EFFECTS OF PITCH SIZE ON INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LOAD IN 4V4+1 SMALL - SIDED SOCCER GAMES
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study and compare the effects of pitch size on internal and external load in 4v4+1small - sided soccer games. The sample consisted of 20 male professional soccer players aged 19-25 years from Thai League 3, selected through purposive sampling using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Participants were divided into four teams of 4 players each, plus 4 floaters. Training was conducted on two pitch sizes: small (32 x 25 meters) and large (40 x 30 meters), with 4 sets of 4 minutes and 4-minute rest intervals between sets. The intensity was measured using a heart rate monitor and motion activity tracking. The statistical analysis was conducted using a Paired Samples t-test, with the level of statistical significance set at 0.05.
The results showed that for internal load, there were no statistically significant differences between the two pitch sizes. However, training on the larger pitch tended to produce higher maximum heart rate, average heart rate, and time spent in the 90-100% heart rate zone compared to the smaller pitch. For external load, significant differences (p < .05) were found in total distance covered and high-intensity running distance, with the larger pitch producing higher values than the smaller pitch.
In conclusion, different pitch sizes resulted in varying training loads. Coaches can select appropriate pitch sizes based on training objectives, with larger pitches being suitable for developing match-specific fitness, while smaller pitches increase the frequency of intense movements. Pitch size should be adjusted according to training goals and players' fitness levels.
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