SMALL-SIDED GAMES

Small Sided Games

Small-Sided Games

Title

Study of the differences between traditional training methods and recently designed Aerobic Conditioning, used to train team athletes, in order to ascertain their efficiency during performance.

Aim of the Study

The aim of this study undertaken is to evaluate whether traditional training methods or small-sided conditioning games of Aerobic Conditioning are most effective in generating high level of aerobic function and fitness among team athletes.

Objectives

The objective of this descriptive independent study is to determine the outcome of small-sided games in team trainings for various games as football, basketball, soccer and the likes.

The study is undertaken to probe into the idea that underlie the effectiveness of small-sided games when compared with traditional training methods.

The study would point through substantial investigation on above mentioned objectives that whether the effectiveness and efficiency associated with small-sided games is perceived or actual.

Rationale

This study is important to be conducted when considered in the light that it will provide with a definite idea regarding the efficiency of Aerobic Conditioning methods for training. This research should be undertaken because there is significant cost attached with the use of any training method; be it traditional training method or conditioning methods, and if those methods fail to deliver potential performances and results, then it is waste of resources; resources not being only money but times and efforts also count.

This research would be beneficial to the trainers and coach who provide extensive training and guidance to team athletes and coaches. It will assist coaches through various resources designed at the back of this research that will help them structure games and training programs so as to optimize conditioning benefits.

Research suggests that SSGs of Aerobic Conditioning are popular training drill for players of all ages regardless of the level at which they play and it is gaining huge recognition in the sports world (Hill-Haas et al., 2011, pp. 199). The loophole in the research finding is that it posed relatively little information regarding how SSGs can best be used to improve capacities, skills and performance of sportsmen (Stone, 2007). Coaches usually alter certain variables as number of players, pitch space per player, use of goalkeeper as way to increase intensity of training to influence performance but due to lack of consistency across trainings, well-rounded result has not been found (Stone & Kilding, 2009, pp. 630).

Literature Review

Skill-based conditioning games or small-sided games (SSGs) are mainly characterized by limited number of players with reduced pitch area per player and some other modified rules as compared to the traditional variant of the SSG. It has evolved from street-based version of the games that are informal and unstructured. The reason behind its adoption as training model in many clubs and by various professional sports associations is its linkage to the practicality of the real sports (Owen, 2003). Although it is a simulation of the real sport, it provides a trainee with hands-on experience through bouts of matches coupled with stress and pressure (Little, 2009, ...