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Skill assessments are essential to elite soccer coaches and clubs, to provide an evidence-based approach to player evaluation. Valid methods thereby support talent identification and development procedures (e.g. scouting and training strategies). However, it remains a complex challenge. Small-sided games have emerged as a promising tool, due to hig...
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Citations
... Player profiling plays a pivotal role in effective talent identification and development systems. While anthropometric and physiological profiling is widely utilised, evaluating technical and tactical skills is equally essential (1). In rugby union and other team sports, video-based notational analysis is a commonly used method to examine key technical and tactical performance indicators (2). ...
Introduction
Player profiling is fundamental to effective talent identification and development strategies. However, whilst anthropometric and physiological profiling is customary practice, effective evaluation of technical and tactical skills in team sports has arguable been overlooked, largely due to a lack of suitable measurement tools. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to design, validate, and test the reliability of a novel observational instrument for assessing technical and tactical skills in rugby union.
Methods
The Bangor Rugby Assessment Tool (BRAT) was developed via the following three stages: (1) completion of a targeted literature search and expert focus group to inform initial item content; (2) Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM) to examine instrument factor structure; and (3) establishment of instrument reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Results
Results demonstrate excellent model fit (PPP = 0.511) and strong validity for both the technical and tactical factors. ICC values ranged from moderate to excellent, demonstrating good reliability (0.79).
Discussion
The assessment tool offers a valid and reliable measure of technical and tactical aptitude within rugby union, whilst maintaining the requisite practical utility valued by practitioners.
... Most of previous studies claimed that high physical quality contributed to movements such as jumping (Khayati et al., 2024), run, agility in moving until endurance (Branquinho et al., 2020). In addition, technical execution and tactical behaviors were considered as important factors to achieve goal for young athletes in the future (Ferreira-Ruiz et al., 2022;Klingner et al., 2022;Poureghbali et al., 2020). For example, research by Rusmana et al. (2023) investigated the method to improve athletes' techniques and tactics simultaneously, because both factors have a major contribution to achieve goal in competitive sports. ...
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of coach's verbal encouragement small-sided volleyball games (CVESSVG) towards specific physical performance, and technical-tactical behavior among youth athletes. Methods: There were forty youth male volleyball athletes involved in this study, which were allocated in CVESSVG (n = 20), and small-sided game-non coach's verbal encouragement (SSG-non CVE) (n = 20). Physical performance including agility t-test (ATT), 10-m sprint test (10-mST), countermovement jump test (CMJT), medicine ball throw test (MBTT), multistage 20-meter shuttle run test (M20-MSRT), and technical-tactical behavior (serve, reception, sets, attack, defense) were measured in pre-test and post-test. Results: The results of the 2-Way ANOVA showed that there were differences in physical performance based on effect factors (all, p < 0.05), interaction factors (p < 0.05), except MBTT (p > 0.05), group factors (p < 0.05), except MBTT (p > 0.05). In addition, there were differences in technical-tactical behavioral factors based on time effects (all, p < 0.05), interaction factors (p < 0.05), except service (p > 0.05), and group factors (all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that CVESSVG was more effective than SSG-non CVE in order to improve physical performance variables, and technical-tactical behavior among youth athletes.
Keywords: Verbal Encouragement Small-Sided Volleyball Games, Competitive sports, Performance
... Therefore, a potential sensibility of the instrument to detect dual-task cost in small-sided games (SSGs) can be assumed. SSGs represent a scenario facilitated and representative of the game of soccer for younger players (Bělka et al., 2023), allowing the assessment of tactical performance under different conditions (Klingner et al., 2022). ...
