| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed to compare the tactical behavior and network properties of soccer players, measured through the fundamental tactical principles and Social Network Analysis, respectively, in small-sided games with and without limitation on ball touches per possession. Thirty-six U-15 soccer players participated in the study. The athletes participated of two protocols of small-sided games: with the 2-limit rule and without the limit of touches in the ball per possession. The GR3-3GR format was used, in a field of 36 x 27 meters, with all rules of the formal game, except in the protocol with limit of touches where the athlete who makes more than 2 touches would lose the possession for the opposing team. SSG regimen comprised four bouts, lasting four minutes, with a four-minute passive pause. For the assessment of tactical behavior, the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) was used, while the Social Network Analysis was used for the analysis network properties. Data regarding the frequency of tactical principles, percentage of successful tactical principles, density and clustering coefficient were analyzed T-tests were used to compare data between protocols when the assumptions of normality were met, and Wilcoxon’s test when assumptions were not met. Significance level of 5% was established and the effect size (r) was calculated. Contrary to expectations, the protocol with ball touches limitation presented a higher incidence of principles outside the game center (width and length, depth mobility, defensive balance, and concentration). In addition, as expected, the protocol with a limit of touches in the ball presented higher values of density and clustering coefficient. There was also an increase in the percentage of successful defensive actions in the protocol with limit of touches in the ball. It is concluded that limiting ball touches enhances defensive tactical performance. In addition, it is found that the limitation of touches on the ball directs the tactical behaviors towards principles that seek to increase the space of game. | |
