Match analysis of elite adolescent team handball players

The purposes of this study were to examine the activity profile of elite adolescent players during regular team handball games and to compare the physical and motor performance of players between the first and second halves of a match. Activity patterns (video analysis) and heart-rate (HR) responses (telemetry) were monitored in top national-division adolescent players (18 men, aged 15.1 ± 0.6 years) throughout 6 regulation games (25-minute halves with a 10-minute interval). The total distance covered averaged 1,777 ± 264 m per game (7.4% less in the second than in the first half, p > 0.05). Players ran 170 ± 24 m at high intensity and 86 ± 12 m at maximal speed, with 32 ± 6 bouts of running (duration 2.3 ± 0.3 seconds) at speeds > 18 km·h(-1); they stood still for 16% of the playing time. The mean HR during play was 172 ± 2 b·min(-1) (82 ± 3% of maximal HR). Blood lactate concentrations at the end of the first and second halves were 9.7 ± 1.1 and 8.3 ± 0.9 mmol·L(-1), respectively (difference p < 0.05). We conclude that adolescent handball players cover less distance and engage in fewer technical actions in the second half of a match. This indicates that team handball is physiologically very demanding. The practical implication is that coaches should seek to sustain performance in the second period of a game by modifying playing tactics and maximizing both aerobic and anaerobic fitness during training sessions.     

Time-motion analysis of small-sided training games and competition in elite women soccer players

We investigated the movement patterns of small-sided training games and compared these movement patterns with domestic, national, and international standard competition in elite women soccer players. In addition, we investigated the repeated-sprint demands of women's soccer with respect to the duration of sprints, number of sprint repetitions, recovery duration, and recovery intensity. Thirteen elite women soccer players [age (mean +/- SD) 21 +/- 2 years] participated in this study. Time-motion analysis was completed during training (n = 39) consisting of small-sided (i.e., three versus three and five versus five) training games, domestic matches against male youth teams (n = 10), Australian national-league matches (n = 9), and international matches (n = 12). A repeated-sprint bout was defined as a minimum of three sprints, with recovery of less than 21 seconds between sprints. The overall exercise to rest ratios for small-sided training games (1:13) were similar to or greater than domestic competition against male youth teams (1:15) and national-league (1:16) and international (1:12) competitions. During the international matches analyzed, 4.8 +/- 2.8 repeated-sprint bouts occurred per player, per match. The number of sprints within the repeated-sprint bouts was 3.4 +/- 0.8. The sprint duration was 2.1 +/- 0.7 seconds, and the recovery time between sprints was 5.8 +/- 4.0 seconds. Most recovery between sprints was active in nature (92.6%). In contrast to international competition, repeated-sprint bouts were uncommon in small-sided training games, domestic competition against male youth teams, and national-league competition. These findings demonstrate that small-sided training games simulate the overall movement patterns of women's soccer competition but offer an insufficient training stimulus to simulate the high-intensity, repeated-sprint demands of international competition.     

Analysis of motor activities of professional soccer players

The objective of this study was to determine the distance covered by professional soccer players during matches with the use of the computerized match analysis system Amisco Pro? (version 1.0.2, Nice, France). Kinematic examination included the specification of the distance covered by 31 players participating in 4 matches in the Union of European Football Association Cup competitions during the 2008-2009 season. Data were analyzed based on players' positions on the pitch, changes in the players' motor activity intensity level, and match period (first or second half). The results of statistical analysis revealed that the average total distance covered by all players (n = 31) was 11,288 ± 734 m. With respect to the player's position on the pitch, the midfielders traveled the longest average distance (11,770 ± 554 m) during the game. This was 3% longer than the distance achieved by the attackers at 11,377 ± 584 m, and 7% longer than that achieved by the defenders 10,932 ± 728 m. The analysis of physical loads on soccer players during a match is highly useful for training individualization. It provides a tool for effective planning and for recording the loads on players, which is an indispensable element of modern coaching.     