Numerous studies have investigated physical and motor performance during dual-task protocols in different sports. However, only few studies have investigated tactical performance in dual-task situations in real-world game situations, such as small-sided games (SSGs). Moreover, sport-specific literature is unclear about the effects of motor or cognitive secondary tasks and the type of the stimulus (memorization, math operations) on players’ tactical performance. This study considered the impact of dual tasks on soccer players’ tactical performance within SSGs and compared the effects of motor and cognitive secondary tasks on soccer players’ tactical performance. A total of 24 U-13 soccer players (12.34 ± 0.55 years) took part in the study, playing SSGs under four different conditions: a single task (ST) condition: players performed only SSGs; a motor dual-task (MDT) condition: players performed SSGs while balancing a basketball ball on a cone; a cognitive dual-task 1 (CDT1) condition: players performed SSGs while doing math operations; a cognitive dual-task 2 (CDT2) condition: players performed SSGs while doing a memorization task. Tactical performance was assessed using the FUT-SAT under all experimental conditions. Players showed higher tactical performance in SSGs with a ST than SSGs with secondary tasks (p < 0.001). When comparing secondary tasks in SSGs, players presented a better tactical performance in SSGs with cognitive secondary tasks than in SSGs with a motor secondary task (p = 0.02). In conclusion, dual tasks impair the tactical performance of soccer players, with the motor secondary task inducing greater impairment than secondary cognitive tasks.
... 23,39,40 Therefore, taking into account both ideas, it is argued that the reduction of the number of players and game space affects the variability of actions, increasing the number of actions and promoting a more diverse and creative learning. 41 Regarding the actions associated with the initiation of ball possession, significant relationships are reflected in the variables of 'way of obtaining the ball', 'height' and 'zone of origin'. More specifically, there are more flat shots coming from the midfield itself. ...
The aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of the constraints led approach (CLA) systems, such as the playing space, the number of players and the numerical game situations (superiority, equality and numerical inferiority) on the technical-tactical actions of U-11 players in small-sided games (SSGs). A case study was developed where two of the CLA constraint systems were applied on three SSG where the dimensions of the game space were modified (SSG1: 160 m2 ; SSG2 and SSG3: 155 m2 ) and the numerical game situation against the opposing team (SSG1: equality; SSG2 and SSG3: superiority/inferiority). The study sample consisted of U-11 players (n = 8) competing at federated level in Spain (10.25 ± 0.45 years; 2.21 ± 0.61 years of experience). The results of this study show an very strong degree of association between the game modalities and the way of obtaining the ball (2Ln(BFp10) = 10.06) and a strong association between the game modalities and the zone of origin of the ball (2 Ln(BFp10) = 6.02). It should be noted that a positive association was found between games modes and ball height in obtaining the ball (2Ln(BFp10) = 4.06); type of conduction (2Ln(BFp10) = 5.88); technical action (2Ln(BFp10)= 2.32) and efficiency (2Ln(BFp10) = 4.04). These data can help coaches to optimize the training process of young players by modifying the training tasks based on the constraint systems proposed in this study.
... als perceive knowledge and how these perceptions are grounded on social interactions [15]. Therefore, the present study results from a reflexive and collaborative process between researchers and coaches, all with their unique identities, beliefs, experiences, and critical awareness [14]. ...
... A Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA; [14] was conducted to identify patterns across the qualitative dataset and describe and interpret latent meanings [16]. A deductive-inductive approach was used to develop new meanings from data as well as to apply a theory-driven framework guided by ecological lenses. ...
... The analysis was produced through the intersection of the theoretical assumptions, disciplinary knowledge, research skills and experience, and the content of data themselves [16]. The analysis involved diverse fluid steps: data familiarization; coding (i.e., development of codes and topics); theme development; theme refinement; naming; and writing the final report [14]. First, the research team read and re-read the transcripts (i.e., four pages per coach and 20 single-spaced pages in total) with the aim of understanding data and developing initial codes. ...
