Background: In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in international competitions and recreational leagues in female soccer. Small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are considered effective training methods to enhance physical fitness in soccer players. Due to the limited research comparing these two protocols in female athletes, t his systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate their effects on change of direction (COD), sprint time (ST), vertical jump (VJ), and endurance performance (END). Sources of data: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched f or original scientific articles up to 28 June 2025. Areas of agreement: Results showed a significant effect favouring SSGs over HIIT protocols in improving COD, while no significant d ifferences were found regarding ST, VJ , and END. Areas of controversy: The limited and heterogeneous data currently available prevent definitive conclusions and sustain ongoing debate on this topic. Growing points: This study provides a foundation for future research comparing SSGs and HIIT-based interventions in female soccer p layers. Areas timely for developing research: Future research should focus on: (i) analyzing different SSG formats in adult participants; (ii) detailed examination of the benefits derived both from longer durations of short HIIT and large-sided games; and (iii) investigating performance improvements in young female soccer players across varying competitive levels a nd stages of maturation.
Effectiveness of small-sided games vs high-intensity interval training on physical fitness in f emale soccer players: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Nicola Trotta
;Italo SannicandroWriting – Original Draft Preparation
;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in international competitions and recreational leagues in female soccer. Small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are considered effective training methods to enhance physical fitness in soccer players. Due to the limited research comparing these two protocols in female athletes, t his systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate their effects on change of direction (COD), sprint time (ST), vertical jump (VJ), and endurance performance (END). Sources of data: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched f or original scientific articles up to 28 June 2025. Areas of agreement: Results showed a significant effect favouring SSGs over HIIT protocols in improving COD, while no significant d ifferences were found regarding ST, VJ , and END. Areas of controversy: The limited and heterogeneous data currently available prevent definitive conclusions and sustain ongoing debate on this topic. Growing points: This study provides a foundation for future research comparing SSGs and HIIT-based interventions in female soccer p layers. Areas timely for developing research: Future research should focus on: (i) analyzing different SSG formats in adult participants; (ii) detailed examination of the benefits derived both from longer durations of short HIIT and large-sided games; and (iii) investigating performance improvements in young female soccer players across varying competitive levels a nd stages of maturation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