Match activities of elite women soccer players at different performance levels

We sought to study the physical demands and match performance of women soccer players. Nineteen top-class and 15 high-level players were individually videotaped in competitive matches, and time-motion analysis were performed. The players changed locomotor activity >1,300 times in a game corresponding to every ~4 seconds and covered 9-11 km in total. The top-class players ran 28% longer (P < 0.05) at high intensities than high-level players (1.68 +/- 0.09 and 1.33 +/- 0.10 km, respectively) and sprinted 24% longer (P < 0.05). The top-class group had a decrease (P < 0.05) of 25-57% in high intensity running in the final 15 minutes compared with the first four 15-minutes intervals, whereas the high-level group performed less (P < 0.05) high-intensity running in the last 15 minutes of each half in comparison with the 2 previous 15-minute periods in the respective half. Peak distance covered by high intensity running in a 5-minute interval was 33% longer (P < 0.05) for the top-class players than the high-level players. In the following 5 minutes immediately after the peak interval top-class players covered 17% less (P < 0.05) high-intensity running than the game average. Defenders performed fewer (P < 0.05) intervals of high-intensity running than midfielders and attackers, as well as fewer (P < 0.05) sprints than the attackers. In conclusion, for women soccer players (1) top-class international players perform more intervals of high-intensity running than elite players at a lower level, (2) fatigue develops temporarily during and towards the end of a game, and (3) defenders have lower work rates than midfielders and attackers. The difference in high-intensity running between the 2 levels demonstrates the importance of intense intermittent exercise for match performance in women soccer. Thus, these aspects should be trained intensively in women soccer.     

Relation between fitness tests and match performance in elite Italian soccer referees

This study examined the relation between field-test results and match performance in elite Italian soccer referees. Subjects (n = 22) were all experienced elite-level referees enrolled in the Commissione Arbitri Nazionali (CAN) and thus officiating in the Serie A and B Italian championships. Referees were, on separate occasions, tested for fitness (50-m, 200-m, and 12-minute run tests) and observed a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 times (n = 39) during Serie A matches. Match analyses were performed considering 11 match activity categories. Analyses of correlations were performed considering 50-m, 200-m, and 12-minute run test performances as independent variables and total distance, maximal speed distance (runs performed at speeds faster than 24 km.h-1), and high-intensity activity distance (runs performed at speeds faster than 18 km.h-1, high intensity activity [HIA]) as dependent variables. Statistical significance was set at p 相似文献   

Analysis of the kinematical demands imposed on top-class assistant referees during competitive soccer matches

The aim of this study was to describe the kinematical demands placed on soccer assistant referees during the 2003 U-17 World Championship, and to examine the relationship between the results in the fitness tests adopted by FIFA and match activities. Twenty-two international-level assistant referees were observed during 12 matches and computerized analysis of match activities was performed using a two-dimensional photogrammetric video analysis system based on DLT (direct lineal transformation) algorithms. Before the start of the tournament, the assistant referees completed a 2 x 50-m sprint test and a 12-minute run test. Assistant referees covered on average 6137 +/- 539 m during the matches, with 20% of the total distance covered at high velocities (speeds faster than 13 km x h(-1)). During the second half, time spent standing still increased (P < 0.01) and distance covered jogging (P < 0.05), cruising (P < 0.01) and moving sideways (P < 0.001) decreased. The score in the 12-minute run test showed a low correlation with the entire match distance (r = 0.24; P > 0.05) and with the time spent exercising at a high intensity (r = 0.35; P > 0.05). The 50-m sprint time was not significantly correlated (r = -0.38; P > 0.05) with time spent within the high-intensity activities category. The results of this study demonstrate that assistant referees experience unique kinematical demands during soccer officiating and that the score in the battery of fitness tests adopted by FIFA was not correlated to match activities.     

Activity profile of international-level soccer referees during competitive matches

The purpose of this study was to investigate the activity profile of soccer referees competing at international level. Thirteen international-level soccer referees (INRG, age 38 +/- 3 years, height 182.0 +/- 6.5 cm, and body mass 78.8 +/- 7.0 kg) were observed during official international matches using a match analysis system (Play Controller, Phromos, Italy) that enabled speeds and times collection for 11 arbitrarily chosen match categories. For comparison, 13 Italian elite-level soccer referees (NRG, age 37 +/- 3 years, height 182.5 +/- 3.5 cm, and body mass 77.1 +/- 6.5 kg) were examined during domestic official first division matches (Serie A). Results showed that NRG covered more distance during matches than the INRG (12,956 +/- 548 m and 11,218 +/- 1,056 m, respectively; p < 0.05). Running faster than 18 km.h(-1), NRG covered more distance than INRG (2,378 +/- 423 m and 1,642 +/- 689 m, respectively; p < 0.05). No between-halves differences in the distance covered at speed faster than 18 km.h(-1) were observed in each group. The main finding of this study is that international-level referees during international competitions are less active than national-level officials directing domestic matches. This unexpected result may suggest the need for specific training for the international referees, as recent reports have shown that better positioning is associated with longer space coverage during competitive matches. Across-halves, high-intensity, space-coverage conservation should be regarded as a peculiarity of the elite-level soccer referee.     

