Athletic PerformanceNCT07807618
Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training in Young Soccer Players
A study testing Small-Sided Games Protocol, Repeated Sprint Protocol and Routine Soccer Training in people with Athletic Performance and Physical Fitness, run by Bitlis Eren University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 20 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance, Physical Fitness
- What is being tested?
- Small-Sided Games Protocol, Repeated Sprint Protocol and Routine Soccer Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 12 Jan 2026to 11 Jun 2026
- 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 16 to 20 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Active male soccer players competing in the Regional Amateur League (BAL)
- Age between 16 and 20 years
- Voluntary participation with signed informed consent (and parental consent for minors)
- No history of severe musculoskeletal injuries or orthopedic surgeries in the lower extremities within the past 6 months
- Regular participation in team soccer practices
Who cannot join
- Missing more than 10% of the scheduled training sessions during the 6-week intervention
- Occurrence of any acute musculoskeletal injury or illness preventing full participation in tests or training
- Simultaneous participation in external structured strength or conditioning programs outside the study protocol
- Failure to complete all pre- or post-intervention performance tests
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Football Facilities of the Mus Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports / Mus Alparslan University Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Muş, Central, 49100
About this study
Official title: Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training on Body Composition, Anaerobic Power, and Selected Biomotor Characteristics in Young Male Soccer Players
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. A total of 24 active male soccer players (aged 16 to 20 years) participating in the Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) completing a 4 vs. 4 transition possession game 3 days a week in addition to routine training, Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) completing a 20-meter maximal repeated sprint protocol 3 days a week in addition to routine training, and Control Group (CG) continuing only their routine soccer practice schedule. Before and after the 6-week intervention, participants underwent laboratory and field testing to evaluate body composition (body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI), acceleration and maximal speed (10m and 20m sprint tests), agility (Illinois Agility Test), explosive lower-body power (countermovement jump), and maximal anaerobic power (30-second Wingate test) to determine which specific training method provides superior athletic adaptations.
Read the detailed description
High-intensity intermittent actions, such as accelerations, change-of-direction movements, jumps, and repeated sprints, are critical determinants of competitive performance in soccer. To optimize these physical attributes, coaches commonly utilize Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST). However, comparative evidence regarding the specific adaptations induced by these two distinct conditioning strategies alongside regular soccer practice remains crucial for athletic periodization.
This 6-week randomized controlled trial evaluated 24 young male soccer players randomly allocated into three parallel arms (n=8 per group): SSGG, RSTG, and a Control Group (CG).
Training Protocols:
- SSGG Protocol: Performed a "4 vs. 4 Transition Possession" format on two adjacent zones 3 days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) after the technical section of regular practice. Training volume progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2-minute passive recovery between sets.
- RSTG Protocol: Performed 20-meter linear maximal sprints with 20 seconds of active recovery (slow walking) between repetitions and 3-4 minutes of passive rest between sets. Volume progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6).
- Control Group: Maintained standard soccer training sessions planned by the head coach, without any additional physical conditioning intervention.
Assessments:
Body composition parameters were evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC-418 MA). Laboratory testing included the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (Monark 834 E) with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight to assess peak and mean anaerobic power. Field testing included 10m and 20m sprint times using electronic photocells (Smart Speed Lite), change-of-direction performance via the Illinois Agility Test, and lower-body explosive power via the Countermovement Jump test (Smart Jump mat).
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Physical Fitness
- Being tested
- Small-Sided Games Protocol, Repeated Sprint Protocol, Routine Soccer Training
- Keywords
- Soccer, Small-Sided Games, Repeated Sprint Training, Anaerobic Power, Body Composition, Agility
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Small-Sided Games ProtocolBehavioural
4 vs. 4 transition possession game played 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2 min rest between sets.
Repeated Sprint ProtocolBehavioural
20-meter linear repeated sprints at 100% maximal effort 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6), with 20s active recovery between reps and 3-4 min rest between sets.
