Framework and Consensus Statement for the Implementation of Sided Game Training in Football (Soccer)

Beato, M, Praca, GM, Dello Iacono, A, Afonso, J, Gualtieri, A, Hulton, A, Datson, N, Krustrup, P, Fernandez, FTG, Petiot, GH, Machado, JC, Zmijewski, P, Aquino, R, King, M, Nunes, NA, Olthof, S ORCID: 0000-0002-7660-8448, Mohr, M, da Costa, IT and Clemente, FM (2026) Framework and Consensus Statement for the Implementation of Sided Game Training in Football (Soccer). International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 21 (5). pp. 611-620. ISSN 1555-0265

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Abstract

Sided games are very popular in football (soccer) training, designed to integrate technical, tactical, and physical development through the manipulation of constraints such as player numbers, pitch size, and rules, among other variables. However, inconsistent terminology, methodological heterogeneity, and limited empirical guidance have hindered its methodological advancement across research and practice. This consensus aimed to establish a unified framework and evidence-based recommendations for the design, monitoring, and application of sided games in football, providing conceptual clarity and practical guidance for coaches and sport scientists. A multidisciplinary group of 20 international experts in football science and coaching developed the framework through a 3-stage process: (1) theoretical model development, (2) synthesis of priority areas based on an umbrella review of 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and (3) iterative drafting and blinded consensus voting on statements using a 9-point Likert scale. Seven statements achieved consensus (scores 7-9), defining sided games in soccer, delineating important influencing factors (coach philosophy, environmental, task, and individual constraints), defining monitoring principles, and highlighting benefits and limitations. The consensus confirmed sided games as effective for developing aerobic fitness and tactical-technical behaviors but less effective for strength, power, and high-speed performance adaptations. This consensus provides the first framework for sided game training in football, unifying terminology, and guiding evidence-based design. Its implementation can enhance training coherence, optimize player development, and inform future research addressing existing methodological and population-specific gaps.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	small-sided games; physical; tactical-technical; team sport; physical; small-sided games; tactical–technical; team sport; Humans; Soccer; Physical Conditioning, Human; Consensus; Athletic Performance; 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences; 42 Health Sciences; 3202 Clinical Sciences; 4207 Sports Science and Exercise; 3208 Medical Physiology; 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 1116 Medical Physiology; 1701 Psychology; Sport Sciences; 3202 Clinical sciences; 3208 Medical physiology; 4207 Sports science and exercise
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports > GV711 Coaching G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Human Kinetics
Date of acceptance:	18 March 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	9 May 2026
Date Deposited:	08 May 2026 14:50
Last Modified:	09 May 2026 00:50
DOI or ID number:	10.1123/ijspp.2025-0678
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28545

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