The influence of a congested calendar on physical performance in elite soccer

The aim of this study was to investigate recovery via analysis of activity profiles in a professional soccer team over an intense period of matches. A total of 172 outfield players from 27 Spanish League matches played by a professional team during the 2005-2006 season were analyzed using a multiple-camera match analysis system. The dependent variables were the distance covered by players at different intensities. Data were analyzed using an independent-sample t-test and a linear regression analysis with 5 independent variables: the number of matches played per week (1 or 2), match status (i.e., whether the team was winning, losing or drawing), match location (i.e., playing at home or away), quality of the opponents (strong or weak), and the individual playing position of the players. The main finding of this study suggests that the activity profiles of professional soccer players were not influenced by short recovery between matches. Although those players who played 2 matches a week covered less distance at maximal (>23 km·h(-1)), submaximal (19.1-23 km·h(-1)), and medium (14.1-19 km·h(-1)) intensities than those players who played 1 match a week, no significant differences were found. Moreover, results from this study seem to confirm that the elite soccer players' distance covered at various speeds is dependent on match contextual factors. The top-class players performed less high-intensity activity (>19.1 km·h(-1)) when winning than when they were losing (p < 0.05), but more distance was covered by walking and jogging when winning (p < 0.05). The home teams covered a greater distance than away teams at low intensity (<14.1 km·h(-1)) (p < 0.01). Finally, the better the quality of the opponent, the higher the distance covered by walking and jogging.     

Changes evaluated in soccer-specific power endurance either with or without a 10-week,in-season,intermittent, high-intensity training protocol

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in soccer-specific power endurance of 34 female high school soccer players throughout a season either with or without an intermittent, high-intensity exercise protocol. Thirty-four female high school soccer players were tested prior to the 2000 fall season and again 10 weeks later. The tests included an abridged 45-minute shuttle test (LIST), hydrostatic weighing, vertical jump, 20-m running-start sprint, and 30-second Wingate test. The experimental group (EG; n = 17, age 16.5 +/- 0.9 years) completed a 10-week in-season plyometric, resistive training, and high-intensity anaerobic program. The control group (n = 17, age 16.3 +/- 1.4 years) completed only traditional aerobic soccer conditioning. Statistical significance was set at alpha < 0.05. The experimental group showed significant improvements in the LIST (EG = delta 394 seconds +/- 124 seconds), 20-m sprint (EG = Delta-0.10 seconds +/- 0.10 seconds), increase in fat-free mass (EG = delta 1.14 kg +/- 1.22 kg), and decreases in fat mass (EG = Delta-1.40 kg +/- 1.47 kg) comparing pre- to postseason. This study indicates that a strength and plyometric program improved power endurance and speed over aerobic training only. Soccer-specific power endurance training may improve match performance and decrease fatigue in young female soccer players.     

Interpersonal coordination analysis of tennis players from different levels during official matches

The purpose of this study was to assess the interpersonal coordination during official male tennis matches in players of different skill levels. Players’ trajectories of three levels (Juvenile, ATP-Future, ATP-250) were obtained using video-based tracking system. A vector coding technique was applied to obtain players’ interpersonal coordination in four coordination patterns: “anti-phase”, “in-phase”, “serving player phase” and “returning player phase”. These patterns allowed identification of the nature of the coupling and lead/lag relations between players. In all categories, players presented higher degree of “anti-phase” and “serving player phase” (when only the serving player is moving on the court or his opponent is moving with a time lag) coordination. Young players spent more time in “serving player phase” during lateral displacements than professional players. On the other hand, professional players spent more time in “returning player phase” (when only the returning player is moving on the court or his opponent is moving with a time lag) during antero posterior displacements, than young players. Interpersonal coordination did not change from the first to the second set of the match, showing that tennis players maintain their displacement characteristics and strategy, independently of proficiency level. The vector coding technique allowed to identify new coordination patterns in tennis, providing additional information about tennis dynamics and how players from different categories and proficiency levels behave during the matches.     

