An interventional study of Small-Sided Games Protocol and Repeated Sprint Protocol in Athletic Performance and Physical Fitness, sponsored by Bitlis Eren University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 16 Years to 20 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-09.
Sponsored by Bitlis Eren University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. A total of 24 active male soccer players (aged 16 to 20 years) participating in the Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) completing a 4 vs. 4 transition possession game 3 days a week in addition to routine training, Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) completing a 20-meter maximal repeated sprint protocol 3 days a week in addition to routine training, and Control Group (CG) continuing only their routine soccer practice schedule. Before and after the 6-week intervention, participants underwent laboratory and field testing to evaluate body composition (body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI), acceleration and maximal speed (10m and 20m sprint tests), agility (Illinois Agility Test), explosive lower-body power (countermovement jump), and maximal anaerobic power (30-second Wingate test) to determine which specific training method provides superior athletic adaptations.
High-intensity intermittent actions, such as accelerations, change-of-direction movements, jumps, and repeated sprints, are critical determinants of competitive performance in soccer. To optimize these physical attributes, coaches commonly utilize Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST). However, comparative evidence regarding the specific adaptations induced by these two distinct conditioning strategies alongside regular soccer practice remains crucial for athletic periodization.
This 6-week randomized controlled trial evaluated 24 young male soccer players randomly allocated into three parallel arms (n=8 per group): SSGG, RSTG, and a Control Group (CG).
Training Protocols:
Assessments:
Body composition parameters were evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC-418 MA). Laboratory testing included the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (Monark 834 E) with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight to assess peak and mean anaerobic power. Field testing included 10m and 20m sprint times using electronic photocells (Smart Speed Lite), change-of-direction performance via the Illinois Agility Test, and lower-body explosive power via the Countermovement Jump test (Smart Jump mat).
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants performed a 4 vs. 4 directional possession game ("4v4 Transition Possession") in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks.
Behavioral: Small-Sided Games Protocol · Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training
Participants performed a 20-meter repeated sprint training protocol (100% maximal effort, 20s active rest between repetitions, 3-4 min rest between sets) in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks.
Behavioral: Repeated Sprint Protocol · Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training
Participants engaged exclusively in their regular team soccer training sessions (technical, tactical, and conditioning drills) 3 days per week for 6 weeks, without any additional specialized sprint or small-sided game interventions.
Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training
4 vs. 4 transition possession game played 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2 min rest between sets.
20-meter linear repeated sprints at 100% maximal effort 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6), with 20s active recovery between reps and 3-4 min rest between sets.
Standard technical, tactical, and physical conditioning soccer training sessions directed by the team's head coach.
10-Meter Sprint Time
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate short-distance acceleration. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
20-Meter Sprint Time
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate maximal linear speed. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Illinois Agility Test Time
Evaluated using electronic photocell gates to assess change-of-direction ability and reactivity on a 10x5 meter course. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Countermovement Jump Height
Lower-body explosive power was measured using a jump mat system (Smart Speed Lite Smart Jump). Participants performed maximal vertical jumps with hands on hips. The best height of two trials was recorded in centimeters.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Wingate Peak Power
Maximal anaerobic power evaluated via a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test on a Monark 834 E bicycle ergometer with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Wingate Mean Power
Anaerobic capacity evaluated via a 30-second Wingate test. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Body Fat Percentage
Evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis using Tanita BC-418 MA to measure total body fat percentage (%).
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Fat-Free Mass
Evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis using Tanita BC-418 MA to assess lean body mass in kilograms.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Body Mass Index
Calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²) using Tanita BC-418 MA.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Plan to share: No — IPD will not be made publicly available to protect participant privacy and maintain confidentiality. Aggregated statistical data and summary results are fully presented within the published study/thesis and are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable academic request.
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Bitlis Eren University