Comparison of physical demands in small sided games and competition in football players under 13

The aim of the study was to compare the physical demands, based on the physical profile of each player, of three small sided games, modifying the relative pitch area per player, and the physical demands of the competition. The jumping capacity was also tested after each small sided games. A total of 12 football players under 13 participated in the study. The three small sided games and football matches were monitored using GPS devices: 3x3 (51 m2/p), 4x4 (90 m(2)/p) y 5x5 (144 m(2)/p) and 7 competition matches. Substantial differences (> 75% probability) were found in the physical demands of each small sided game and the competition, even though the jumping capacity was maintained without change. In conclusion, this study suggests that the capacity of small sided games reproduces the physical demands of the real game, although it is necessary mixed training gather high intensity training. An increase in the relative pitch area involves physical demands close to the full sized competition. The decrease of the jumping capacity is not a valid method for quantifying the load on a small sided game, even though it seems a good indicator of the player accumulating fatigue.