Heart rate and blood lactate concentrations as predictors of physiological load on elite soccer players during various soccer training activities

The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the physiologic strain on players during various soccer training activities. Ten soccer players from the first division soccer league of Turkey were used as subjects. The heart rate responses were measured during 4 types of soccer training. First, the heart rates that corresponded to a blood lactate concentration of both 2 and 4 mM were measured, and then, during the 4 types of training, they were correlated with the proportion of time that the heart rate was below the 2-mM lactate line, between the 2- and 4-mM lactate lines, and above the 4-mM lactate line. Mean heart rates during friendly match, modified game, tactical training, and technical training activities were 157 +/- 19, 135 +/- 28, 126 +/- 21, and 118 +/- 21 b.min(-1), respectively. The differences between all of these soccer training activities were statistically significant (p < or = 0.01). The results demonstrate that (a) technical and tactical training consisted of very low exercise intensities (most of the heart rates were below the 4-mM lactate level) and (b) the percentages of time that the heart rate correlated to a point above the 4-mM lactate reference level during the friendly match and modified game were 49.6 +/- 27.1% and 23.9 +/- 24.5%, respectively. The practical implications of these findings are that, by using 2- to 4-mM reference lines, coaches can structure heart rate zones that can help determine the individualized exercise intensity for their players as well as estimate overall exercise intensity during soccer training.     

Pre- and post-game body mass changes during an international rugby tournament: a practical perspective

Pre- and post-game body mass changes were recorded throughout an international rugby union tournament to determine changes in body mass when training and competing on consecutive days. A squad of 28 players with a mean (+/-SD) age of 20.0 yrs (+/-0.6), height of 1.85 m (+/-0.1) and body mass of 94.71 kg (+/-10.71) were selected to play for England and to participate in an international championship in Sydney, Australia. From the squad, 22 players played in 1 or more of 4 games over a 10-day period from the day of the first match to the day of the last match. Data were collected for a total of 84 player appearances across the 4 games. Players had their body masses recorded prior to leaving England, upon arrival in Australia, and pre- and post-game during the tournament. Players were allowed to ingest fluid ad libitum throughout each match. The mean (+/-SD) ambient temperature and relative humidity across all games was 18.5 degrees C (+/-1.63) and 39.5% (+/-17.7), respectively. Pre- and post-game comparisons of body masses for all player appearances were significantly different (p < 0.00), representing a mean loss of 0.94 kg (+/-0.94). However, there was no significant difference between games or player position (forwards vs. backs). The results demonstrate that if appropriate hydration practices are implemented, they may reduce the compound effect of fluid loss when playing multiple games in a short period of time. Strategies include daily monitoring of body mass and fluid intake and educating players about the importance of fluid intake to recovery and subsequent performance when playing and training on consecutive days.     

Muscle damage, endocrine, and immune marker response to a soccer match

ABSTRACT: Thorpe, R and Sunderland, C. Muscle damage, endocrine, and immune marker response to a soccer match. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2783-2790, 2012-This study represents the first time that muscle damage, endocrine, and immune markers have been measured, together with activity profile, during a competitive soccer match. Seven semiprofessional soccer players participated in a competitive league match. Blood and saliva samples were obtained 1 hour before kick off and immediately postmatch. Global positioning system equipment was used to measure heart rate and activity profile data throughout the match. Percentage increase in creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (MYO) concentrations was correlated with the number of sprints performed during the match (r = 0.88, p = 0.019; r = 0.75, p = 0.047, respectively). Creatine kinase increased by 84% (p = 0.17) from prematch to postmatch, whereas MYO increased by 238% (p = 0.05). Players performed 39 ± 18 sprints during the course of the match. Cortisol increased by 78% (p = 0.103), whereas testosterone increased significantly by 44% (p = 0.004). No differences were seen from prematch to postmatch in the testosterone to cortisol ratio, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, or IgG. Sprinting is correlated with changes in CK and MYO and may therefore be associated with muscle damage in semiprofessional soccer players.     

