An interventional study of Small-Sided Games Training and Regular Soccer Training in Soccer Performance, Small-Sided Games Training and Aerobic Endurance, sponsored by Istanbul Gelisim University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 17 Years to 18 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-13.
Sponsored by Istanbul Gelisim University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Soccer requires players to combine physical fitness with technical skills throughout a match. Small-sided games (SSG) are modified soccer training sessions played with fewer players and reduced pitch dimensions. These training formats are widely used because they simulate match situations while providing high physical and technical demands.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate whether an eight-week SSG training program improves aerobic endurance and passing performance in adolescent male soccer players. Eighteen licensed youth soccer players were randomly assigned to either an SSG training group or a control group. Both groups continued their regular soccer training, while the SSG group additionally performed structured small-sided game sessions three times per week for eight weeks.
Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and passing performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). These measurements were obtained before and after the intervention.
The primary objective of the study was to compare changes in aerobic endurance and passing performance between the SSG and control groups. It was hypothesized that participation in the structured SSG program would result in greater improvements in both outcomes compared with regular soccer training alone.
The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting the use of structured small-sided games as an effective and time-efficient training strategy for improving both physical fitness and technical performance in adolescent soccer players.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants continued their regular soccer training and additionally completed a structured small-sided games (SSG) training program three times per week for eight weeks. The intervention included progressively modified 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with varying pitch dimensions and tactical constraints designed to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance.
Behavioral: Small-Sided Games Training
Participants continued their regular soccer training program without additional structured small-sided games training throughout the eight-week study period.
Behavioral: Regular Soccer Training
Participants performed structured small-sided games (SSG) training three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their regular soccer training. The intervention included 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with progressively modified pitch dimensions and tactical constraints to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance.
Participants continued their routine soccer training program without exposure to structured small-sided games during the study period.
Aerobic Endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance)
Aerobic endurance was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). The primary outcome was the total distance covered (meters) during the test. Higher values indicate better aerobic endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Passing Performance (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test)
Passing performance was evaluated using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). The primary outcome was the total test completion time (seconds), including penalty time. Lower values indicate better passing performance.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
This study is completed, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Istanbul Gelisim University