Pitch dimension

Original Paper during transition games DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.124848

Different pitch configurations constrain the external and internal

loads of young professional soccer players during transition games
AUTHORS: Jose A. Asian-Clemente1,2,3, Alberto Rabano-Muñoz1, Luis Suarez-Arrones2,3,4, Corresponding author:
Bernardo Requena3 Jose Antonio Asian-Clemente
Universidad Pablo de Olavide
ctra Utrera km 1
1
Real Betis Balompié, Performance Department, Seville, Spain 41500 Seville, Spain
2 Tel.: +34 954977601
Department of Sport Sciences, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
3 E-mail: [email protected]
Football Science Institute, Granada, Spain
4
FC Lugano, Performance Departament, Lugano, Switzerland ORCID:
Jose Antonio Asian Clemente
0000-0002-5540-5676
ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to compare the influence of transition game (TG) size on the external
and internal loads of young professional soccer players and to describe the high-speed profile of these drills in Luis Suárez Arrones
response to pitch dimensions. Eighteen young professional soccer players (age: 16.1 ± 0.3 years; height: 0000-0002-5432-4786
178.3 ± 5.4 cm; weight: 70.1 ± 6.2 kg) performed a 3vs2 TG on pitches measuring 40 × 30 m (TG30), 40 × 50 m Bernardo Requena
(TG50) and 40 × 70 m (TG70) m. Distance covered (DC); accelerations-decelerations above 1.0 m · s−2 and 2.5 m · s−2; 0000-0002-2398-5370
rate of perceived exertion (RPE); maximal heart rate and time above 90%; DC at 18.0 to 21.0 km · h−1
Alberto Rabano Muñoz
(DC 18–20.9 km · h−1); DC at 21.0 to 23.9 km · h−1 (DC 21–23.9 km · h−1); DC above 24.0 km · h−1 (DC 0000-0001-9764-7094
> 24 km · h−1); and peak speed and sprint profile (duration, distance and maximal speed) were measured.
TG30 achieved lower DC, DC above 18 km · h−1, peak speed, sprint distance and RPE than TG50 and TG70 (p < 0.01 and
p < 0.05) and lower sprint duration and maximal speed sprint than TG70 (p < 0.01). TG30 and TG50 achieved
higher Acc > 1.0 and > 2.5 m · s−2 respectively than TG70 (p < 0.05). TG70 showed greater DC above 21 km · h−1,
peak speed, sprint distance and maximal speed sprint than TG50 (p < 0.01). Soccer coaches should use larger
TGs to overload variables related to high speed and sprint demands during training and smaller TG formats to
stimulate the accelerations of the soccer players.

CITATION: Asian-Clemente JA, Rabano-Muñoz A, Suarez-Arrones L, Requena B. Different pitch configurations Key words:
constrain the external and internal loads of young professional soccer players during transition Football
games iol Sport. 2023;40(4):1047–1055. High-speed running
GPS
Time-motion
Received: 2022-10-05; Reviewed: 2022-12-31; Re-submitted: 2023-01-18; Accepted: 2023-02-02; Published: 2023-04-07. Physiological demands