Equipment and running surface alter sprint performance of college football players

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of football equipment and running surface on sprint performance in NCAA Division II football players (n = 68). Players were timed in the 40-yd sprint on an indoor rubberized track (Day 1) and on an outdoor, natural-grass football field (Day 2) wearing either regulation football equipment or shorts and a T-shirt. Each player was assigned randomly to perform 2 trials under each condition on each surface, and the average of the 2 trials was used for analysis. Offensive backs, defensive backs, and linebackers were significantly faster than were offensive and defensive linemen in all trials, and subjects were collapsed into 2 groups, backs and linemen. Football equipment significantly impaired performance on the track (-2.8% +/- 1.7%) and the field (-2.9% +/- 1.8%). The increase in body mass due to the football equipment was significantly greater for backs (7.2% +/- 0.7%) than for linemen (6.5% +/- 1.0%), but produced a significantly greater impairment in sprint performance in linemen (-3.3% +/- 1.1%) as compared with backs (-2.5% +/- 1.5%). Sprint performance was significantly and equivalently impaired when running on grass (backs: -2.5 +/- 1.1%; linemen: -2.8 +/- 1.4%) as compared with the track. Thus, running a 40-yd sprint in football equipment on a natural grass field impairs performance by an average of 5.5% (+/- 2.3%) compared with running indoors with minimal apparel. Football equipment and running surface significantly impair sprint performance in college football players, the effect being greater in linemen than in backs, and is likely related to differences in muscle strength/power and body fat.     

Effects of differential stretching protocols during warm-ups on high-speed motor capacities in professional soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different modes of stretching within a pre-exercise warm-up on high-speed motor capacities important to soccer performance. Eighteen professional soccer players were tested for countermovement vertical jump, stationary 10-m sprint, flying 20-m sprint, and agility performance after different warm-ups consisting of static stretching, dynamic stretching, or no stretching. There was no significant difference among warm-ups for the vertical jump: mean +/- SD data were 40.4 +/- 4.9 cm (no stretch), 39.4 +/- 4.5 cm (static), and 40.2 +/- 4.5 cm (dynamic). The dynamic-stretch protocol produced significantly faster 10-m sprint times than did the no-stretch protocol: 1.83 +/- 0.08 seconds (no stretch), 1.85 +/- 0.08 seconds (static), and 1.87 +/- 0.09 seconds (dynamic). The dynamic- and static-stretch protocols produced significantly faster flying 20-m sprint times than did the no-stretch protocol: 2.41 +/- 0.13 seconds (no stretch), 2.37 +/- 0.12 seconds (static), and 2.37 +/- 0.13 seconds (dynamic). The dynamic-stretch protocol produced significantly faster agility performance than did both the no-stretch protocol and the static-stretch protocol: 5.20 +/- 0.16 seconds (no stretch), 5.22 +/- 0.18 seconds (static), and 5.14 +/- 0.17 seconds (dynamic). Static stretching does not appear to be detrimental to high-speed performance when included in a warm-up for professional soccer players. However, dynamic stretching during the warm-up was most effective as preparation for subsequent high-speed performance.     

Repeated high-intensity exercise in a professional rugby league

The primary aim of this study was to identify and describe the frequency and duration of repeated high-intensity exercise (RHIE) bouts in Australian professional rugby league (National Rugby League) and whether these occurred at critical times during a game. Time motion analysis was used during 5 competition matches; 1 player from 3 positional groups (hit-up forward, adjustable, and outside back) was analyzed in each match. The ranges of RHIE bouts for the 3 positional groups were hit-up forwards 9-17, adjustables 2-8, and outside backs 3-7. Hit-up forwards were involved in a significantly greater number of RHIE bouts (p < 0.05) and had the shortest average recovery (376 ± 205 seconds) between RHIE bouts. The single overall maximum durations of RHIE bouts for the hit-up forwards, the adjustables, and the outside backs were 64, 64, and 49 seconds. For all groups, 70% of the total RHIE bouts occurred within 5 minutes prior of a try being scored. The present data show that the nature of RHIE bouts was specific to playing position and occurred frequently at critical times during the game. These results can be used to develop training programs that mimic the 'worst case scenarios' that elite rugby league players are likely to encounter.     

