INFLUENCE THE NUMBER OF TOUCHES ON PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES DURING SMALL-SIDED SOCCER GAMES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of the present review was to analyze the effects of the number of touches on the ball, in the physical and physiological responses during small soccer games. Electronic searches were carried out in the databases: “Web of Science”, “Scopus” and “PubMed”, using the descriptors “Small-sided games”; “Intensity”; “Touches”; “Soccer”; “Soccer players”; “Modified rules”. The PICO strategy was used and the group of words was combined in pairs or trios, using the OR and AND connectors. Only articles published between 2010 and 2022 were considered. The following were excluded: (a) annals and supplements of scientific events, (b) reviews, editorial and instrument validation articles, and (c) studies with women. Of 578 studies, 9 were selected and analyzed. In general, the adoption of the limit rule for touching the ball increased the physiological responses, although discrepancies were observed between the studies regarding the physical responses, we must consider the methodological differences between the studies. We conclude that manipulating the number of touches allowed per ball possession influences players’ physiological responses. Specifically, higher intensity is expected in SSGs with fewer ball touches allowed. On the other hand, physical responses are not influenced by this rule.

Keywords

• Soccer
• Systematic Review
• Athletic Performance