Comparisons of interval and continuous small-sided games on physiological and technical responses in futsal players

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different game formats on the physiological and technical responses of recreational futsal players during interval and continuous small-sided games (SSG). Sixteen male recreational futsal players (age = 21.50 ± 1.21 years; height= 179.19 ± 7.01; weight: 72.81 ± 6.48) played interval and continuous SSG. The SSG interventions were assigned randomly to two training intervention groups, utilizing goalkeeper-based SSGs in both interval and continuous game forms. The games were played on a futsal half-court (20m x 20m) 4 vs 4 with a goalkeeper. Continuous game was played as 1 x 24 min, intermittent game was played as 6 x 4 min. In interval games, 4 minutes of rest is given between sets. The internal load was evaluated utilizing the heart rate (HR), rating of perceived effort (RPE) and enjoyment scale. Technical activities were carried out by utilizing video footage that was taken throughout all SSG sessions. Paired Sample T test analysis was performed to evaluate significant differences in performance between interval and continuous SSGs. After the interventions, HR, RPE, enjoyment, successful passes, unsuccessful passes, successful shot, unsuccessful shot, ball win ball lost and goal scores showed no significant difference between the interval and continuous SSG (p > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the results, it was observed that continuous game results were higher than interval game in heart rate and RPE values. The results indicate that continuous games create a greater physiological load. Future research may enhance the generalizability of results by conducting games with fewer participants on identical playing fields.