 0.05, g = 0.04-0.29). No differences or interaction effects in repeat-sprint ability were found for either group (p > 0.05). A decline in maximal aerobic speed occurred in the small area per player group (p = 0.010, g = 0.60) whilst no change was reported for the large area per player group. Following the intervention, anaerobic speed reserve was lower for the large area per player group versus the small area per player group (p = 0.013; g = -0.23). No further between-group differences were reported at either time-point. These results suggest that small-sided games played with a small area per player may not be adequate to maintain aerobic fitness.