Consequences of field obstacles on tactical, conditional, and emotional dimensions in young female soccer players during small-sided games

This study aims to compare tactical, conditional, and emotional responses of young female soccer players with two small-sided games (SSG) conditions - with and without field obstacles. Twelve Spanish under-12 female soccer players (age: 12.5 & PLUSMN; 0.7 years) played two different 6-a-side SSGs (i.e. 5 vs 5 plus goalkeepers): one with field obstacles (SSG(obstacles)) and the other without these (SSG(free)). Positional data were gathered using a GPS to measure tactical (distance between players, stretch-index [SI], spatial exploration index [SEI] and their normalized approximate entropy measures [ApEn norm], and longitudinal and lateral synchronizations) and conditional performances (total and walking, jogging, running, and high-speed running distances). Participants assessed the intensity of their emotional experience using the BECS scale of perceived enjoyment and competence. SSG(obstacles) reduced the SEI values (p = 0.038, Cohen's d = -0.40 [-0.77; -0.02]), impaired lateral synchronization (p < 0.001, d = -0.62 [-0.89; -0.34]), and increased regularity (distance between players(ApEn norm): p = 0.016, d = -0.32 [-0.58; -0.06]; SIApEn norm: p = 0.029, d = -0.42 [-0.79; -0.04]) of the tactical behavior in comparison to SSG(free). Players traveled more distance overall (p = 0.009, d = 0.51 [0.13; 0.89]) and while running (p = 0.028, d = 0.42 [0.04; 0.79]) during SSG(obstacles) in comparison to SSG(free). No significant differences between the two SSG conditions were apparent in players' perceived enjoyment (p = 0.060) and competence levels (p = 0.530). Placing obstacles on the field during SSGs, compared with those free of obstructions, could decrease young female soccer players' spatial exploration, stabilize their tactical behavior, and raise their physical effort.