Influence of Pitch Dimensions and Player Numbers on Physical and Physiological Responses During Small-Sided Games in Female Soccer Players: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Aim: This review examined the influence of pitch dimensions and player numbers on physical and physiological responses during small-sided games (SSGs) in female soccer players, addressing the gender-specific research deficit in training prescription guidelines.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases (1984-2024) to identify studies examining pitch dimension and player number effects on exercise intensity in elite and youth female soccer populations. Eligible investigations reported quantitative physical (distance metrics, speed classifications, acceleration profiles) or physiological (heart rate, metabolic power, blood lactate, perceived exertion) outcomes during SSG participation. Seven studies met inclusion criteria and underwent qualitative synthesis.

Results: Medium pitch dimensions (600-800 m² for 4-a-side formats) elicited superior cardiovascular intensity (mean heart rate: 89.88±3.56% HRmax; time >85% HRmax: 84.43±12.68%) compared to small (84.11±5.80% HRmax; 45.89±34.28%) and large (84.92±6.06% HRmax; 57.83±32.64%) configurations. Player number reductions from large to small formats progressively increased cardiovascular stress (time >85% HRmax: 54.9±27.9% vs. 69.8±25.9%), although 2vs2 configurations demonstrated paradoxically lower heart rate responses (89.8±1.8% HRmax) despite elevated blood lactate concentrations (9.1±0.9 mmol/L). Total distance covered increased with player number expansion (888.5±88.0 m [2vs2] to 1756.8±393.6 m [4vs4]), while high-intensity running distance was maximized in larger pitch formats (55.06±31.27 m vs. 21.03±11.33 m for large vs. small dimensions).

Conclusion: Medium-to-large pitch dimensions combined with 3vs3 to 5vs5 player configurations optimize cardiovascular and metabolic intensity for aerobic conditioning in female soccer players. Substantial methodological limitations and limited study quantity necessitate systematic factorial investigations to establish evidence-based SSG prescription frameworks.