Heart rate response comparison of young soccer plyers in “cage” small-sided and 8vs8 games

Aim: Small-sided games are widely used training methods because they permit the trainer to focus on technical/tactical and physical aspects at the same time. The study also aims to investigate and compare the cardiac responses assessed during 3 vs. 3 games played in a “cage” compared with 8 vs. 8 games played with goal keepers and to understand the correlation between the values of aerobic power and heart rate measured during small-sided games. Methods: 16 young soccer players. Results: The assessment of aerobic power, measured by means of the Leger test, revealed a mean VO2max value equal to 54.23 ± 3.89 ml/kg/min. The results showed statistically significant differences between 3vs3 cage and 8vs8 for % mean heart rate (88±2,7 vs 77±3,8, p<0.0005) and % max heart rate (94,6±1,5 vs 88,6±2,9, p<0.0005). A significant negative correlation emerged between the VO2max and % mean heart rate during the first period (r=-0.873, p<0.01), the second period (r=-0.678, p<0.05) and the third period (r=-0.615, p