Physiological and technical demands of the small-sided and generic games in female futsal players

Abstract

Aim:

This study aimed to compare the heart rate (HR) values and technical actions frequencies during small-sided (SSG) and generic (GG) games in women futsal players.

Methods:

Six futsal players (age: 20.5 ± 7.4 years, height: 163.3 ± 16 cm, body mass: 57.9 ± 22 kg, maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂max): 42.0 ± 9 mL.kg.min⁻¹) performed two experimental conditions in two days separated for at least 72h of interval: (1) one set of 10 min of SSG, 3x3 players; and (2) one set of 10 min of GG, 4 (1 joker) x 4 (1 joker) players. During each experimental session, the subject's HR values were monitored every 1 min of play. Pass, shot, dribbling, driving, and disarmament were recorded during the games.

Results:

There was no difference between SSG and GG for HR average (p = 0.50). The HR values that were recorded at the first minute of GG were higher than SSG (p = 0.02). The HRmax in SSG and GG were equivalent to 91.9% and 90.8% of HRmax of the incremental test, respectively. Total technical actions were higher in SSG (+ 18.4%, p = 0.001) than GG. Pass was higher in the SSG (+16%; p = 0.01) in comparison to GG.

Conclusion:

Both models were higher than HRmax equivalent to AT velocity. The technical actions of the SSG were higher than GG, suggesting that the SSG model is a suitable technical and physiological stimulus for the development of female futsal players.

Keywords
soccer; women; sports; athletic performance; exercise

Introduction

Futsal game has been characterized by periods of high-intensity, short-duration, interspersed periods of low-intensity, and intermittent actions^1,2. Different training methods have been proposed to develop specific physical performance^3-5. Small-sided games (SSG) have been widely studied and become a popular method to improve at the same time the physical fitness (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, and specific endurance performance) and technical variables^5,6. Some studies reported that SSG has been more effective than generic games (GG) to improve specific aerobic fitness in soccer⁷, and technical variables in soccer⁵, futsal², and other team sports⁴. In SSG, the field dimension and the number of players can be manipulated⁸, increasing the ball contact per individual, offensive and defensive actions^9,10, and the ecological validity^3-5. Although the small-sided game's physiological responses are well established in male players, no study to date was conducted in female futsal players hindering the: (1) data transfer for application, (2) characterization of the physical and technical profile in the different methods (i.e., size field reduction, number of athletes, recovery, duration of the session, and others), and (3) reference values.

The heart rate (HR) has been a sensible variable to control the game and training session intensity/load in team sports^7,11-13. A previous study reported that male players spend 80% of game time at intensities higher than 85% of heart rate maximal (HRmax)^14,15. Although the studies indicate that manipulation in the number of players and field dimension in the soccer game¹¹ can alter the HR, more studies are necessary to characterize and standardize the physiological responses of different training methods in female futsal players. Three studies reported values between 85% and 90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) during simulated and official matches of female futsal^16-18, while in soccer players, was found HRmax up to 95%⁵. Naser et al.² reported values above 80% of HRmax in futsal matches and these values are equal or higher to soccer matches and other sports. One recent study¹⁵ reported male players that lower limb blood flow restriction during SSG increases the HR, internal training load, and aerobic and anaerobic markers of performance¹⁵. However, it is unclear whether manipulations in the number of players and the playing field's size can boost the physiological demand and technical actions in futsal players.

Thus, the present study aimed to compare the HR values and technical actions frequencies during SSG and GG in women futsal players. Secondarily, was analyzed the difference in HR of the SSG and GG in relation to the HR of the anaerobic threshold (AT). It was hypothesized that the HR values and the number of technical actions during SSG are higher than GG.

Material and methods

Participants

Six female futsal players (age = 20.5 ± 7.4 years, mass = 57.95 ± 22 kg, height = 63.3 ± 16 cm, VO₂max = 42.0 ± 9 mL.kg.min⁻¹) with at least 2 years experience in futsal (national and regional competitions), training frequency of 3 times per week, 2 h of training per session were recruited. Two goalkeepers performed both protocols and 2 jokers specifically from GG. These participants were members of the same futsal team but did not have the data collected.

