Purpose This study aimed to compare the physiological and physical demands between two spatial formats of small-sided games (SSGs) and competitive matches in youth football players. Method Fifteen U14 sub-elite players were monitored using WIMU PRO™ devices (Huddle, USA) during competition and training. The training involved two 7 vs. 7 SSGs formats: small (SSGs-S; 132 m2 per player) and large (SSGs-L; 232 m2 per player). Variables such as relative maximum heart rate (HRMAX), total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIRD), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), maximum speed (SpeedMAX), average speed (SpeedAVG), and acceleration distance were evaluated. Results Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that players covered more TD, HIRD, and HMLD per minute during SSGs-L than in both competition and SSGs-S (p < .01; effect size [ES] = .81, .76, .73, respectively). Competitive matches showed higher SpeedMAX (p < .01; ES = .93) and SpeedAVG (p < .01; ES = .84) compared to SSGs. Both SSGs formats exhibited higher distances covered in accelerations (> 2 m/s2) than competitive matches (p < .01; ES = .86). Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance for fitness coaches to manipulate pitch size during SSGs to replicate, increase or decrease physiological and physical demands relative to competitive conditions.
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