Effect of altering the number of players, the dimensions of the playing area and the playing rules on the number of selected technical skills performed, possession characteristics, physiological responses and levels of enjoyment and perceived competence during gaelic football in prepubescent and adolescent boys

Small sided games have been advocated as an alternative to traditional 15-a-side Gaelic football games for children. Three studies were undertaken to compare the number and types of skills performed, possession characteristics (time, number of players and number of skills performed per possession), physiological responses and levels of enjoyment and perceived competence in children between the age of 10 and 14 years during small sided games and 15-a-side games. The first two studies examined the effect of altering the number of players and the dimensions of the playing area. The third study examined the effect of altering the playing rules while keeping the number of players and playing area constant. The number of skills performed was generally higher in the small sided games than the 15-a-side games. With the exception of the 7-a-side vs 15-a-side game there was generally no difference in possession characteristics, physiological responses or levels of enjoyment between small sided games and the 15-a-side game. Playing rules influenced the levels of enjoyment among 10 year old boys during small sided games. Perceived competence was similar in small sided games and 15-a-side games. Conclusion Among children between the ages of 10-14 years, small sided Gaelic football games are a viable alternative to traditional 15-a-side games