Soccer TrainingNCT07408284
Yo-Yo With Ball and Small-Sided Games Intervention
A study testing Yo-Yo running training, Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training and Small-sided games in people with Soccer Training and Aerobic Capacity, run by University of Macau at 2 sites in Macau.
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the differential effects of three training protocols: traditional Yo-Yo intermittent training, ball-dribbled Yo-Yo intermittent training, and small-sided games (SSGs) on aerobic capacity, anaerobic and exercise enjoyment in adolescent soccer players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 18 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Soccer Training, Aerobic Capacity, Anaerobic Power
- What is being tested?
- Yo-Yo running training, Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training and Small-sided games
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesMacau
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 11 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 13 to 18 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- (1) Aged between 13 and 18 years. (2) At least 1 year of formal soccer training experience. (3) Free from major sports-related injury in the past year. (4) In good general health with no smoking or alcohol consumption habits. (5) No known psychological or psychiatric disorders that may affect participation.
- No participation in similar training interventions within the past 12 months.
- Able to attend scheduled training sessions.
Who cannot join
- (1)Outside the age range of 13-18 years. (2) Less than 1 year of formal soccer training experience. (3) History of major sports-related injury limiting training participation. (4) Presence of chronic disease or unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking or alcohol use).
- Known psychological or psychiatric disorders affecting study compliance. (6) Participation in similar training interventions within the previous 12 months.
- Attendance of fewer than 75% of the 12 planned training sessions.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Macau2 sites
Football court, Yuet Wah College
Macao
UM Kinesiology Lab
Macao
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test With Ball and Small-Sided Games (SSG) on Exercise Performance and Enjoyment in Adolescent Soccer Players
This study aims to investigate the differential effects of three training protocols: traditional Yo-Yo intermittent training, ball-dribbled Yo-Yo intermittent training, and small-sided games (SSGs) on aerobic capacity, anaerobic and exercise enjoyment in adolescent soccer players.
- Being tested
- Yo-Yo running training, Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training, Small-sided games
- Keywords
- Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1, youth team, football, exercise performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Yo-Yo running trainingOther
Also called Running-based High-intensity interval training, Shuttle Running training, R-HIIT
Yo-Yo running training is a form of running-based high-intensity interval training characterized by repeated bouts of shuttle running with intermittent recovery periods. The training involves forward and backward running over a fixed distance at progressively increasing speeds, following standardized Yo-Yo test protocols.
Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo trainingOther
Also called Ball-dribbled High-intensity interval training, B-HIIT
Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training is a modified form of Yo-Yo-based running training that integrates ball dribbling into an intermittent shuttle running format. This intervention combines repeated high-intensity running bouts with soccer-specific technical demands, requiring participants to control and dribble a ball while performing forward and backward shuttle runs at prescribed speeds.
Small-sided gamesOther
Also called SSG
Small-sided games (SSG) are a game-based soccer training intervention characterized by modified match play involving a reduced number of players on a smaller pitch. This intervention requires participants to engage in intermittent, high-intensity activities while performing soccer-specific technical and tactical actions under game-like conditions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Yo-Yo running training | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo running format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio signal with a fixed rhythm was used to regulate running and recovery intervals. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to perform each running bout at maximal intensity. Receives: Other: Yo-Yo running training |
| Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training incorporating ball dribbling. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts with ball control, interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo dribbling format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio cue with a fixed rhythm was played throughout the session to regulate the timing of exercise and recovery. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to maintain maximal intensity during each running bout. Receives: Other: Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training |
| Small-sided Games | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm performed small-sided games-based training. The games were conducted on a rectangular field measuring 25 × 35 meters, using a 4 versus 4 player format. The intervention involved game-based, intermittent high-intensity activities that combined physical, technical, and tactical demands. Participants were instructed to engage actively in the games and to maintain high effort throughout each bout. Receives: Other: Small-sided games |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 1 test distance
Participants performed repeated 20-m shuttle runs between two lines at progressively increasing speeds dictated by standardized audio signals, interspersed with 10-s active recovery periods. The initial running speed was set at 10 km·h-¹ and increased stepwise according to the YYIR1 protocol.
Participants were required to reach the 20-m line in time with the audio cue. A first failure to meet the line in time resulted in a warning, and the test was terminated after a second failure. The total distance covered before test termination was recorded as the YYIR1 score.
YYIR1 distance is expressed in meters, with higher values indicating greater intermittent aerobic capacity and a superior ability to perform and recover from repeated high-intensity running efforts.
Measured: Baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Anaerobic power
Anaerobic power was assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performed on a cycle ergometer. After a standardized warm-up, participants completed a 30-s all-out sprint against a resistance equivalent to 7.5% of their body mass. Participants were instructed to pedal as fast as possible throughout the entire test, and strong verbal encouragement was provided.
