# Small-Sided Games are More Enjoyable Than High-Intensity Interval Training of Similar Exercise Intensity in Soccer

PMID: 32210645
Journal: Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine
Published: 2020 Mar 23
Authors: Selmi O, Ouergui I, Levitt DE, Nikolaidis PT, Knechtle B, Bouassida A

## Question

Do small-sided soccer games and running HIIT produce similar internal load and fatigue, and do they differ in enjoyment?

## Summary

In 16 male youth soccer players, a 4 x 4 minute running HIIT session and a 4 x 4 minute small-sided soccer game produced similar heart-rate, lactate, perceived exertion, and short-term jump-fatigue responses. The soccer game format was much more enjoyable.

## Population

- Competitive male youth soccer players.
- Sample size: 16
- Age: 17.5 +/- 0.6 years
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Trained soccer players
- Health status: Apparently healthy athletes

## Methodology

- Randomized counterbalanced crossover acute field study
- Four visits one week apart; one acute HIIT and one acute SSG session
- Natural grass soccer field during competitive season
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Running HIIT.
- Modality: Outdoor running.
- Work intervals: 15 seconds at individualized 110% MAS distance repeated inside 4-minute bouts.
- Recovery: 15 seconds passive rest within bouts; 3 minutes passive between bouts.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 x 4 minute bouts.
- Intensity: 110% maximal aerobic speed.
- Session duration: 25 minutes.
- Frequency: Single acute session.
- Program length: Acute crossover.
- Progression: None.
- Small-sided soccer games.
- Modality: 4v4 soccer without goalkeepers.
- Work intervals: 4-minute game bouts.
- Recovery: 3 minutes passive recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 bouts.
- Intensity: Maximal effort game play.
- Session duration: 25 minutes.
- Frequency: Single acute session.
- Program length: Acute crossover.
- Progression: None.

## Outcomes

### Enjoyment
Status: improved
SSG was much more enjoyable than HIIT.

PACES 85 +/- 6 vs 53 +/- 6; p<0.001

### Intensity
Status: no clear change
HIIT and SSG produced similar heart-rate, lactate, and RPE responses.

%HRmax p=0.70; lactate p=0.38; RPE p=0.61

### Jump fatigue
Status: worse/safety concern
Five-jump performance decreased after both protocols.

Main time effect p<0.05; no type or interaction effect

## Practical Insights

- Enjoyment can be improved by making high-intensity work sport-specific.
- Physiological intensity alone does not determine session preference.
- Game-like intervals may be valuable when engagement is a priority.

## Limitations

- Small homogeneous sample.
- Acute study only.
- Only male youth soccer players.
- Only one SSG format tested.

## Safety And Adherence

- No injuries or adverse events were reported.
- The study measured acute fatigue and found jump performance declined after both protocols.
- Participants were trained soccer players familiar with the procedures and were supervised on field.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210645/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S244512) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7069497/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.