Small-Sided Games and Technical Skills in Soccer Training: Systematic Review and Implications for Sport and Physical Education Practitioners

High-level of technical skills and tactical behaviour are key factors for an optimal performance in soccer games. About the most used and innovative training methods, the small-sided games (SSGs) seem to be a worthy and valid methodology to train simultaneously many skills by reproducing several conditions of a real match. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the available literature to lead an improved understanding in the usefulness of SSGs for improving technical skills in soccer. To ensure a rigorous and reliable approach, the review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analyses) guidelines. 1031 records were initially identified, but only 26 studies were further included in the review. Moreover, other two studies were added after a check of the bibliography of two major reviews. So, each of these studies was analysed according to the aforementioned guidelines and using inclusion criteria related to SSG and training in soccer. The current analysis provided several indications and recommendations for coaches and trainers of soccer teams in order to improve several technical skills by means of the use of SSGs. Furthermore, several evidences for using SSGs in school environment are also provided.