Power output was recorded continuously. Peak power output (PPO) was defined as the highest mechanical power achieved over any 5-s interval, and mean power output (MPO) was calculated as the average power across the full 30-s test duration.
Anaerobic power outcomes are expressed in watts (W), with higher PPO and MPO values indicating greater maximal and sustained anaerobic power capacity.
Measured: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Physical activity enjoyment
Overall session enjoyment was assessed using the PACES-8. Participants rated how they felt about the activity on eight items using a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (unpleasurable) to 7 (pleasurable).Total scores ranged from 8 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity enjoyment.
Measured: every Saturday acute after training during 4-week intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Repeated Sprint Ability
Repeated sprint ability (RSA) was assessed using a 6 × 40 m shuttle sprint test (20 m + 20 m with a 180° change of direction), with 20 s of passive recovery between sprints. Sprint times were recorded using infrared timing gates positioned at the start and finish lines.
The primary RSA outcomes included best sprint time (RSA_best), mean sprint time (RSA_mean), and performance decrement (RSA_dec). RSA_best represents the fastest single sprint time and reflects maximal sprint capacity. RSA_mean is the average time across all six sprints and reflects repeated-sprint performance.
Measured: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
10/30m sprint performance
Sprint performance was assessed using 10 m and 30 m linear sprint tests to evaluate acceleration and maximal running speed, respectively. Participants performed three maximal-effort trials over each distance on synthetic turf. Sprint times were recorded using infrared timing gates positioned at 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m.
The primary outcomes were best sprint time and mean sprint time for both distances. The 10 m sprint reflects initial acceleration capacity, whereas the 30 m sprint reflects near-maximal sprint speed.
Lower sprint times indicate better sprint performance.
Measured: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion4 Nov 2025
- Study completion11 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Soccer TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Macau
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Zhaowei Kong, PHD, Principal investigator, University of Macau
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07408284
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BSE-0732-2025
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: All individual participant data (IPD) and supporting materials underlying the findings of this study will be openly accessible to the public. The shared materials will include the full dataset, the list of included studies, and extracted variables.
Publications
Amani-Shalamzari S, Khoshghadam E, Donyaei A, Parnow A, Bayati M, Clemente FM. Generic vs. small-sided game training in futsal: Effects on aerobic capacity, anaerobic power and agility. Physiol Behav. 2019 May 15;204:347-354. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.03.017. Epub 2019 Mar 17.
PubMed 30894306Arslan E, Orer GE, Clemente FM. Running-based high-intensity interval training vs. small-sided game training programs: effects on the physical performance, psychophysiological responses and technical skills in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2020 Jun;37(2):165-173. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.94237. Epub 2020 Mar 31.
PubMed 32508384Kong Z, Qi F, Shi Q. The influence of basketball dribbling on repeated high-intensity intermittent runs. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2015 Dec;13(2):117-122. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2015.10.001. Epub 2015 Nov 21.
PubMed 29541109
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test With Ball and Small-Sided Games (SSG) on Exercise Performance and Enjoyment in Adolescent Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07408284
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BSE-0732-2025
- Keywords
- Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1, youth team, football, exercise performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of MacauUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 11 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to investigate the differential effects of three training protocols: traditional Yo-Yo intermittent training, ball-dribbled Yo-Yo intermittent training, and small-sided games (SSGs) on aerobic capacity, anaerobic and exercise enjoyment in adolescent soccer players.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Yo-Yo running training | Experimental | Other: Yo-Yo running trainingParticipants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo running format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio signal with a fixed rhythm was used to regulate running and recovery intervals. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to perform each running bout at maximal intensity. |
| Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training | Experimental | Other: Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo trainingParticipants assigned to this arm performed Yo-Yo-based intermittent shuttle running training incorporating ball dribbling. Each training bout consisted of repeated 15-second running efforts with ball control, interspersed with 15 seconds of passive recovery, following a standardized Yo-Yo dribbling format. Each set lasted four minutes. An audio cue with a fixed rhythm was played throughout the session to regulate the timing of exercise and recovery. Participants were instructed to synchronize their movements with the audio cues and to maintain maximal intensity during each running bout. |