INTRODUCTION
Currently training prescriptions follow a game-based approach in moments [10, 11]. Despite the critical importance of the transitions
which ball-drill prescriptions are focused on the game as a whole [1]. in soccer, they have received scarce attention in the scientific litera-
The use of drill-based games such as small-sided games (SSGs) has ture. To date, only one study has investigated the physical demands
become popu­lar since they reflect the multidimensional stimulus of these actions during official matches, confirming that transitions
provided by matches while allowing the coach to alter players’ spe- exceeded the high-speed activities of the matches and nearly half of
cific responses by manipulating various task constraints [2–5]. Despite the game sprint distance [9]. Based on this, it is proposed that train-
their popularity, it has been reported that these soccer tasks do not ing programmes for professional soccer players should be focused
always reproduce the distances covered at high or very high speeds on training high-speed running to improve sprint capacity with pos-
of the matches [6, 7]. Taking into account that during official match- session of the ball through transitional specific exercises [12], but
es counter-attacks are the actions in which players have to run at only one study has analysed these drills during soccer training, show-
high or very high speeds [8] and that during the transitions the ing that TGs induce more high-intensity requirements and lower
high-speed activities are 7–9-fold greater than the 90-min de- variability in players’ responses than do small- and large-sided
mands [9], coaches mostly choose transition games (TG) to develop games [13]. By contrast, other training strategies such as supple-
these running skills in professional soccer through a specific game mentary time-efficient challenges in the form of high-speed straight
context. TGs are soccer tasks in which players continuously have to runs, running involving directional changes, repeated sprints or
complete counter-attack situations using fast attacking and defensive modified-sided games have been widely studied [14]. For example,
transitions. Transitions or counter-attacks are crucial phases of the studies have demonstrated that introducing 30 s of running drills in
game since they have been found to be the most effective style of a small-sided game, or changing zones during small-sided games,
play for scoring goals, with more risks taking place during these increases the distance covered by players at moderate and high

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 Jose A. Asian-Clemente et al.

speeds to a larger extent than the same tasks without these con- Procedures
straints [8, 15]. Considering this, coaches should develop TGs that Data were collected during the 2021–2022 season. External and
stimulate the maximum physical outputs of the soccer players, and internal training loads in the same TGs with three different pitch
the manipulation of the pitch size during these drills needs to be dimensions were monitored, as shown in Figure 1. TGs were per-
examined [9]. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to compare formed in random order, being chosen by two professional coaches
the influence of the TG pitch size on external and internal loads in with experience in analysing different match situations: counter-at-
young professional soccer players and (2) to describe the high speed tacks near to the opposite goal; counter-attacks in the field; and
profile of these training drills with different pitch dimensions. counter-attacks near to the own goal (representative images of each
format during official matches are provided in Figure 2). For the TGs,
MATERIALS AND METHODS players were divided into balanced teams according to technical and
Subjects tactical level, competitive experience, player positions and the subjec-
Eighteen young soccer players (age: 16.1 ± 0.3 years; height: tive evaluation of the coaches. Similarly to previous published
178.3 ± 5.4 cm; weight: 70.1 ± 6.2 kg) from the professional acad- work [13], two teams of 9 players operated in groups of 3 players
emy of a Spanish first division club participated in this study. Goal- trying to score a goal in a 3 vs 2 counter-attack where 3 players
keepers also participated in the TGs but were excluded from the performed an offensive role and 2 were in a defensive role. After the
data analysis. Players participated in five training sessions first move, regardless of whether it was a goal or a ball loss, the
(80–120 min duration) and one competitive match (normally on defensive group rested and another three players from the same team
Sunday) per week. Although the data were the result of the daily attacked, causing a defensive transition in the opponent group. This
workload monitoring during the training of the team, all players were action was repeated alternately between teams. Two consecutive
informed of the aims, requirements, benefits and risks of the study, actions were performed because it has been demonstrated that in
and provided written and informed consent to participate. The re- official matches the mean and peak duration of transitions were
search procedure was approved by the research ethics committee around 10 s and 22–27 s respectively [9]. To avoid any disruption
of the local university and was conducted in accordance with the of play, coaches were prepared to introduce balls as needed, and
Declaration of Helsinki. they verbally encouraged the players to maintain a high work rate

FIG. 1. Graphical representation of TGs.

TG = transition games; numbers 1 to 8 represent the evolution of all moments of each TG.

