Comparative analysis of performance data from various small-sided games with match data

Abstract Background Small-sided games (SSGs) represent one of the most popular football-specific training methods; however, their capacity to replicate the external load demands imposed during official competitive matches requires systematic investigation across different formats and competition levels. Methods This retrospective observational study compared external load parameters derived from four SSG formats (4vs4 + 3, 8vs8 + 1, 9vs9 + 1, 10vs10) with official match data from twenty professional male footballers (age: 27 ± 5.47 years; body mass: 79.56 ± 8.34 kg; height: 182.30 ± 6.38 cm) competing in the UEFA Conference League, Super League, and National Cup. External load variables including total distance (m), high-speed running distance (> 19.8 km/h), sprint distance (> 25 km/h), high metabolic power distance (> 25 W/kg), acceleration (> 2 m/s²), and deceleration (> 2 m/s²) were collected using 10 Hz GPS technology across 12 weeks of training and official matches. Results Statistical analysis revealed that the 10vs10 format produced external load values comparable to National Cup matches for multiple parameters, while the 8vs8 + 1 format demonstrated similarity to both Super League and Conference League fixtures. Conversely, the 4vs4 + 3 format was insufficient for approximating match-related physical demands across all parameters examined (p < 0.001). Sprint distance exhibited an exceptionally large effect size (η²=0.968), reflecting the substantial limitation of all SSG formats in approximating match sprint demands. Furthermore, all SSG formats produced significantly elevated acceleration-deceleration values compared to official matches. Conclusions These findings indicate that larger SSG formats more closely approximate selected match demands total, high-speed running, high metabolic power), though all SSG formats underrepresent sprint distance and produce elevated acceleration-deceleration frequencies compared to official matches.