| Small-sided Games | Experimental | Other: Small-sided gamesParticipants assigned to this arm performed small-sided games-based training. The games were conducted on a rectangular field measuring 25 × 35 meters, using a 4 versus 4 player format. The intervention involved game-based, intermittent high-intensity activities that combined physical, technical, and tactical demands. Participants were instructed to engage actively in the games and to maintain high effort throughout each bout. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 18 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- (1) Aged between 13 and 18 years. (2) At least 1 year of formal soccer training experience. (3) Free from major sports-related injury in the past year. (4) In good general health with no smoking or alcohol consumption habits. (5) No known psychological or psychiatric disorders that may affect participation.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- (1)Outside the age range of 13-18 years. (2) Less than 1 year of formal soccer training experience. (3) History of major sports-related injury limiting training participation. (4) Presence of chronic disease or unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking or alcohol use).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Yo-Yo running trainingAlso: Running-based High-intensity interval training, Shuttle Running training, R-HIITYo-Yo running training is a form of running-based high-intensity interval training characterized by repeated bouts of shuttle running with intermittent recovery periods. The training involves forward and backward running over a fixed distance at progressively increasing speeds, following standardized Yo-Yo test protocols. | Other | Yo-Yo running training |
| Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo trainingAlso: Ball-dribbled High-intensity interval training, B-HIITBall-dribbled Yo-Yo training is a modified form of Yo-Yo-based running training that integrates ball dribbling into an intermittent shuttle running format. This intervention combines repeated high-intensity running bouts with soccer-specific technical demands, requiring participants to control and dribble a ball while performing forward and backward shuttle runs at prescribed speeds. | Other | Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training |
| Small-sided gamesAlso: SSGSmall-sided games (SSG) are a game-based soccer training intervention characterized by modified match play involving a reduced number of players on a smaller pitch. This intervention requires participants to engage in intermittent, high-intensity activities while performing soccer-specific technical and tactical actions under game-like conditions. | Other | Small-sided Games |
Primary outcome
Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 1 test distance
Time frame: Baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Participants performed repeated 20-m shuttle runs between two lines at progressively increasing speeds dictated by standardized audio signals, interspersed with 10-s active recovery periods. The initial running speed was set at 10 km·h-¹ and increased stepwise according to the YYIR1 protocol. Participants were required to reach the 20-m line in time with the audio cue. A first failure to meet the line in time resulted in a warning, and the test was terminated after a second failure. The total distance covered before test termination was recorded as the YYIR1 score. YYIR1 distance is expressed in meters, with higher values indicating greater intermittent aerobic capacity and a superior ability to perform and recover from repeated high-intensity running efforts.
Anaerobic power
Time frame: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Anaerobic power was assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) performed on a cycle ergometer. After a standardized warm-up, participants completed a 30-s all-out sprint against a resistance equivalent to 7.5% of their body mass. Participants were instructed to pedal as fast as possible throughout the entire test, and strong verbal encouragement was provided. Power output was recorded continuously. Peak power output (PPO) was defined as the highest mechanical power achieved over any 5-s interval, and mean power output (MPO) was calculated as the average power across the full 30-s test duration. Anaerobic power outcomes are expressed in watts (W), with higher PPO and MPO values indicating greater maximal and sustained anaerobic power capacity.
Physical activity enjoyment
Time frame: every Saturday acute after training during 4-week intervention
Overall session enjoyment was assessed using the PACES-8. Participants rated how they felt about the activity on eight items using a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (unpleasurable) to 7 (pleasurable).Total scores ranged from 8 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity enjoyment.
2 secondary outcomes
Repeated Sprint Ability
Time frame: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
10/30m sprint performance
Time frame: baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 30894306Amani-Shalamzari S, Khoshghadam E, Donyaei A, Parnow A, Bayati M, Clemente FM. Generic vs. small-sided game training in futsal: Effects on aerobic capacity, anaerobic power and agility. Physiol Behav. 2019 May 15;204:347-354. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.03.017. Epub 2019 Mar 17.
- Background: PubMed 32508384Arslan E, Orer GE, Clemente FM. Running-based high-intensity interval training vs. small-sided game training programs: effects on the physical performance, psychophysiological responses and technical skills in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2020 Jun;37(2):165-173. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.94237. Epub 2020 Mar 31.
- Background: PubMed 29541109Kong Z, Qi F, Shi Q. The influence of basketball dribbling on repeated high-intensity intermittent runs. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2015 Dec;13(2):117-122. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2015.10.001. Epub 2015 Nov 21.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. All individual participant data (IPD) and supporting materials underlying the findings of this study will be openly accessible to the public. The shared materials will include the full dataset, the list of included studies, and extracted variables.
Related trials for Soccer Training
Enrolling by invitationObservational study
The Effect of a Training Programme in the Variation of Fitness Parameters, Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical Indicators of Soccer Players During the Preseason Period
Athletic Performance, Soccer
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Zhaowei Kong, PHD principal investigator
University of Macau
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Yo-Yo running training, Ball-dribbled Yo-Yo training and Small-sided games in people with Soccer Training and Aerobic Capacity, run by University of Macau at 2 sites in Macau.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Macau. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery 1 test distance (time frame: Baseline and end of intervention at 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07408284, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Feb 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.