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 Pitch dimension during transition games

during the TG bouts. Several reasons justify the 3vs2 formats used. bouts and 2 min of passive recovery between bouts. Different versions
On one hand, investigations carried out on the match analysis in of the transition game were evaluated on Wednesday (match day
football have demonstrated that situations of numerical inequality -4 and after day-off). The soccer players in this study were well fa-
often occur in competitive matches [16, 17]. On the other hand, miliarized with these games because they were repeated several
some authors have suggested that less tactical complexity (few play- times during the season, being a frequent drill used by all the acad-
ers) can facilitate adequate learning [18]. Finally, as can be seen in emy coaches. For the analysis, the transition games were performed
Figure 2, it is common in professional soccer. Similarly, the size of three times.
2 2 2
the TGs (relative area per player of 240 m , 400 m and 560 m in
the TG30, TG50 and TG70 respectively) were chosen following the Measures
literature, where it has been stated that it is necessary to have a rel- External and internal loads were monitored using a GPS system
ative area per player of ~288 m2 [4] or even greater, of 300 m2 [19], (Kinexon GNSS, Precision Technologies, Munich, Germany). Total
to obtain the maximal running requirements during a drill-based distance covered (DC), number of accelerations and decelerations
game. Following a standardised 20 min warm-up, a 20-min transi- above 1.0 m · s−2 and 2.5 m · s−2 (Acc > 1.0 m · s−2, Acc > 2.5 m · s−2,
tion game was performed, distributed as follows: 2 min explanation, Dec > 1.0 m · s−2 and Dec > 2.5 m · s−2), rate of perceived exertion
12 min transition game using an intermittent format of 3 × 4 min (RPE), maximal heart rate (HRmax) and time above 90% of maximal

FIG. 2. Examples of the three TGs during official matches.

A = counter-attacks near to the opposite goal; B = counter-attack in the field, C = counter-attacks near to own goal. Numbers
1 = initial stage of the TG; 2 and 3 = middle stage of the TG; 4 = final stage of the TG.

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 Jose A. Asian-Clemente et al.

heart rate (HR > 90) were recorded to quantify the external and in- RESULTS
ternal load. External load was evaluated through the high-speed Descriptive statistics for the DC, accelerations-decelerations and
profile of the players, using the variables distance covered between internal load metrics measured during the three TGs are presented
18.0 and 20.9 km · h−1 (DC 18–20.9 km · h−1); distance covered in Table 1, and Figures 3, 4 and 5. The comparisons of the high
−1 −1
between 21.0 and 23.9 km · h (DC 21–23.9 km · h ); distance speed profile variables are presented in Table 2 and Figures 3 and
−1 −1
covered at above 24.0 km · h (DC > 24 km · h ); peak speed; 6. The data analyses showed that TG30 reached significantly lower
and sprint profile (duration, distance and maximal speed). Most of DC, DC 18–20.9 km · h−1, DC 21–23.9 km · h−1, DC > 24 km · h−1,
these variables have been used previously in the literature [13]. peak speed, sprint distance and RPE than TG50 and TG70 (p < 0.01 for
all comparisons except RPE between TG30 and TG50 where p < 0.05),
Statistical analysis and lower sprint duration and maximal speed sprint than
Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). All variables TG70 (p < 0.01). TG30 and TG50 achieved significantly higher Acc
presented a normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test). Differences be- > 1.0 and > 2.5 m · s−2 respectively than TG 70 (p < 0.05).
tween dependent internal and external loads in each transition game TG70 achieved significantly greater DC 21–23.9 km · h−1, DC
were determined using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. > 24 km · h−1, peak speed, sprint distance and maximal speed sprint
Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to identify significant differ- than TG50 (p < 0.01).
ences between parameters in each format. The level of statistical
significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. All statistical analyses were per- DISCUSSION
formed using SPSS (version 19, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The In the present study we investigated the influence of three different
standardized differences of effect size (ES, 95% confidence inter- pitch sizes in TGs on the external/internal load and the speed profile
val [95%CI]) in the selected variables were calculated. Threshold in young professional soccer players. To the best of our knowledge
values for assessing magnitudes of the ES (changes as a fraction or this is the first study that has analysed the effect of pitch size during
multiple of baseline standard deviation) were > 0.20, 0.20, 0.60, TGs in locomotor intensity metrics. In general, the results show that
1.2 and 2.0 for trivial, small, moderate, large and very large, respec- enlarging the pitch size increased the total distance covered, the
tively [20]. speed profile and the rate of perceived exertion of the players. It was

TABLE 1. Comparison of external and internal load of TG analysed.

