A Comparative Analysis of Physical Demands Across Different Small-Sided Game Formats in a South African Premier Soccer League Team.
- 1Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Dikeni 5700, South Africa.
- 2Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa.
- 3Department of Health, Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Abstract
Background: Anecdotal evidence shows that small-sided games (SSGs) are the most preferred training method, as they integrate the reality of a match into training. However, it remains unclear which specific format/size best replicates the demands of competitive matches. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the physical demands associated with different SSG formats used by a South African Premier Soccer League team. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from players within the same team using PlayerTek (10 Hz) GPS devices. Variables measured included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance, power plays, top-end speed, and distance covered per minute. Small-sided games were categorized by player number: small (5v5), medium (6v6 and 7v7), and large (8v8, 9v9, and 10v10). Results: Physical demands varied significantly across SSG formats (p = 0.001). Total distance covered was greater in 5v5 and 10v10 formats compared to 6v6 and 7v7. The 10v10 format showed higher high-intensity running distances than all other formats. Similar trends were observed for top-end speed and power plays, although 5v5 games recorded more power plays than 6v6, 7v7, and 9v9 formats. Additionally, 5v5 formats were associated with greater distance covered per minute than 7v7, 9v9, and 10v10 formats. Conclusions: Different SSG formats were characterized by distinct physical demands on players. Larger SSGs, particularly 10v10, were associated with greater high-intensity running and maximal-speed actions, whereas 5v5 formats were associated with greater relative work rates and repeated high-intensity efforts. These findings may assist coaches when selecting SSG formats according to specific training objectives.
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BibTeX
@article{rhini2026comparative,
title = {{A Comparative Analysis of Physical Demands Across Different Small-Sided Game Formats in a South African Premier Soccer League Team.}},
author = {Mduduzi Rhini and Robert Hickner and Rowena Naidoo and Takshita Sookan-Kassie},
journal = {Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/jfmk11040412},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42924691},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A Comparative Analysis of Physical Demands Across Different Small-Sided Game Formats in a South African Premier Soccer League Team.
AU - Mduduzi Rhini
AU - Robert Hickner
AU - Rowena Naidoo
AU - Takshita Sookan-Kassie
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/08
JO - Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology
DO - 10.3390/jfmk11040412
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42924691
AB - Background: Anecdotal evidence shows that small-sided games (SSGs) are the most preferred training method, as they integrate the reality of a match into training. However, it remains unclear which specific format/size best replicates the demands of competitive matches. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the physical demands associated with different SSG formats used by a South African Premier Soccer League team. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from players within the same team using PlayerTek (10 Hz) GPS devices. Variables measured included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance, power plays, top-end speed, and distance covered per minute. Small-sided games were categorized by player number: small (5v5), medium (6v6 and 7v7), and large (8v8, 9v9, and 10v10). Results: Physical demands varied significantly across SSG formats (p = 0.001). Total distance covered was greater in 5v5 and 10v10 formats compared to 6v6 and 7v7. The 10v10 format showed higher high-intensity running distances than all other formats. Similar trends were observed for top-end speed and power plays, although 5v5 games recorded more power plays than 6v6, 7v7, and 9v9 formats. Additionally, 5v5 formats were associated with greater distance covered per minute than 7v7, 9v9, and 10v10 formats. Conclusions: Different SSG formats were characterized by distinct physical demands on players. Larger SSGs, particularly 10v10, were associated with greater high-intensity running and maximal-speed actions, whereas 5v5 formats were associated with greater relative work rates and repeated high-intensity efforts. These findings may assist coaches when selecting SSG formats according to specific training objectives.
SN - 2411-5142
ER -