Periodization Based on Small-Sided Soccer Games: Theoretical Considerations

SMALL-SIDED GAMES ARE USUALLY USED IN SOCCER TRAINING TO DEVELOP ELEMENTS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL, TECHNICAL, AND TACTICAL PERFORMANCE. NEVERTHELESS, FEW STUDIES HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ANALYZE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OR PROVIDE METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRAINING PERIODIZATION USING SUCH GAMES. THUS, THE AIM OF THIS PAPER IS TO REVIEW THE GENERAL EFFECTS OF SMALL-SIDED GAMES IN TERMS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES. AS A RESULT, A SMALL REVIEW WAS DEVELOPED TO CONSIDER SOME METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS TO IMPLEMENT IN SOCCER TRAINING. FINALLY, AN EXAMPLE WAS PROPOSED OF A WEEK SPENT CARRYING OUT SOCCER MICROCYCLES AND ORIENTATIONS IN ORDER TO ADOPT SMALL-SIDED GAMES FOR EACH SESSION.