All the players were instructed not to drink alcohol or ergogenic substances, not practice vigorous physical activity during the previous 24 h and maintain their dietary habits, including hydration.

The experimental procedures were conducted under the Declaration of Helsinki (2008) and approved by the local Ethics Committee inserir nome da Universidade e ano aprovação no processo (Protocol number: 1.392.005).

Experimental design

The participants visited the laboratory 1 time and the field 2 times, at least 72 h apart (Figure 1): 1) maximum incremental test to determine anaerobic threshold (AT), maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), and HRmax; 2) GG field tests (with 80 m² per player); 3) SSG field tests (with 25 m² per player). For further analysis, the game was recorded, and HR was collected minute by minute until 10 min.

Figure 1
Experimental protocol.

Both games were conducted according to official FIFA^® rules and there was no guidance, leaving the athlete's decision-making free of any external manipulation. Besides, there were 5 balls (Penalty Max^®) near the play area to facilitate the reset.

Maximal incremental test

The incremental test consisted of progressive running in the treadmill (Treadmill ATL, Inbrasport^®). The protocol involved running on a flat treadmill with a 3-min warm-up period at 5 km.h⁻¹ and increments of 1 km.h⁻¹ per minute until exhaustion, with data being collected every 10 s¹⁹. Oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide (VCO₂), and ventilation (VE) were obtained breath-by-breath from an automatic gas exchange analyzer (Quark Cosmed-Roma Italy®). Three of the following criteria were considered maximal: respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≥ 1.15, HR ≥ 90% predicted by age (220 - age), and RPE ≥ 18^20,21. Maximum aerobic power was considered as the highest power achieved during the test and the AT assumed in the exact moment of respiratory compensation point identified by three independent evaluators, separately, using the second break in the ventilation curve, an increase in VE-to-VCO₂ ratio, and the first drop point of the CO₂ fraction²². HR was recorded using an Oregon SE102L^® heart rate monitor during the test.

Field tests: Generic Game (GG) and Small-sided Game (SSG)

All field tests were performed in a multi-sport arena indoor with official dimensions 40 m x 20 m, during 10 min continuous and separated by 72 h of recovery. The warm-up consisted of 5 min of standardized movements, callisthenic, running at low intensity, pass, and ball conservation. GG simulated the official game: exact official dimension, 4 (1 joker) x 4 (1 joker) players, 2 goalkeepers, and a relative area of 80 m² per player. During SSG, relative square area per player was reduced by 69% (25 m² per player), absolute dimension compacted (20 m x 10 m) and 3x3 players plus 2 goalkeepers distributed in the field (Figure 1). Players received verbal encouragement from the evaluators for 10 min.

Heart rate

All players used a heart rate monitor (Oregon SE102L®) and were instructed to indicate the values every minute without interrupting the game. A researcher timed the partial and total time, and two others registered the HR values reported by the players.

Technical actions

A video camera LG Dual® positioned at the top of the stands (5 m high), was controlled by an evaluator, and recorded all the game situations. The recording was transferred to a computer for technical action quantifications. Technical actions were categorized according to Mutti²³: pass, driving, dribbling, shots on target, disarmament.

• Pass: the action of transferring the ball as a means of communication between the players of the same team.

• Driving: the action of carrying the ball from one area to another on the court.

• Dribbling: individual action with a ball to overtake an opponent keeping it under his control.

• Shot: the player needs greater control of the force and direction, like the pass.

• Disarmament: the action of intercepting the pass or stealing the ball.

Statistical analysis

Mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values were descriptively presented for technical analysis. The Shapiro Wilk test was used to verify the normality of the residues. HR analysis and technical actions were analyzed by paired Student t-test or Wilcoxon (i.e., technical action “disarmament”). Cohen's effect size (d) was calculated for paired posthoc comparisons and interpreted using Cohen's scale as follows²⁴: small (0.2), moderate (0.5), and large (0.8). Statistical analyzes were performed using a statistical package (Statistica® version 10.0, StatSoft). The level of significance adopted was p < 0.05 and CI 95%.

