Small-sided games in female soccer players: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review aimed to analyze the literature on small-sided games (SSGs) from a physiological and physical perspective in female soccer players.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred, Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) Guidelines. Studies informed about physical and/or, physiological-responses during SSGs played by young and/or adult amateur and/or professional female soccer players were included. Information regarding study information, population, intervention data, instruments, variables analyzed, and outcomes were elucidated.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The search returned 2944 records. After screening against set criteria, a total of 13 manuscripts were fully reviewed. The present review grouped studies according to the three following age categories taking sample's mean age into account: Under-19 as young players and senior female players (>19 years old). The most common topics of analysis were: 1) player number; 2) pitch area and game surface; 3) sex differences; and 4) training regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides useful information on the complex relationship between technical, physical and physiological interactions in SSGs and how manipulating these types of variables can improve the soccer training process.