Network analysis and tactical behaviour in soccer small-sided and conditioned games: influence of absolute and relative playing areas on different age categories

This study aimed to compare the effect of manipulating the absolute and relative area of SSCG on players’ behaviour. 36 players were selected from the U-13 and U-14 category. The SSCG were played in three different formats: 3 vs. 3 (36 × 27 m, 162 m2), 3 vs. 3 + 1 (36 × 27 m, 139 m2), and 3 vs. 3 + 1 large (40 × 29 m, 162 m2). Tactical behaviour and network properties were assessed using the FUT-SAT and the Social Network Analysis, respectively....