Mean ± SD p value ES ± SD
TG30 vs. TG30 vs. TG50 vs. F TG30 vs. TG30 vs. TG50 vs.
TG30 TG50 TG70
TG50 TG70 TG70 TG50 TG70 TG70
1203.9 1457.8 1475.9 1.11 1.22 0.17
DC (m) 0.000 0.000 0.150 35.2
± 100.9 ± 164.4 ± 160.2 ± 0.24 ± 0.20 ± 0.20
#Acc 9.1 7.4 5.7 -0.46 -0.81 -0.13
0.105 0.017 0.495 12.3
> 1.0 m · s−2 ± 3.0 ± 2.8 ± 2.3 ± 0.47 ± 0.51 ± 0.34
#Acc 9.9 10.1 6.1 0.25 -0.54 -0.61
0.619 0.097 0.023 11.7
> 2.5 m · s−2 ± 4.5 ± 3.7 ± 2.7 ± 0.88 ± 0.53 ± 0.42
#Dec 6.8 6.9 5.2 -0.11 -0.49 -0.28
0.740 0.134 0.251 3.3
> 1.0 m · s−2 ± 3.4 ± 2.8 ± 2.4 ± 0.58 ± 0.55 ± 0.42
#Dec 6.1 7.4 4.9 -0.24 0.01 0.16
0.425 0.970 0.604 6.1
> 2.5 m · s−2 ± 2.9 ± 3.5 ± 2.1 ± 0.53 ± 0.53 ± 0.54
208.3 202.9 207.5 0.21 0.08 -0.11
HR max 0.385 0.640 0.627 1.2
± 9.2 ± 19.7 ± 12.3 ± 0.41 ± 0.29 ± 0.39
107.8 109.9 125.9 -0.10 0.09 -0.09
HR > 90 (s) 0.686 0.795 0.783 0.5
± 174.1 ± 161.4 ± 156.7 ± 0.45 ± 0.61 ± 0.60
4.3 5.8 6.4 1.07 0.74 0.14
RPE (AU) 0.000 0.048 0.575 27.7
± 1.1 ± 1.2 ± 1.1 ± 0.45 ± 0.59 ± 0.40

SD = standard deviation; ES = Effect Size; TG = Transition games; DC = total distance covered; #Acc = number of accelerations;
#Dec = number of decelerations; HR = Heart Rate; max = maximal; HR > 90 = time above 90% of maximal heart rate; RPE = rate
of perceived exertion.

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FIG. 3. External load: distance covered and speed.

TG = transition games; DC = total distance covered; max = maximal.

FIG. 4. External load: accelerations and decelerations.

TG = transition games; #Acc = number of accelerations; #Dec = number of decelerations

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 Jose A. Asian-Clemente et al.

