| Factors affecting the exercise intensity of small-sided games |
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When carrying out fitness training with the ball one should make sure that players are actually exercising at the desired intensity.
A way to manipulate the intensity during small-sided games is to change variables such as field dimension, number of players involved and verbal encouragement. This study has shown that different combinations of these factors may lead to a variety of intensities resulting in ranges from ~84% of maximal heart rate (blood lactate concentration of ~3.4 mmol/L) during a six-a-side game on small pitch without coach encouragement, to ~91% of maximal heart rate (blood lactate concentration of ~6.5 mmol/L) during a three-a-side game on a larger pitch with coach encouragement. These results also show that small-sided games represent a valid aerobic training stimulus. Recommendations: Aerobic training should be performed primarily with the ball. Coaches can modulate the intensity of small-sided games by varying the number of players, field dimension and the encouragement given. Rampinini E, Impellizzeri FM, Castagna C, Abt G, Chamari K, Sassi A, Marcora SM.
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