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Effects of SAQ Training and Small-Sided Games on

Neuromuscular Functioning in Untrained Subjects

Article in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance · December 2009

DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.4.4.494 · Source: PubMed

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International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2009, 4, 494-505
© Human Kinetics, Inc.

Effects of SAQ Training and Small-Sided

Games on Neuromuscular Functioning in
Untrained Subjects
Remco Polman, Jonathan Bloomfield, and Andrew Edwards

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of both
programmed (speed, agility, and quickness; SAQ) and random (small-sided games;
SSG) conditioning methods on selected neuromuscular and physical performance
variables. Methods: Twenty volunteers (21.1 ± 4.0 y, 1.71 ± 0.09 m, 66.7 ± 9.9
kg; mean ± SD) completed the study. The study design used two physically
challenging periodized experimental conditions (SAQ and SSG conditions) and
a nonexercise control condition (CON). Participants engaged in 12.2 ± 2.1 h
of directed physical conditioning. All participants had at least 24 h of recovery
between conditioning sessions, and each 1-h session included 15 min of general
warm-up and a 45-min exercise session. Participants completed a battery of tests
(15-m sprint, isokinetic flexion/extension, depth jump) before and following
the training program. Results: There was a 6.9% (95% CI: −4.4 to 18.3) greater
improvement in 5-m acceleration time and 4.3% (95% CI: −0.9 to 9.5) in 15-m
mean running velocity time for the SAQ group compared with the SSG group. In
addition, increases in maximal isokinetic concentric strength for both the flexor
and extensor muscles, with the exception of 180 °/s flexion, were greater in the
SAQ than SSG condition. The SAQ group also showed 19.5% (95% CI: −11.2
to 50.2) greater gain in reactive strength (contact time depth jump) and 53.8%
(95% CI: 11.2 to 98.6) in mean gastrocnemius medialis activity in comparison
with SSG. Conclusions: SAQ training should benefit the physical conditioning
programs of novice players performing invasion games.

Keywords: physical conditioning, invasion games, performance, strength

Time-motion analysis of movement patterns from various team sports indi-

cates that speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) are important for performance
during match play.1,2 For example, international soccer players performed 28%
more high-intensity running and 58% more sprinting than players of a lower
standard.2 However, despite the importance of SAQ to match performance, few

Polman is with the Centre for Applied Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Lancashire,
U.K. Bloomfield is with the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland, University of Ulster, U.K. Edwards is
with James Cook University, Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Cairns, Australia.

494
 SAQ and Small-Sided Game Effects on Neuromusclar Functioning   495

empirical studies3,4 have investigated training-based interventions designed to

specifically enhance these attributes, or have addressed the issue of whether
directly targeting SAQ aspects of training augments the physiological adaptations
in excess of routine conditioning techniques, such as the regular performance
of small-sided games.
Recently, one study identified that a 12-wk (consisting of approximately 24
h of total conditioning time) progressive SAQ training program making use of
either specialized resistance and speed development SAQ equipment or tradi-
tional soccer coaching equipment was an effective conditioning method for elite
female soccer players.5 That study used the commercial SAQ training method.
This method of conditioning involves prescription of progressive exercises to
develop an athlete’s ability to be more skillful at faster speeds and with greater
precision.6 SAQ conditioning enables athletes to become better at reacting to
stimuli, start more quickly and efficiently, move effectively in multiple directions,
and change direction or stop quickly to make a play in a fast, smooth, efficient,
and repeatable manner.7,8 However, to our knowledge, there is no other empirical
research supporting the efficacy of SAQ conditioning in team sports.5 Without
supporting evidence as either an isolated training technique or an addition to a
program, it is not possible to confidently support the inclusion of SAQ training
in a structured conditioning program.
Given the diverse blend of activities within most team games,9,10 the process
of conditioning players is a complex endeavor. Consequently, many physical
trainers integrate conditioning programs into skill-based practices using both
programmed (such as SAQ training) and random (such as small-sided games)
activities within a limited timeframe. In practical terms, the majority of activi-
ties can be practiced in small-sided games. However, if overused, the generic
application of small-sided game situations for conditioning purposes can often
disguise individual weaknesses and therefore contribute to player injuries.11
As a consequence, although small-sided games enable trainers to create game
specificity and overloads situations, they may not necessarily meet the individual
requirements of each player.12 It is possible that performance gains in key (SAQ)
components of fitness may be suboptimal through the sole use of small-sided
games in preference to SAQ training.13 It is likely that similar (or augmented)
SAQ responses would be achieved through directly targeting isolated SAQ train-
ing in comparison with overly repetitive small-sided games. A blend of SAQ
and small-sided game methods within a conditioning program may provide both
greater variety of training and greater improvements. Nevertheless, no study has
yet made either (1) a comparison of isolated SAQ training vs small-sided game
performances on selected neuromuscular and physical performance variables
synonymous with SAQ fitness outcomes or (2) whether the summation of the
two techniques is an optimal combination. It is the aim of this study to examine
the first question.
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of both programmed
(SAQ) and random (small-sided games) conditioning methods on selected neuro-
muscular and physical performance variables in soccer. To enhance the ecological
validity to a broad range of performers, we used a mixed-sex, novice cohort of
participants.
496   Polman, Bloomfield, and Edwards

