The effect of rule and game design modification in football: Small-sided games among adolescents

The aim of this study was to compare the physiological effects of 3 vs. 3 small-sided games (SSGs) under different game rules, i.e with and without man-to-man marking (MM) and with and without goals. It was found that SSGs with MM induced significantly higher heart rate response (%HRreserve) and perceived exertion than without MM. On the other hand, while the use of goals did not affect the heart rate response, it led to lower reported perceived exertion. In conclusion, this study found that the exercise intensity of 3 vs. 3 SSGs could be increased by using MM, whereas adding goals did not change the exercise intensity.