Routine Soccer TrainingBehavioural
Standard technical, tactical, and physical conditioning soccer training sessions directed by the team's head coach.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) | Experimental | Participants performed a 4 vs. 4 directional possession game ("4v4 Transition Possession") in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Small-Sided Games Protocol; Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training |
| Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) | Experimental | Participants performed a 20-meter repeated sprint training protocol (100% maximal effort, 20s active rest between repetitions, 3-4 min rest between sets) in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Repeated Sprint Protocol; Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training |
| Control Group (Routine Soccer Training) | Active comparator | Participants engaged exclusively in their regular team soccer training sessions (technical, tactical, and conditioning drills) 3 days per week for 6 weeks, without any additional specialized sprint or small-sided game interventions. Receives: Behavioral: Routine Soccer Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
10-Meter Sprint Time
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate short-distance acceleration. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
20-Meter Sprint Time
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate maximal linear speed. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Illinois Agility Test Time
Evaluated using electronic photocell gates to assess change-of-direction ability and reactivity on a 10x5 meter course. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Countermovement Jump Height
Lower-body explosive power was measured using a jump mat system (Smart Speed Lite Smart Jump). Participants performed maximal vertical jumps with hands on hips. The best height of two trials was recorded in centimeters.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Wingate Peak Power
Maximal anaerobic power evaluated via a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test on a Monark 834 E bicycle ergometer with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Wingate Mean Power
Anaerobic capacity evaluated via a 30-second Wingate test. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Body Fat Percentage
Evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis using Tanita BC-418 MA to measure total body fat percentage (%).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Fat-Free Mass
Evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis using Tanita BC-418 MA to assess lean body mass in kilograms.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Body Mass Index
Calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²) using Tanita BC-418 MA.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Sep 2026
- Study start12 Jan 2026
- Primary completion28 Feb 2026
- Study completion11 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. Participants were randomly allocated into three equal parallel groups: Small-Sided Games Group (n=8), Repeated Sprint Training Group (n=8), and Control Group (n=8).
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Bitlis Eren University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Muş Alparslan University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammed Zahit Kahraman, Bitlis Eren University
- Investigators
- Muhammed Z Kahraman, PhD, Principal investigator, Bitlis Eren University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07807618
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BEU-ANT-MZK-03
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: IPD will not be made publicly available to protect participant privacy and maintain confidentiality. Aggregated statistical data and summary results are fully presented within the published study/thesis and are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable academic request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Small-Sided Games and Repeated Sprint Training on Body Composition, Anaerobic Power, and Selected Biomotor Characteristics in Young Male Soccer Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07807618
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BEU-ANT-MZK-03
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Physical Fitness
- Keywords
- Soccer, Small-Sided Games, Repeated Sprint Training, Anaerobic Power, Body Composition, Agility
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Bitlis Eren UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Muş Alparslan University
- Study start
- 12 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 11 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Sep 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.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST) on body composition, anaerobic power, and selected physical performance qualities in young male soccer players. A total of 24 active male soccer players (aged 16 to 20 years) participating in the Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) completing a 4 vs. 4 transition possession game 3 days a week in addition to routine training, Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) completing a 20-meter maximal repeated sprint protocol 3 days a week in addition to routine training, and Control Group (CG) continuing only their routine soccer practice schedule. Before and after the 6-week intervention, participants underwent laboratory and field testing to evaluate body composition (body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI), acceleration and maximal speed (10m and 20m sprint tests), agility (Illinois Agility Test), explosive lower-body power (countermovement jump), and maximal anaerobic power (30-second Wingate test) to determine which specific training method provides superior athletic adaptations.
Detailed description
High-intensity intermittent actions, such as accelerations, change-of-direction movements, jumps, and repeated sprints, are critical determinants of competitive performance in soccer. To optimize these physical attributes, coaches commonly utilize Small-Sided Games (SSG) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST). However, comparative evidence regarding the specific adaptations induced by these two distinct conditioning strategies alongside regular soccer practice remains crucial for athletic periodization.
This 6-week randomized controlled trial evaluated 24 young male soccer players randomly allocated into three parallel arms (n=8 per group): SSGG, RSTG, and a Control Group (CG).
Training Protocols:
- SSGG Protocol: Performed a "4 vs. 4 Transition Possession" format on two adjacent zones 3 days per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) after the technical section of regular practice. Training volume progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2-minute passive recovery between sets.
- RSTG Protocol: Performed 20-meter linear maximal sprints with 20 seconds of active recovery (slow walking) between repetitions and 3-4 minutes of passive rest between sets. Volume progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6).