also observed that mechanical load was practically unaffected by studies have shown that enlarging the pitch size led players to cov-
format size and only the number of accelerations was higher in the er greater total, running, and sprinting distances per minute than
smallest pitch format. smaller formats with the same playing conditions [23–25]. Our re-
In the relevant literature it has been shown that one of the main sults reinforce this idea, showing different load patterns in the dif-
variables influencing training load during the development of vari- ferent playing dimensions proposed. In particular, larger pitch sizes
ously sided games is the pitch size [21, 22]. In general, most caused more high-speed running, sprint and peak speed demands
during TGs. In accordance with previous published literature, these
results may be due to two main factors. Firstly, there is a different
relative area per player in the three different TGs proposed
(TG30 = 240 m2; TG50 = 400 m2; TG70 = 560 m2), as has been
demonstrated in variously sided games [19, 25, 26]. In the present
study, when the relative area per player was increased from the
TG30 format (240 m2) there was an increase in all the variables of
the high-speed profile of the players, with the exceptions of sprint
duration (between TG30 vs TG50 and TG50 vs TG70) and maximal
sprint velocity (between TG30 vs TG50) (see Table 2). For some of
these variables the enhancement observed was very significant, such
as in DC > 24 km · h−1 (m) in which players covered 94% more dis-
tance in TG50 in comparison with TG30, and 62% more distance in
TG70 than in TG50 (see Table 2). Further studies analysing the tech-
nical and tactical behaviours of the players during these TGs would
be necessary to determine which soccer actions are performed dur-
ing these displacements at higher speeds.
Secondly, the length:width ratio of each TG proposed (0.75,
1.25 and 1.75 arbitrary units for TG30, TG50 and TG70, respective-
ly) could also have impacted the load. Previous studies have shown
that a longer pitch provides more distance between the goalkeeper
and the last defender, allowing the offensive players to exploit it by
covering greater distances, more distance at higher intensities, and
engaging in greater acceleration [27–29]. In line with these results,
we observed that higher length:width ratios were associated with in-
creased high-speed and very high-speed running. TGs are drills de-
veloped to simulate the counter-attacking situations that players ex-
perience in competition. These situations are characterized by the
team in possession of the ball having large spaces in front of the op-
ponent’s goal, with a low defensive opposition. This could explain
why higher length:width ratios better simulate the speeds players
produce in these situations in competition. However, in the present
study, higher ratios were associated with higher relative areas per
player. Further studies comparing TGs with same area per player and
different length:width ratios are needed to elucidate the role of this
variable format.
Comparison of our results with the only other work carried out on
TGs [13] showed that the formats of 50 m and 70 m produced more
similarities with the TG proposed previously (60 m) in terms of DC
(1426.5 ± 100.7) DC 18–20.9 km · h−1 (201.5 ± 40.4), peak speed
(27.0 ± 1.7) and RPE (6.4 ± 0.8). Likewise, it could be hypothesised
that the performance for the variables DC 21–23.9 km · h−1 and DC
FIG. 5. Internal load.
RPE = rate of perceived exertion; AU = arbitrary units; HR = heart > 24 km · h−1 would be the same, but unfortunately they uniquely
rate; max = maximal; bpm = beats per minute; HR > 90 = time registered the DC > 21 km · h−1 (255.9 ± 96.6), adding the distance
above 90% of maximal heart rate. covered > 24 km · h−1 to this zone, so these exercises are adequate

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 Pitch dimension during transition games

TABLE 2. Comparison of high speed profile of TG analysed.

Mean ± SD p value ES ± SD
TG30 vs. TG30 vs. TG50 vs. F TG30 vs. TG30 vs. TG50 vs.
TG30 TG50 TG70
TG50 TG70 TG70 TG50 TG70 TG70
65.5 185.5 172.7 1.98 1.88 -0.05
DC 18–20.9 km · h−1 (m) 0.000 0.000 0.680 60.4
± 37.6 ± 55.6 ± 49.3 ± 0.34 ± 0.42 ± 0.19
21.4 119.6 159.1 2.31 2.73 0.48
DC 21–23.9 km · h−1 (m) 0.000 0.000 0.001 93.7
± 19.3 ± 50.7 ± 46.0 ± 0.39 ± 0.44 ± 0.22
2.8 46.0 121.3 1.97 2.66 0.97
DC > 24 km · h−1 (m) 0.000 0.000 0.000 76.6
± 5.4 ± 32.1 ± 58.9 ± 0.49 ± 0.46 ± 0.32
22.9 26.6 28.8 1.54 2.32 0.78
Max Speed (km · h−1) 0.000 0.000 0.000 88.2
± 2.0 ± 1.7 ± 1.7 ± 0.28 ± 0.30 ± 0.26
1.7 2.2 3.3 0.31 1.06 0.62
Spr Duration (s) 0.147 0.000 0.057 40.9
± 0.7 ± 0.9 ± 1.6 ± 0.35 ± 0.31 ± 0.52
11.8 15.1 23.1 0.36 0.93 0.57
Spr Distance (m) 0.032 0.000 0.000 40.8
± 5.3 ± 6.9 ± 11.2 ± 0.27 ± 0.27 ± 0.14
25.0 25.2 26.0 0.11 0.64 0.35
Spr Max Speed (km · h−1) 0.505 0.003 0.000 12.1
± 1.2 ± 1.5 ± 1.9 ± 0.27 ± 0.34 ± 0.15

SD = standard deviation; ES = Effect size; TG = transition games; DC = total distance covered; max = maximal; Spr = Sprint.

