Physical and Tactical Demands of the Goalkeeper in Football in Different Small-Sided Games

Background: Several studies have examined the differences between the different small-sided game (SSG) formats. However, only one study has analysed how the different variables that define SSGs can modify the goalkeeper's behavior. The aim of the present study was to analyze how the modification of the pitch size in SSGs affects the physical demands of the goalkeepers. Methods: Three professional male football goalkeepers participated in this study. Three different SSG were analysed (62 m x 44 m for a large pitch; 50 m x 35 m for a medium pitch and 32 m x 23 m for a small pitch). Positional data of each goalkeeper was gathered using an 18.18 Hz global positioning system. The data gathered was used to compute players' spatial exploration index, standard ellipse area, prediction ellipse area The distance covered, distance covered in different intensities and accelerations/decelerations were used to assess the players' physical performance. Results and Conclusions: There were differences between small and large SSGs in relation to the distances covered at different intensities and pitch exploration. Intensities were lower when the pitch size was larger. Besides that, the pitch exploration variables increased along with the increment of the pitch size.