Objective: The utilization and variation of small-sided games (SSGs) in team sports have garnered increased attention in recent years. This study aimed to explore the application of SSGs in high-performance soccer using qualitative methods. Methods: Five high-performance soccer coaches participated in semi-structured interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, revealing six key themes: 1) the relevance of SSGs, 2) variations in SSGs, 3) the role of SSGs in planning and periodization, 4) the diverse functions and meanings of SSGs within a high-performance team, 5) decision-making and creativity in SSGs, and 6) the emphasis on tactical development through SSGs. Results: The findings highlighted the integral role of SSGs in the coaches’ training routines, particularly on microcycle days -4 and -3, and for both substitute and starting players. Coaches identified the number of players and pitch dimensions as primary constraints to manipulate. The leadership of SSGs was typically delegated to assistant coaches to enhance the physical and enjoyment aspects. SSGs were predominantly used to develop positional play, with specific playing positions constrained in various pitch areas to elicit targeted behaviors. Furthermore, SSGs were employed to enhance players’ decision-making and creativity by providing game-like scenarios that encourage spontaneous problem-solving. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical importance of SSGs in high-performance soccer training, offering practical insights for coaches and theoretical implications for researchers. Coaches can leverage SSGs to replicate match demands, foster tactical understanding, and enhance player engagement.
... In addition, it emphasizes the significance of effective communication in aiding players to grasp the strategies and tactics introduced during practice sessions. [68][69][70] The strong evidence obtained through eye tracking reinforces the utility of these cues in addition to verbal instructions from coaches, thereby promoting increased understanding and more effective integration of tactical strategies by players. However, it is important to recognize that the impact of these attentional cues can vary depending on the players' level of expertise and content complexity. ...
Background
Improving the acquisition of complex tactical knowledge through video presentations has attracted considerable attention. Previous research has aimed to facilitate learning by structuring videos including pointing gestures and guided gaze. However, it is debatable whether these cues actually contribute to improved performance in the context of tactical learning for players with varying levels of expertise.
Objectives
The present study examined the moderating roles of content complexity and expertise level on recall scores, mental effort, and visual attention while watching videos involving coach's pointing gestures and guided gaze, as well as videos with no cues.
Methods
One hundred sixty novice and expert basketball learners were randomly divided into four groups: (i) simple content + no-cues, (ii) simple content + gesture/gaze, (iii) more complex content + no-cues, and (iv) more complex content + gesture/cues. They were instructed to learn the evolution of a tactical scene described by the coach, rate their mental effort invested during the learning phase, and reproduce the learned tactical scene.
Results and conclusions
The results showed that regardless of the complexity of the content, novices achieved better recall performance and higher visual attention in the gesture/gaze condition than in the no-cues condition. However, the results showed that experts benefited equally from both conditions when the content was simple, whereas they benefited more from the gesture/gaze condition when the content was more complex. The results showed that the effectiveness of videos involving pointing gestures and guided gaze depends on the content complexity and the expertise level.
... Technical and tactical analysis in soccer involves assessing individual and team actions, including ball handling, position-ing, and decision-making processes [5], [6]. This analysis not only aids in improving players' technical skills but also in understanding tactical patterns that can exploit opponents' weaknesses. ...
Coaches and other sports professionals are given adaptable tools by using observational methods in the context of sports. These tools are frequently used in team sports for technical and tactical analysis of the match. The goal was to build, validate, and evaluate the dependability of a mixed observational instrument of field formats and category systems to study technical and tactical activities in the offensive phase of soccer, taking into account the significance of data quality in these instruments. The device records data on the attacking team’s and goalkeeper’s actions with the ball, play moments (start, development, and end), and surrounding circumstances. Four steps were taken in the instrument design, validation, and reliability calculation: (a) literature review; (b) initial draft design; (c) qualitative and quantitative expert assessment of the instrument; and (d) observer training test (reliability calculation). Ten experts (soccer coaches with at least ten years of coaching experience or sports scientists with a PhD) determined the content validity. The Delphi process was applied. A quantitative (scale 0 10) and qualitative examination was performed by experts. The following topics were covered in the questionnaire for experts: (a) understanding of the criteria, categorical cores, degree of openness, and their definitions; (b) applicability of the categorical cores and degree of openness; and (c) decision-making on the inclusion of further categorical cores or degree of openness in the observation instrument. The categorical core “numerical situation with opponent goalkeeper” has the lowest Aiken’s V index of 0.91. The levels of agreement between and among observers were good. The category core “defensive pressing lines” had the lowest Kappa index (0.96 for inter-reliability and 0.98 for intra-reliability), as did the category core “ball height (start of ball possession),” “distance of the defensive player,” “ball height (end of ball possession”),” “numerical situation,” and “defensive pressing lines.” The generalizability analysis’ results demonstrated the instrument’s excellent level of accuracy, validity, and reliability. The findings demonstrate that the tool can be used to gather unbiased, trustworthy information regarding soccer’s offensive phase.
