Article RETRACTED due to malpractice Optimizing Physical Fitness and Technical Performance through 3v3 and 4v4 Mini Soccer Games
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.119561Keywords:
Small-Sided Games, Football Training, Physical Fitness, Technical Skills, University AthletesAbstract
Background: Football is a combined effort of physical, technical, tactical and cognitive capabilities. A modern training method of Small-Sided Games have been put forward to develop these qualities concurrently. Objective: To assess the physiological and technical responses of university football players during 3v3 and 4v4 Small-Sided Games (SSG).
Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of 3v3 (three team players) and 4v4 (fourteamplayers) Small-Sided Games for maximizing physical fitness and technical performance in university football players.
Methods: A nonequivalent groups quasi-experimental design was used on 27 male athletes. Ordinal pairing was used to assign participants into 3v3 (n=13) and 4v4 (n=14) groups. Both groups took pretests and posttests of endurance, speed, dribbling, passing and shooting after a 6-week (16-session) intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements (p < 0.05). The 3v3 group increased endurance from 42.5 ± 2.1 to 47.8 ± 2.4 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, reduced sprint time from 4.85 ± 0.20 to 4.55 ± 0.18 s, and improved dribbling from 17.2 ± 1.5 to 15.6 ± 1.4 s. The 4v4 group improved endurance from 42.3 ± 2.3 to 45.2 ± 2.2, sprint from 4.82 ± 0.22 to 4.65 ± 0.19 s, and shooting from 5.9 ± 0.8 to 7.5 ± 0.9 points. Passing increased in both groups without differences.
Discussion: The results support previous studies indicating that Small-Sided Games effectively enhance football performance by integrating physical, technical, and tactical components simultaneously within competitive game conditions.
Conclusions: The 3v3 format enhanced endurance, speed, and dribbling through higher intensity and individual involvement, while the 4v4 format better supported shooting through structured play. Small-Sided Games effectively improved physical and technical performance in university players. Coaches should select formats according to specific training goals.
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