FIG. 6. Sprint profile

TG = transition games; Spr = sprint.

to train high- and very-high speed running in counter-attack con- prevention, and considering the need to create specific collective ex-
texts [13]. In contrast, mechanical load variables (see Table 1) were ercises that accumulate high speed running during soccer training ses-
practically unaffected by the different pitch sizes studied. Dec did not sions [32, 33], TGs could also be used as collective preventive work-
change and Acc > 1.0 and > 2.5 m · s−2 were only significantly less outs. TG50 and TG70 could be considered suitable for preparing young
in the largest format with respect to the smallest (TG30 vs TG70) and soccer players for elite teams because both sizes showed similar val-
the medium format (TG50 vs TG70) respectively. These results agree ues for sprint duration, sprint distance, and mean and maximal speed
with others previously reported for small- to large-sided games in sprint to those found in high-intensity actions of professional players
which smaller pitch dimensions were associated with greater mechan- during regular matches [34] Another important aspect of this work is
ical load on the players [29–31]. Previous published work on TGs [13] that there were no differences in the HRmax and HR > 90 between TGs,
noted greater Acc (> 1.0 m · s−2 = 24.0 ± 5.1; > 2.5 m · s−2 so the three formats could be considered suitable for eliciting impor-
−2 −2
= 19.9 ± 3.6) and Dec > 1.0 and > 2.5 m · s (> 1.0 m · s tant cardiopulmonary adaptations, as suggested by Buchheit and
12.0 ± 3.2; > 2.5 m · s−2 = 14.3 ± 3.5) than were measured in the Laursen [35].
current investigation of TGs, indicating the need to continue examin- Although this study presents novel results from commonly used
ing Acc and Dec during TGs. In addition, considering that high-speed training drills, some methodological limitations should be considered.
sprint training is considered a key factor for hamstring injury Firstly, a relatively small number of players were included for

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 Jose A. Asian-Clemente et al.

analysis and they came from only one club. However, taking into ac- Practical applications
count the limited sample of professional soccer players at an elite These results could help the planning process of exercise design in
academy, the data obtained may be useful to help coaches and sport soccer. Considering that coaches periodize the highest weekly train-
scientists to understand the load orientation of TGs depending on the ing load in the middle of the week [5, 36], TG70 and TG50 should be
selected pitch size. Also, a specific format of TGs (3vs2) was stud- used to overload variables related to high speeds and sprints in this
ied, and although this format is very frequent in soccer, other TG com- phase of the microcycle, for example, four or three days before the
positions should be studied and included in future research, in order match. Similarly, technical staff could use TG30 during the latter part
to gain a better grasp of the features of TGs. Future studies should of the week (two days before the match) due to the lower load re-
analyse TGs performed with a larger sample involving soccer players quirements. In this sense, soccer teams could train a specific coun-
from different professional academies executing the same task. Like- ter-attack drill any day of the week depending on the desired training
wise, it appears necessary to monitor the training load of TGs carried load or the days remaining before the match, this last aspect being
out with different compositions, for example, 1vs1 and 2vs1. especially important during congested periods.

CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows the internal and external responses of the
soccer players to different modifications of the pitch size during the Acknowledgements
TGs. The results of the present investigation reflect that the total No sources of funding were used in the preparation of this article.
distance covered, the speed requirements and the rate of perceived
exertion of the players increase as the pitch size is increased, while
the only variable that is greater in the smaller pitches is the number Conflict of interest declaration
of accelerations. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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