Changes in Acid-base balance during simulated soccer match play

This study evaluated changes in markers of acid-base balance that occurred during simulated soccer match play. Sixteen academy soccer players participated in a soccer match simulation that consisted of 90 minutes of soccer-specific exercise with skills throughout. Blood samples were obtained before exercise (preexercise), every 15 minutes during the simulation (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes), and 10 minutes into the half-time break (half time). Blood lactate concentrations were elevated throughout exercise (preexercise: 1.5 ± 0.12 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 6.1 ± 0.7 mmol·L, time effect: p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.740). Relative to preexercise values, actual blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 28.02 ± 0.92 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 21.73 ± 0.65 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.680), standard blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 25.97 ± 0.43 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 22.87 ± 0.31 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.667), base excess (preexercise: 2.40 ± 0.54 mmol·L, 90 minutes: -1.57 ± 0.39 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.664), and pH (preexercise: 7.44 ± 0.01 units; 90 minutes: 7.39 ± 0.01 units, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.542) were depressed throughout the exercise. Interestingly, blood bicarbonate, base excess, and pH recovered at half time (p > 0.05). This is the first study to provide data concerning the acid-base balance of familiarized soccer players during exercise that simulates soccer match play. These findings suggest that (a) blood pH is reduced during soccer-specific exercise and (b) although buffering capacity is reduced throughout exercise, it returns to normal during half time. Further research is warranted to develop interventions that can maintain acid-base balance throughout the full duration of a soccer match.     

Number of Players and Relative Pitch Area per Player: Comparing Their Influence on Heart Rate and Physical Demands in Under-12 and Under-13 Football Players

The aim of the present study is to analyse the influence of different large-sided games (LSGs) on the physical and physiological variables in under-12s (U12) and -13s (U13) soccer players. The effects of the combination of different number of players per team, 7, 9, and 11 (P7, P9, and P11, respectively) with three relative pitch areas, 100, 200, and 300 m² (A100, A200, and A300, respectively), were analysed in this study. The variables analysed were: 1) global indicator such as total distance (TD); work:rest ratio (W:R); player-load (PL) and maximal speed (V_max); 2) heart rate (HR) mean and time spent in different intensity zones of HR (<75%, 75–84%, 84–90% and >90%), and; 3) five absolute (<8, 8–13, 13–16 and >16 Km h^-1) and three relative speed categories (<40%, 40–60% and >60% V_max). The results support the theory that a change in format (player number and pitch dimensions) affects no similarly in the two players categories. Although it can seem that U13 players are more demanded in this kind of LSG, when the work load is assessed from a relative point of view, great pitch dimensions and/or high number of player per team are involved in the training task to the U12 players. The results of this study could alert to the coaches to avoid some types of LSGs for the U12 players such as: P11 played in A100, A200 or A300, P9 played in A200 or A300 and P7 played in A300 due to that U13>U12 in several physical and physiological variables (W:R, time spent in 84–90%HR_max, distance in 8–13 and 13–16 Km h^-1 and time spent in 40–60%V_max). These results may help youth soccer coaches to plan the progressive introduction of LSGs so that task demands are adapted to the physiological and physical development of participants.     

Heart rate responses and technical-tactical aspects of official 5-a-side youth soccer matches played on clay and artificial turf

Using a randomized crossover design, this study aimed to compare the heart rate (HR) responses and match analysis parameters (i.e., type of action; the number of players involved in an action; the number of passes performed in a collective action; precision of the shots; lost balls; ball interceptions; dribblings; and tackles) of official 5-a-side youth male soccer matches played over 2 pitch surface (i.e., clay vs. artificial turf) conditions. Twenty-two young male soccer players (age 8.3 ± 0.4 years) engaged in 2 consecutive 15-minute periods in each experimental condition. During the match, 53% of HR responses exceeded 85% of the individual HR(peak). No difference emerged between both pitch surfaces and match periods for HR and match analysis indicators. The two 15-minute periods resulted in being appropriate for 8-year-old players, in resembling the intensity of play and the intermittent nature of adult soccer. The similar HR responses and technical-tactical patterns observed on the 2 surfaces indicate that youth match play is not affected by differences in pitch surface. To support the development of individual and team skills of young soccer players, coaches are advised to prioritize game knowledge based on divergent thinking and experience, rather than traditional teaching based on instructions.