A comparison of two training methods on skill preparation and physical fitness in amateur soccer players

The aim of the present study was to compare the interval training with smallside game (SSG) on some selected skills preparation (speed dribbling، pass، and shot) and physical fitness factors (Vo2max، speed، acceleration and agility)، in amateur soccer players. Twenty male soccer players were randomly selected (height 165. 34±4. 75 cm، weight 58. 5±5. 22 kg، and age 15. 7± 0. 7 years)، and categorized into two groups. Speed Dribbling Test، More- Christian Pass and Shot Test، 12-Minute Running Test، 30 m Sprint Test، Four Line Sprint Test، and Illinois Test were used for measuring variably. Both groups، participated in training program (interval or small side game HR Max) progressively. Three times a week for six weeks، in which the % -95%70 intensity of the two training programs was identical. Post-test was performed similar to the pre-test at the end of the period. All data sets were tested for normal distribution using k – s test. The data was analyzed Paired Sample t-Test and Independent t- Test; the level of significance was set at p≤0. 05. Results showed that the 6-week training improved significantly all variables in both groups. However، comparing both experimental groups demonstrated that there is no significant changes between two groups regarding vo2max (p=0. 11)، speed (p=0. 69)، acceleration (p=0. 92); but a statistically significant improvement was found for agility (p=0. 001)، speed dribbling (p=0. 007)، pass skill (p=0. 001)، and shot skill (p=0. 001) variables increased significantly in SSG in comparison to interval training groups. Based on our result، it is recommended to employ small side game in preparatory programs (especially، of in-season) because such training، in a similar amounts of time، improves some physical fitness and skill factors of amateur soccer players; furthermore، they are applicable to the soccer players.