Are there differences in the technical actions performed by players from different playing position during small-sided games?

Abstract

This study aimed to compare technical actions of soccer players from different playing position during small-sided games in which teams were composed of players from the same position (e.g., three defenders). In total, 14 U-14 soccer players (14.43 ± 0.16 years), four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards, as well as 2 non-evaluated goalkeepers, participated in this study. The incidence of technical actions performed by players was analyzed through proportion chi-square test and omega effect sizes, and significance level was set at 5%. Results showed no differences in technical actions performed by players from different playing positions (p>0.05, small effect size). Thus, it is suggested that the 3v3 small-sided game, with teams composed of athletes with the same playing position, is characterized by a more general training stimulus, which can be particularly useful during the first years of deliberate practice.