Methods
Participants
Twenty previously untrained volunteers (21.1 ± 4.0 y; 1.71 ± 0.09 m; 66.7 ± 9.9
kg) completed the study. Participants were only included if they were untrained
and had not engaged in exercise above 11 on the Borg scale14 for at least 4 wk
before commencement of the study. The study was approved by a university ethics
committee and, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, each volunteer
provided written informed consent.

Procedures
Seven participants (23.0 ± 5.9 y;1.70 ± 0.08 m; 64.0 ± 6.7 kg) were randomly allo-
cated into either a SAQ training conditioning (SAQ; n = 7 [3 males; 4 females]), or a
small-sided (5 per side) soccer games condition (19.3 ± 0.9 y; 1.72 ± 0.10 m; 67.6 ±
11.5 kg) (SSG; n = 7 [3 males; 4 females]). A further six participants were assigned
to a no-physical activity control (20.8 ± 2.9 y; 1.72 ± 0.10 m; 68.8 ± 12.1 kg) (CON;
n = 6 [3 males; 3 females]) group. In the SSG group, small-sided game activities
were gender matched for participant safety and to ensure that each participant was
fully involved in the match simulations regardless of performance level or gender.
All physical conditioning took place inside a sports hall (25 × 15 m) and was
performed over a 6-wk period. The programmed training was performed under
the direction of an accredited SAQ practitioner, whereas small-sided soccer games
activities were officiated and supervised by experienced soccer coaches.
Each participant in both SAQ and SSG groups received the same quantity of
directed physical conditioning (12.2 ± 2.1 h). All participants had at least 24 h of
recovery between conditioning sessions and each 1-h session included 15 min of
general warm-up and 45 min of prescribed exercise. The CON group received the
same duration of intervention; however, they performed nonphysical conditioning
in the form of passive video gaming. Sessions were progressively structured to
gradually increase intensity over each of the 6 wk (see Table 1). Ratings of perceived
exertion (RPE)14 were collected at the end of each session to assess training intensity.
Following a series of familiarization sessions, all participants completed a
battery of standardized physical fitness tests and laboratory tests in the same order
for the subsequent analyses of generic training adaptations across selected physi-
ological variables. The testing procedures were repeated at the conclusion of the
6-wk intervention period.
Participants performed three 15-m sprints from a split stance, static standing
start at 0 m. Best times (digital timing gates; Brower Timing System, Draper, UT,
USA) were recorded for the initial 5-m and the full 15-m sprints as measures of
acceleration and mean running velocity.
Peak torque was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex norm,
Nottingham, UK). Knee flexion and extension of each participant’s dominant leg
was performed using a protocol of one set of five repetitions at 60, 120, and 180
°/s (three sets in total) with 1-min recovery intervals. The trial with the greatest
peak concentric torque was used for subsequent statistical analysis. The strength
data were dimensionally scaled before statistical analysis.15
Table 1 Six-week program for SAQ and SSG conditions
Phase SAQ Small-Sided Games (SSG)
Week 1 6 × 6” Hurdles 2 × 20-min matches
Intensity Walk, run, lateral run troughs 5-min rest interval
60–70% Bunny hops Rotate goalkeeper every 4 min
Fast foot ladder Ball to be kept on the ground
1 foot per square run No player enter goalkeeper area
Miss a square run
Hopscotch
Lateral 2 feet per square run