Results

HR average between GG and SSG are shown in the Figure 2; no difference was found between both experimental protocols (p = 0.50; d = 0.38; CI = −9.90 and 5.50). The HR average at the velocity equivalent to the anaerobic threshold was lower than GG (p = 0.01; d = 1.76, CI = −16.23 and −3.17) and SSG (p = 0.031; d = 0.99; CI = −14.02 and −0.98).

Figure 2
Comparison of heart rate in GG, SSG, and AT. Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation. * - significant difference with GG; # - significant difference with SSG.

There was no significant difference between the conditions for the HRmax (p > 0.05). The HRmax during GG (179.5 ± 2.52 bpm) and SSG (177.3 ± 7.8 bpm) were equivalent to 91.9% and 90.8% of incremental test (195.2 ± 8.2 bpm), respectively. There was difference intra-group for HR between GG and SSG at the first minute (p = 0.02; d = 1.28; CI = −18.17 and −2.16, Figure 3). However, there were no differences intra-group for HR between GG and SSG throughout time (Figure 3). All players in both games achieved an HR greater than 85% of HRmax.

Figure 3
HR comparison between GG and SSG at rest and every minute. Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation. * - significant difference with GG.

The average of all technical actions in the SSG was higher (increase of 18.4%) than GG (p = 0.001) (Figure 4). In addition, the pass was higher in SSG compared to GG (+ 16%; p = 0.02; d = 0.3; CI = −4.87−0.79) (Table 1).

Figure 4
Comparison of the number of technical actions in the two game situations. Data presented in mean ± standard deviation for all technical actions grouped. * - significant difference for GG.

Table 1
Comparison of average number of specific technical actions performed in GG and SSG.

	Pass	Shot	Dribbling	Disarmament	Driving
GG	17.83 ± 9.15*	4.00 ± 2.00	1.50 ± 1.64	3.33 ± 1.37	3.00 ± 3.69
	(9.0-29.0)	(1.0-3.0)	(0.0-4.0)	(2.0-5.0)	(0.0-8.0)
SSG	20.67 ± 9.14	2.00 ± 0.63	1.00 ± 1.10	4.33 ± 0.52	2.83 ± 2.40
	(11.0-32.0)	(2.0-7.0)	(0.0-3.0)	(4.0-5.0)	(0.0-6.0)
%	−16%	+100%	+50%	−30%	+6%

Data presented in mean ± standard deviation (minimum - maximum) and in percentage of difference of SSG for GG. * - significant difference for SSG.

Discussion

In the present study, we demonstrated that total technical actions and pass were higher in SSG than GG, but the HR average had no difference between the games, refuting the hypothesis partially.

HRmax during GG (179.5 ± 2.5 bpm) and SSG (177.3 ± 7.8 bpm) was equivalent to 91.9% and 90.8% of HRmax in the incremental test (195.2 ± 8.2 bpm). Specifically, about GG in women, Martin-Silva¹⁷ investigated two official matches in female futsal players (VO₂max = 40.0 ± 3.8 mL.kg.min⁻¹) and found values of 178 ± 9 bpm in a first game and 170 ± 30 bpm in the second game (equivalent to 89% and 86% of HRmax, respectively). Carminatti et al.¹⁶ pointed out that the average in five official matches was 178 ± 9 bpm (91% of HRmax) with female professional futsal players. Thus, the % HRmax can be sensitive regardless of physical fitness level. Variations in the number of players in official dimension courts (3x3, 4x4, 5x5, and 6x6) maintained the HR above 80% of the HR max, but 3x3 and 4x4 models showed higher lactate concentration compared to 6x6 model, showing that the SSG may be used as a tool to establish specific training zones⁶. Besides, the environment of official matches (i.e., stress, tension, public, and others) does not appear to change HR compared to GG. Concerning male players, the HR values close to 90% of HRmax were similar to female GG¹⁴.

