Soccer PerformanceNCT07755358
Effects of an Eight-Week Small-Sided Games Training Program on Aerobic Endurance and Passing Performance in Adolescent Soccer Players
A study testing Small-Sided Games Training and Regular Soccer Training in people with Soccer Performance and Small-Sided Games Training, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Soccer requires players to combine physical fitness with technical skills throughout a match. Small-sided games (SSG) are modified soccer training sessions played with fewer players and reduced pitch dimensions. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 17 to 18 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Soccer Performance, Small-Sided Games Training, Aerobic Endurance
- What is being tested?
- Small-Sided Games Training and Regular Soccer Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 18 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2025to 30 Sep 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 17 to 18 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male soccer players aged 17 to 18 years.
- Licensed amateur soccer players with at least five years of organized soccer experience.
- Regular participation in team training sessions.
- No serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous six months.
- No chronic neurological, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal conditions that could affect participation or performance.
- Provided written informed consent (and parental/legal guardian consent where applicable).
Who cannot join
- Serious musculoskeletal injury during the study period.
- Absence from more than two scheduled training sessions.
- Voluntary withdrawal from the study at any time.
- Failure to complete the pre-intervention or post-intervention outcome assessments.
- Any medical condition preventing safe participation in high-intensity soccer training.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34290
About this study
Official title: Effects of an Eight-Week Small-Sided Games Training Program on Aerobic Endurance and Passing Performance in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Soccer requires players to combine physical fitness with technical skills throughout a match. Small-sided games (SSG) are modified soccer training sessions played with fewer players and reduced pitch dimensions. These training formats are widely used because they simulate match situations while providing high physical and technical demands.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate whether an eight-week SSG training program improves aerobic endurance and passing performance in adolescent male soccer players. Eighteen licensed youth soccer players were randomly assigned to either an SSG training group or a control group. Both groups continued their regular soccer training, while the SSG group additionally performed structured small-sided game sessions three times per week for eight weeks.
Read more
Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and passing performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). These measurements were obtained before and after the intervention.
The primary objective of the study was to compare changes in aerobic endurance and passing performance between the SSG and control groups. It was hypothesized that participation in the structured SSG program would result in greater improvements in both outcomes compared with regular soccer training alone.
The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting the use of structured small-sided games as an effective and time-efficient training strategy for improving both physical fitness and technical performance in adolescent soccer players.
- Being tested
- Small-Sided Games Training, Regular Soccer Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Small-Sided Games TrainingBehavioural
Participants performed structured small-sided games (SSG) training three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their regular soccer training. The intervention included 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with progressively modified pitch dimensions and tactical constraints to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance.
Regular Soccer TrainingBehavioural
Participants continued their routine soccer training program without exposure to structured small-sided games during the study period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training | Experimental | Participants continued their regular soccer training and additionally completed a structured small-sided games (SSG) training program three times per week for eight weeks. The intervention included progressively modified 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with varying pitch dimensions and tactical constraints designed to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance. Receives: Behavioral: Small-Sided Games Training |
| Regular Soccer Training (Control) | Active comparator | Participants continued their regular soccer training program without additional structured small-sided games training throughout the eight-week study period. Receives: Behavioral: Regular Soccer Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Aerobic Endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance)
Aerobic endurance was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). The primary outcome was the total distance covered (meters) during the test. Higher values indicate better aerobic endurance.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Passing Performance (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test)
Passing performance was evaluated using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). The primary outcome was the total test completion time (seconds), including penalty time. Lower values indicate better passing performance.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2025
- Primary completion30 Aug 2025
- Study completion30 Sep 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Soccer PerformanceStudies 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
- 18 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Görkem Açar, Istanbul Gelisim University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07755358
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SSG-YSP-2025-01
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Seyhan S, Gunduz FC, Acar G, Girginer FG, Soylu C, Aslan YE, Bilici MF. Small-sided games as an integrated training strategy: effects on aerobic endurance and passing performance in adolescent soccer players - a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Sep 14;18(1):430. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-02000-4.
PubMed 42768366
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of an Eight-Week Small-Sided Games Training Program on Aerobic Endurance and Passing Performance in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07755358
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SSG-YSP-2025-01
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 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.
Soccer requires players to combine physical fitness with technical skills throughout a match. Small-sided games (SSG) are modified soccer training sessions played with fewer players and reduced pitch dimensions. These training formats are widely used because they simulate match situations while providing high physical and technical demands.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate whether an eight-week SSG training program improves aerobic endurance and passing performance in adolescent male soccer players. Eighteen licensed youth soccer players were randomly assigned to either an SSG training group or a control group. Both groups continued their regular soccer training, while the SSG group additionally performed structured small-sided game sessions three times per week for eight weeks.
Aerobic endurance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and passing performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). These measurements were obtained before and after the intervention.
The primary objective of the study was to compare changes in aerobic endurance and passing performance between the SSG and control groups. It was hypothesized that participation in the structured SSG program would result in greater improvements in both outcomes compared with regular soccer training alone.
The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting the use of structured small-sided games as an effective and time-efficient training strategy for improving both physical fitness and technical performance in adolescent soccer players.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Small-Sided Games TrainingParticipants continued their regular soccer training and additionally completed a structured small-sided games (SSG) training program three times per week for eight weeks. The intervention included progressively modified 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with varying pitch dimensions and tactical constraints designed to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance. |
| Regular Soccer Training (Control) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Regular Soccer TrainingParticipants continued their regular soccer training program without additional structured small-sided games training throughout the eight-week study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 17 to 18 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Male soccer players aged 17 to 18 years.
- Licensed amateur soccer players with at least five years of organized soccer experience.
- Regular participation in team training sessions.
- No serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous six months.
- No chronic neurological, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal conditions that could affect participation or performance.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Serious musculoskeletal injury during the study period.
- Absence from more than two scheduled training sessions.
- Voluntary withdrawal from the study at any time.
- Failure to complete the pre-intervention or post-intervention outcome assessments.
- Any medical condition preventing safe participation in high-intensity soccer training.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Sided Games TrainingParticipants performed structured small-sided games (SSG) training three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their regular soccer training. The intervention included 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 game formats with progressively modified pitch dimensions and tactical constraints to improve aerobic endurance and passing performance. | Behavioural | Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training |
| Regular Soccer TrainingParticipants continued their routine soccer training program without exposure to structured small-sided games during the study period. | Behavioural | Regular Soccer Training (Control) |
Primary outcome
Aerobic Endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Aerobic endurance was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). The primary outcome was the total distance covered (meters) during the test. Higher values indicate better aerobic endurance.
Passing Performance (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Passing performance was evaluated using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). The primary outcome was the total test completion time (seconds), including penalty time. Lower values indicate better passing performance.
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 Aug 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42768366Seyhan S, Gunduz FC, Acar G, Girginer FG, Soylu C, Aslan YE, Bilici MF. Small-sided games as an integrated training strategy: effects on aerobic endurance and passing performance in adolescent soccer players - a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Sep 14;18(1):430. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-02000-4.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Small-Sided Games Training and Regular Soccer Training in people with Soccer Performance and Small-Sided Games Training, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 6 inclusion and 5 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 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
Aerobic Endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 Distance) (time frame: Baseline and Week 8). The study lists 2 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 NCT07755358, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 Aug 2026.