Load characteristics of small-sided soccer games as a regular curriculum activity for improving the physical fitness of upper grade elementary school children: effect of differences in pitch area

• Published in: Taiikugaku kenkyu (Japan Journal of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences) Vol. 66; pp. 139 - 152
• Main Authors: SAITO, Kazuhiko, KIGOSHI, Kiyonobu, TSUDA, Ryosuke, SUZUKI, Koya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences 2021
• Subjects: amount of physical activity; Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); goal type ball games
• ISSN: 0484-6710; 1881-7718
• DOI: 10.5432/jjpehss.20066

This study investigated the effects of a change in pitch area on the load characteristics of smallsided soccer games (4vs4 and 3vs3) as a regular curriculum activity for upper grade elementary school children, focusing on improvement in physical fitness. 　Sixteen children participated in 2 types of 4vs4 small-sided games with a change in pitch area: Game 1-1 “large pitch” (30m length × 20m width) and Game 1-2 “small pitch” (20m length×15m width). In addition, 12 children participated in 2 types of 3vs3 small-sided games: Game 2-1 “large pitch” (30m length ×20m width) and Game 2-2 “small pitch” (20m length×15m width). 　The ratio of the appearance time of each movement speed (low speed: 0-5.9 km/h, moderate to high speed: 6.0-23.0 km/h) and the total movement distance were measured using GNSS tracking technology (Fieldwiz, ASI). Questionnaires on technique and tactics, physical fitness and psychological aspects were then conducted after each game. 　The main results were as follows. 1) The total movement distance during large pitch games was significantly greater than that of small pitch games (p <0.05). 2) The ratio of the appearance time of moderate and high speed (6-23 km/h) during large pitch games was significantly greater than that of small pitch games (p <0.05). 3) Over 80% of the subjects indicated a positive response in the questionnaire from the aspect of interest. 4) There was a significantly positive correlation between the total movement distance and the total physical fitnessscore in 4vs4 games (p <0.05). However, no significant correlation was observed in 3vs3 games. 　These results suggest that small-sided soccer games with a change in pitch area might be useful for improvement of physical fitness, and that it would be possible even for children with different fitness levels to have equal opportunities for participating in 3vs3 games.