Week 3 6” and 12” hurdles and fast foot 3 × 15-min matches

ladder
Intensity T, X, Y, H patterns 3-min rest interval
75–85% 2 foot per square run Rotate goalkeeper every 3 min
Single leg and lateral runs Ball to be kept on the ground
Carioca Score with one touch finish
Icky and Ali shuffles
Step-ups and bunny hops
Simple reaction drills
Viper belt
10-m runs

Week 6 6” and 12” hurdles, fast foot lad- 4 × 12-min matches

ders, swerve cones, stride canes
Intensity 20-m courses (races) 2-min rest interval
100% W (hurdles) and N (ladder) drills No goalkeepers
Zigzags Ball to be kept on the ground
Viper belt Score with one touch finish
5- and 10-m sprints No player can score 2 consecu-
tive goals
Reaction ball 2 touch possession
Manic 21 s 3-s possession
Breakaway belts Complete 10 passes before a
goal attempt
Mirror drills
Get up and go’s

   497
498   Polman, Bloomfield, and Edwards

Each participant performed a 40-cm depth jump from a box onto a force plat-
form (Kistler, Cambridge, U.K.) to assess reactive strength. Inferential electromy-
ography (iEMG) was used to assess the activity of motor units within muscles of
the lower limb of the dominant leg during the depth jump. After skin preparation,
passive surface electrodes (Ag/AgCl) were positioned over the muscle bellies of
tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius (medial and lateral), and soleus.16,17 The mean and
peak (maximum) values from the three trials were used in statistical analyses.16

Data Analysis
All data are expressed as means ± SD except where stated otherwise in the text.
A two-way ANOVA (three conditions: SAQ, SSG, and CON) × 2 (test session:
pre-, post-) with repeated measures on the last factor was conducted to ascertain
whether the training activities had significant effects on the selected dependent
variables. In the presence of significant differences, the Newman-Keuls test (for a
posteriori comparisons) was used to determine the exact location of differences.
Pearson product–moment correlations were calculated between the dependent vari-
able for the pretest data and for the difference score between pre- and posttest for
the sample as a whole. We adopted Cohen’s18 suggestion on effect sizes (small, r
< .30; medium, r ≥ .30; and < 0.50; large, ≥ .50). The alpha level for significance
was set at P < .05.

