The Effects of Rule Modifications in 3v3 and 4v4 Small-Sided Games on Cardiovascular and Technical Performance in Elite Football Players
CARDIO-TECH SS
1 other identifier
interventional
24
1 country
1
Brief Summary
This study explores how different small-sided football games affect players' heart and technical skills. We will compare two ways of playing: "Free Play," where players act freely, and "Controlled Pass," where passing rules are used. Elite football players will participate in both types of games on small fields (3 vs 3 and 4 vs 4). We will measure heart responses (like heart rate) and how often players touch the ball. The goal is to help coaches choose the best game format to improve fitness and technical ability in training.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for not_applicable
Started Aug 2020
Typical duration for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
August 1, 2020
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
June 1, 2022
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
June 1, 2023
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
August 28, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
September 5, 2025
CompletedSeptember 5, 2025
August 1, 2025
1.8 years
August 28, 2025
August 28, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (2)
Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax)
HRmax recorded continuously using Polar heart rate monitors during 3v3 and 4v4 small-sided games under Free Play and Controlled Pass conditions.
During 8 weeks of training sessions
Percentage of Maximum Heart Rate (%HRmax)
Relative cardiovascular load calculated as percentage of HRmax, measured via Polar HR monitors across Free Play and Controlled Pass sessions.
During 8 weeks of training sessions
Secondary Outcomes (1)
Number of Ball Touches
During 8 weeks of training sessions
Study Arms (2)
Free Play
EXPERIMENTALElite football players participate in 3v3 and 4v4 small-sided games without restrictions, allowing free play conditions.
Controlled Pass
EXPERIMENTALElite football players participate in 3v3 and 4v4 small-sided games where a minimum number of passes is required before attempting to score.
Interventions
Other current and former name(s) or alias(es), if any, different from the Intervention Name(s), that the sponsor has used publicly to identify the intervention(s), including, but not limited to, past or present names such as brand name(s), or serial numbers
Participants train in 3v3 and 4v4 football games under Controlled Pass rules for 8 weeks.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Male elite football players
- Aged 18-30 years
- At least 5 years of professional football experience
- Currently training and competing at the professional level
You may not qualify if:
- Presence of cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal disease or injury that could interfere with participation
- Use of medication affecting cardiovascular function
- Inability to complete training sessions or follow study protocol
- Refusal to provide informed consent
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Hamza Kucuklead
Study Sites (1)
Ondokuz Mayis University
Samsun, Atakum, 55200, Turkey (Türkiye)
Related Publications (1)
Şar, H., Çelgin, G. S., Arslanoğlu, C., Kızılörs, G., Arslanoğlu, E., Ceylan, L., & Küçük, H. (2025). The Effects of FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee Warm-Up Protocols on Flexibility, Vertical Jump and Shooting Speed in Female Football Players: A Comparative Study. Applied Sciences, 15(9), 4936. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094936
BACKGROUND
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- BASIC SCIENCE
- Intervention Model
- CROSSOVER
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Assoc Prof.
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
August 28, 2025
First Posted
September 5, 2025
Study Start
August 1, 2020
Primary Completion
June 1, 2022
Study Completion
June 1, 2023
Last Updated
September 5, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-08
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will share
- Shared Documents
- STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, ANALYTIC CODE
- Time Frame
- Data will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the main results and ending 3 years after publication.
- Access Criteria
- Researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal for use in achieving the aims of their research will be granted access. Proposals should be directed to \[your institutional email\]. Data will be shared via secure data repository.
De-identified individual participant data (e.g., age, heart rate responses, ball touches) that underlie the results of the study will be shared. Supporting documents, including the study protocol and statistical analysis plan, will also be available.