Short versus long small-sided game training during Ramadan in soccer players

Objective: To compare the effects of two small-sided game (SSG) training formats (4 × 4 min (SSG-S) and 2 × 8 min (SSG-L)) conducted during Ramadan on Hoff and five-jump (5JT) tests' performances and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE).

Design: Three group, case-control.

Setting: Field tests.

Participants: Twenty-four male soccer players were divided into 3 groups: 2 groups undertaking 4 weeks of SSG-S (n = 8) or SSG-L (n = 8) during Ramadan and a control group (n = 8).

Main outcome measures: The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Hooper questionnaires' scores and 5JT and Hoff test's performances were measured before (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (R4).

Results: Compared to BR, fatigue estimated by POMS and Hooper questionnaires was higher at R4 in all groups (ES = 0.77-1.57, p < 0.05). Hoff test distance increased to the same extent in SSG-S and SSG-L groups (+7.38-7.39%, ES = 1.49-1.93, p < 0.001). Mean sRPE scores measured during Ramadan were higher after SSG-L (6.49 ± 0.38) than SSG-S (5.61 ± 0.14) sessions (+15.58%, ES = 2.79, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: SSG training can be implemented as an efficient intervention to avoid detraining and equally improve soccer-specific physical performance during Ramadan. Given the lower perceptual responses associated with shorter SSG sequences, this modality would be better tolerated during the fasting month, and therefore is recommended.