About the SSG, Duarte et al.¹³evaluated male futsal players and reported values equivalent to 82.2% of HRmax during 10-min (20 m x 20 m) with 4x4 players, 86.6% of HRmax during 4-min (20 m x 20 m) with 3x3 players, and 87.9% of HRmax during 4-min (20 m x 20 m) with 2x2 players. A decrease in the number of players at 20x20 m area increased the intensity and HR. However, these data show a disproportionate time duration and area of 50, 66, and 100 m² per player in 4x4, 3x3, and 2x2 situations, respectively. In our study, the area of the GG (40x 20 m) was equivalent to 100 m² per player (without the goalkeepers) and SSG (20 m x 10 m) equivalent to 33 m² per player (without the goalkeepers), but the time was the same. In this context, reducing the area per player with the same time duration does not influence the HR average. Perhaps, the same and extended time for both games (10 min continuous) may have reduced the intensity of games and, consequently, the HR average.

There may be differences in technical and physiological demands between different players, with different characteristics, position, duration, intensity, or the game itself and training status^13,14. Moreover, on futsal, only 0.3% of playing time is spent in low-intensity with less than 65% of HRmax, 16% in moderate intensity approximately 65-85% of HRmax, and 83% in very vigorous activity, more than 85% of HRmax^13,14. There is a higher endurance demand in futsal players (i.e.,4313 m distance covered)¹⁴ than basketball, handball, and some positions in soccer games². Furthermore, futsal can lead to dehydration, an increase in blood viscosity, causing an increase in HR²⁵.

Another study reported the effectiveness of SSG on aerobic capacity and anaerobic power in futsal when compared to GG model²⁶. In a longitudinal study (6-week) with young male futsal players, the SSG training provided a similar HR stimulus in the players compared to the GG program and both models improved physical fitness parameters compared to baseline. SSG resulted in better technical performance, representing an effective alternative to developing aerobic capacity and anaerobic power in futsal²⁶. We found HR values at AT velocity lower than SSG and GG models, corroborating studies on the characterization of effort intensity in female futsal matches. Thus, our data showing that a game with manipulation of size and players number can be a method with high anaerobic demand^16,17,27.

The technical actions were higher in SSG than GG. These data corroborate with Katis and Kellis²⁸, which verified in SSG 3x3 + goalkeeper a higher number of shots, short pass, disarmament, and dribbling than 6x6 + goalkeeper in young soccer players. Jones and Drust²⁹, also found a more significant number of technical actions with the reduction of players and the field dimension, precisely 4x4 + goalkeeper vs. to 8x8 + goalkeeper, increasing the contacts with the ball almost 3 times during the game in elite youth soccer players. Duarte et al.¹³ found improvement in futsal tactical actions with a 3x3 and 2x2 compared a 4x4 male players in an SSG (20 m x 20 m), increasing the number of contacts with the ball and dribbling. Our data showed that although there was no increase in shot, dribbling, and disarmament actions, the number of passes (p = 0.016) increased in SSG. These findings indicate that a smaller number of players lead to a more significant number of technical actions.

Thus, the 3x3 + goalkeeper method studied, despite having a square area approximately 69% smaller than the GG, maintained the HR stimulus adequate for the players and contained a more significant number of technical actions. At this point, the SSG proposal is reinforced in the development of the futsal player since one can work with satisfactory internal loads and at the same time reproduces the technical and tactical requirements found like the generic game.

We can report 3 limitations of our study: (1) the sample size, which was reduced by using only one women's futsal team and did not expand the study to other teams; (2) 10-min protocols can be considered unspecific compared to the duration of official matches; (3) HR collection every minute due to the lack of availability of devices that collect HR more frequently.

Conclusion

The HR average was no different between SSG (3x3 + goalkeepers, 20 m x 10 m) and GG (4x4 + goalkeepers, 40 m x 20 m) and presented a % HRmax equivalent to 91.9% and 90.8% of HRmax in the incremental test. Both models were higher than HRmax equivalent to AT velocity. The technical actions of the SSG were higher than GG, suggesting that the SSG model is a suitable technical and physiological stimulus for the development of female futsal players. Further studies are needed to add information about the effect of SSG on female futsal players.

Disclosure of interest

The authors certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

Futsal players of the Federal University of Alagoas. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 and Brazil Citizenship Ministry (Academia&Futebol).

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Associate Editor: Ricardo Barbieri. Estácio UniSEB, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  21 July 2021
• Date of issue
  2021

History

• Received
  01 Oct 2020
• Accepted
  17 May 2021