Effects of small-sided games on speed and change of direction in ball possession in u-15 soccer players
Keywords:
Small-sided games, ball possession, speed, change of direction, youth football.Abstract
In U-15 youth football, ball possession depends on the synergy between explosive speed and efficiency in changes of direction. Traditional procedures and methods often isolate these physical capacities, limiting the response to real-game situations. To determine how a small-sided games (SSG) program influences speed, change of direction, and ball possession in the U-15 category. This is quantitative research with an explanatory scope, applying a pre-experimental design (pretest-posttest). The sample consists of 18 players. A 12-week intervention (3 sessions/week) was implemented through physical-technical circuits and games. The 20m Sprint Test, Illinois Agility Test, and systematic observation sheets were applied. Significant improvements were observed in linear speed, where 89% of the group achieved satisfactory levels. Agility results improved, eliminating the “Poor” level (which represented 34% in the initial diagnosis). Regarding the technical dimension, passing accuracy after a turn reached an increase in mean from 2.0 to 3.8. Small-sided games constitute a superior strategy for youth football, as they integrate physical demands with decision-making, optimizing the footballer’s ability to maintain possession under competitive pressure.
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