Analysis of the physical and technical differences between 7-a-side and 8-a-side game modalities in official under 12 soccer matches

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to compare physical and technical performance in two types of small sided games (7-a-side and 8-a-side) during official under 12 soccer matches. 154 male under 12 regional soccer players (10.7 ± .8 years) participated in the study. The participants were categorised into two soccer-groups, 76 were classed in the 7-a-side and 78 in the 8-a-side game modality. Physical variables during the matches were assessed using Global Positioning System technology. The matches were video-taped, and each individual technical action was notated afterward. The 7-a-side game modality showed higher values for high-intensity distance (p < .001), very high intensity distance (p < .001); sprint distance (p = .037); and total distance (p < .001) covered and work/rest ratio (p = .005) than the 8-a-side game modality. In addition, an increased number of attacking movements was recorded in the 7-a-side game modality (.16 ± .13 vs. .10 ± .09 m·min-1; p = .001). In conclusion, the 7-a-side game modality included a greater number of physical and technical skills than the 8-a-side game in the under 12 soccer players. Therefore, it would be recommendable to use the 7-a-side game modality to favour better physical–technical development in young soccer players.

Keywords:

• Youth
• game analysis
• team sport
• soccer
• performance

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the participants for their contribution to the study.