- Control Group: Maintained standard soccer training sessions planned by the head coach, without any additional physical conditioning intervention.
Assessments:
Body composition parameters were evaluated via bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC-418 MA). Laboratory testing included the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (Monark 834 E) with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight to assess peak and mean anaerobic power. Field testing included 10m and 20m sprint times using electronic photocells (Smart Speed Lite), change-of-direction performance via the Illinois Agility Test, and lower-body explosive power via the Countermovement Jump test (Smart Jump mat).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. Participants were randomly allocated into three equal parallel groups: Small-Sided Games Group (n=8), Repeated Sprint Training Group (n=8), and Control Group (n=8).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Small-Sided Games Protocol, Behavioral: Routine Soccer TrainingParticipants performed a 4 vs. 4 directional possession game ("4v4 Transition Possession") in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. |
| Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Repeated Sprint Protocol, Behavioral: Routine Soccer TrainingParticipants performed a 20-meter repeated sprint training protocol (100% maximal effort, 20s active rest between repetitions, 3-4 min rest between sets) in addition to their routine soccer training, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. |
| Control Group (Routine Soccer Training) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Routine Soccer TrainingParticipants engaged exclusively in their regular team soccer training sessions (technical, tactical, and conditioning drills) 3 days per week for 6 weeks, without any additional specialized sprint or small-sided game interventions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 20 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Active male soccer players competing in the Regional Amateur League (BAL)
- Age between 16 and 20 years
- Voluntary participation with signed informed consent (and parental consent for minors)
- No history of severe musculoskeletal injuries or orthopedic surgeries in the lower extremities within the past 6 months
- Regular participation in team soccer practices
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Missing more than 10% of the scheduled training sessions during the 6-week intervention
- Occurrence of any acute musculoskeletal injury or illness preventing full participation in tests or training
- Simultaneous participation in external structured strength or conditioning programs outside the study protocol
- Failure to complete all pre- or post-intervention performance tests
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 Protocol4 vs. 4 transition possession game played 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 3 sets x 3 min (weeks 1-2) to 4 sets x 3 min (weeks 3-4) and 4 sets x 4 min (weeks 5-6), with 2 min rest between sets. | Behavioural | Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) |
| Repeated Sprint Protocol20-meter linear repeated sprints at 100% maximal effort 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Loading progressed from 2 sets x 6 reps (weeks 1-2) to 2 sets x 8 reps (weeks 3-4) and 3 sets x 6 reps (weeks 5-6), with 20s active recovery between reps and 3-4 min rest between sets. | Behavioural | Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG) |
| Routine Soccer TrainingStandard technical, tactical, and physical conditioning soccer training sessions directed by the team's head coach. | Behavioural | Control Group (Routine Soccer Training), Repeated Sprint Training Group (RSTG), Small-Sided Games Group (SSGG) |
Primary outcome
10-Meter Sprint Time
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate short-distance acceleration. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
20-Meter Sprint Time
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Measured using a wireless photocell timing gate system (Smart Speed Lite) to evaluate maximal linear speed. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Illinois Agility Test Time
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Evaluated using electronic photocell gates to assess change-of-direction ability and reactivity on a 10x5 meter course. The best time of two trials was recorded in seconds.
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Lower-body explosive power was measured using a jump mat system (Smart Speed Lite Smart Jump). Participants performed maximal vertical jumps with hands on hips. The best height of two trials was recorded in centimeters.
Wingate Peak Power
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Maximal anaerobic power evaluated via a 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test on a Monark 834 E bicycle ergometer with a load equal to 7.5% of body weight. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Wingate Mean Power
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Anaerobic capacity evaluated via a 30-second Wingate test. Expressed in Watts per kilogram (W/kg).
3 secondary outcomes
Body Fat Percentage
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Fat-Free Mass
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
Body Mass Index
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)
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 9 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. IPD will not be made publicly available to protect participant privacy and maintain confidentiality. Aggregated statistical data and summary results are fully presented within the published study/thesis and are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable academic request.
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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.
Muhammed Z Kahraman, PhD principal investigator
Bitlis Eren University
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 Protocol, Repeated Sprint Protocol and Routine Soccer Training in people with Athletic Performance and Physical Fitness, run by Bitlis Eren 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 9 Sep 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?
10-Meter Sprint Time (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6)). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 9 Sep 2026.