... Currently, practitioners usually assess players efforts with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) retrieving information of players' performances, such as the distance covered and the number of intense efforts performed (Torres-Ronda et al., 2022). As for the technicaltactical assessments, practitioners and researchers frequently use tracking systems that can provide individual or collective information for match and training performances (Klingner et al., 2022;Lago-Peñas et al., 2023). ...
... Indeed, adopting small-sided games over the training process is a widely recognized method in youth athletes' development (O'Connor et al., 2017). SSGs are also frequently adopted as an assessment tool in youth soccer (Fenner et al., 2016;Klingner et al., 2022;Rechenchosky et al., 2021). Therefore, even if more experienced players are expected to show a higher physical, technical, and tactical performance on such a task (Fransen et al., 2017;Harley et al., 2010;Rebelo-Gonçalves et al., 2017), the less experienced ones might show high levels of familiarity and task automatization. ...
In this study, we examined whether experience level and various dual motor and cognitive or single tasks influenced young soccer players’ physical performance during small-sided games. Participants were 72 players from U-13 (n = 36) and U-17 (n = 36) groups who participated in 3-to-a-side small-sided games under four experimental conditions: control, a secondary motor task, an additional related secondary cognitive task, and an additional secondary non-specific task. We used GPS devices to measure physical performance in terms of distances covered and accelerations at different thresholds. We found no significant interaction effect between player experience and task condition (p = .540), meaning that dual tasks had comparable effects on players of different experience levels. There were significant main effects of both experience level (p < .001) and condition (p < .001) on most physically related variables. Older players outperformed younger ones, particularly in high-intensity actions. While secondary motor tasks decreased physical performance, secondary cognitive tasks, irrespective of specificity, did not impair players’ performances. In conclusion, experience level did not influence the players’ physical response to dual tasks, and a secondary motor task was more disruptive to physical performance than either of two types of secondary cognitive tasks. Cognitive tasks can be incorporated into soccer training without compromising physical performance.
... Some recommended exercise methods to improve basic technique skills and endurance are Small Sided Games, Drills, Rondo, and Zig-zag runs [27], [28]. The Small Sided Games method, for example, allows players to practice in game situations close to natural conditions while increasing their endurance [29], [30], [31]. ...
Background Problems: Extracurricular sports activities, particularly football, play a vital role in the holistic development of students, impacting their physical, mental, and social well-being. Despite its significance, challenges persist in optimizing football achievements at the school level, as evidenced by observations at State Junior High School 2 Sungai Penuh, where suboptimal performance in regional tournaments was noted due to deficiencies in basic technical abilities and endurance among players. Research Objective: This study aims to investigates the effects of training methods and endurance on the basic football technique abilities of passing control and dribbling among students participating in extracurricular football activities, focusing on State Junior High School 2 Sungai Penuh. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design with a 2x2 treatment by level design was employed, utilizing small-sided games and drill training methods, with endurance as a moderator variable. Data collection involved various tests including dribbling, passing control, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. Statistical analysis, was conducted using SPSS software version 26, including ANOVA and Tukey tests. Finding/Result: The study revealed significant differences in basic football technique abilities based on the training methods employed. Small-sided games were found to be more effective than drills in enhancing passing-control and dribbling skills. Furthermore, an interaction effect was observed between training methods and endurance, emphasizing the importance of considering players' physical condition in training programs. Conclusion: In conclusion, small-sided game training methods, coupled with increased endurance, proved to be more effective in improving basic football technique skills among State Junior High School 2 Sungai Penuh players. Coaches should tailor training programs to suit players' characteristics and endurance levels, emphasizing discipline, nutrition, and structured coaching for optimal results. Future research should explore additional variables and expand the scope of the study while addressing existing limitations
