Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the distance covered by young soccer players during small-sided games (SSG) and a league match. Materials and Methods: The study involved 39 players aged 17–18 years old, divided into two groups, each performing SSG on a pitch with a surface of 90 m² per player (G-90, n = 19) and 180 m² per player (G-180, n = 20). Players (5 × 5) in both groups completed four games, once a week on Tuesdays. Each game lasted 5 minutes with a 3-minute rest period. Maximum running speed (Vmax) and running speed at an intensity corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (VLT) were calculated using the Progressive Lactate Test, and running speed over a 30-meter distance was measured using a photocell. Players’ running activity (locomotion) was recorded during the SSG and the league match. Diagnostic tests were performed at the beginning (PRE) and end (POST) of the experiment. Results: At the POST time point, statistically significant changes were observed in both the G-90 and G-180 groups regarding Vmax, VLT, and the 30-meter run. Analysis of the total distance covered during the SSG revealed a non-significant increase in the G-90 group and a significant increase in the G-180 group. In a league match (POST), a non-significant increase in the total distance covered by the athletes was observed. In both groups, a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of distance covered during the SSG compared to the match distance (POST). Conclusions: The presented research project confirmed that SSGs could be an effective training tool during the competitive period, enabling appropriate motor preparation of an athlete and adaptation to the exertion demands of the match. From a training perspective, increasing the playing surface per athlete promotes the intensification of locomotor activities performed at high running speeds, which are crucial in competitive matches.
Recommended Citation
Lewandowska D, Jastrzebski Z. Effects of eight-week high interval training on the distance covered during small-sided games versus league match in youth soccer players. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(3):Article8. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.3.08
Author ORCID Identifier
Dorota Lewandowska, ORCID: 0000-0003-2898-6038
Zbigniew Jastrzębski, ORCID: 0000-0003-2006-125X
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Sports Medicine Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Sports Studies Commons