Results
The greatest improvement in 5- and 15-m sprint performances were observed in the
SAQ group (−12.0 and −7.4% improvements between pre- and posttest, respectively)
in comparison with the SSG (−3.5 and −2.3%) and CON (0 and −1.1%) groups
(Tables 2 and 3). There was a significant time main effect (P = .01) for 0-to-15 m
but no interaction effect. Effect sizes were in the low-to-moderate range (Table 3).
The greatest pre- to posttraining adaptations in peak torque (16.0 to 34.5%
improvement) were observed in the SAQ group, compared with the SSG (3.3 to
25.5% improvement) and the CON (4.5 to 14.1% improvement) (Tables 2 and 3)
groups. Post hoc comparisons for each peak torque variable showed significant
improvements in isokinetic concentric strength pre- to posttraining adaptations in
the SAQ (P < .05) group but not in the SSG or CON groups. Large variability in both
ground-contact and flight times meant that no significant performance adaptations
were observed for reactive strength. Nevertheless, post hoc comparisons for the
interaction effect for the iEMG (in mean microvolts) analysis for the gastrocnemius
medialis showed significant improvement in the SAQ group (P < .01) from pre- to
posttraining, but not in the SSG (P = .39) or CON (P = .89) groups.
Correlational analysis for all participants demonstrated that acceleration and
mean sprint time (5 m and 15 m) was moderately to highly correlated with most
dynamic strength measures (r = −0.38, P = .09 to −0.75 P < .01: range), and depth
jump flight time (r = −0.39; P = .09 and r = −0.57; P = .01 for 5 and 15 m respec-
tively). Similarly, postintervention improvements in acceleration and mean sprint
times were associated with increased dynamic strength measures (r = −0.20, P =
.37 to −.53, P < .05: range), and decreased depth jump contact time (r = .33, P
= .16 and r = .35, P = .14 respectively). As expected, depth jump flight time was
 Table 2 Mean and standard deviations for the pre- and posttest scores for the dependent variables and the
percentage change
SAQ- SSG- CON-
SAQ-Pre Post % Change SSG-Pre Post % Change CON-Pre Post % Change
Dependent Variable n=7 n=7 and 95% CI n=7 n=7 and 95% CI n=6 n=6 and 95% CI
Speed and
Acceleration
0–5 m (s) 1.21 ± 1.08 ± −9.5; −17.5 1.19 ± 1.15 ± −2.6; −10.6 1.24 ± 1.24 ± 0.8; −16.0
0.21 0.14 to -1.5 0.17 0.13 to 5.4 0.14 0.16 to 17.6
0–15 m (s) 2.77 ± 2.58 ± −6.5; −10.0 2.71 ± 2.65 ± −2.1; −5.7 2.80 ± 2.77 ± −1.3; −8.3
0.25 0.19 to -2.7 0.25 0.18 to 1.6 0.28 0.30 to 5.6
Peak Torque (N·m)
Concentric Flex 111 ± 36 144 ± 40 31.9; 18.6 120 ± 32 132 ± 34 11.0; 2.2 99 ± 16 113 ± 23 14.6; −0.2
(60°) to 45.1 to 24.3 to 29.6
Concentric Flex 97 ± 33 117 ± 27 24.8; 9.5 106 ± 36 112 ± 32 7.1; −8.1 102 ± 15 113 ± 23 11.1; −2.0
(120°) to 40.0 to 22.3 to 24.3
Concentric Flex 93 ± 55 142 ± 43 99.2; 23.2 110 ± 31 138 ± 63 21.0; −97.0 96 ± 18 105 ± 18 10.4; −0.8
(180°) to 175 to 55.0 to 21.2
Concentric Ext 162 ± 57 193 ± 49 24.0; 6.1 184 ± 44 190 ± 32 4.7; −22.5 159 ± 28 172 ± 42 7.6; −7.8
(60°) to 41.9 to 13.2 to 23.1
Concentric Ext 126 ± 44 151 ± 38 24.9; 7.8 138 ± 41 152 ± 31 11.0; −6.0 145 ± 21 159 ± 22 10.5; −0.3
(120°) to 42.0 to 28.1 to 20.1
Concentric Ext 101 ± 41 123 ± 35 28.2; 8.3 117 ± 77 146 ± 62 9.6; −9.2 138 ± 64 132 ± 44 0.2; −13.8
(180°) to 48.1 to 28.4 to 14.2
(continued)

   499
500
Table 2 (continued)
SAQ- SSG- CON-
SAQ-Pre Post % Change SSG-Pre Post % Change CON-Pre Post % Change
Dependent Variable n=7 n=7 and 95% CI n=7 n=7 and 95% CI n=6 n=6 and 95% CI
Reactive Strength
Contact Time (s) 0.37 ± 0.33 ± −5.5; −27.2 0.29 ± 0.29 ± 14.1; −2.8 0.34 ± 0.35 ± 5.8; −14.2
0.11 0.10 to 16.3 0.08 0.08 to 31.0 0.09 0.07 to 25.7
Flight Time (s) 0.45 ± 0.46 ± 2.9; −6.0 0.48 ± 0.56 ± 3.1; −5.8 0.50 ± 0.50 ± 0.6; −1.7
0.05 0.05 to 10.8 0.06 0.10 to 11.0 0.08 0.07 to 3.0
Mean µV 240 ± 351 ± 67.0; 21.0 255 ± 243 ± 98 13.2; −20.2 305 ± 320 ± 5.6; −6.7
(gastroc. med.) 138 175 to 113 140 to 46.6 130 141 to 17.9
Max µV 1242 ± 1379 ± 11.9; −23.6 1167 ± 1147 ± 4.1; −31.3 1483 ± 1752 ± 21.6; 1.8
(gastroc. med.) 531 459 to 47.3 414 351 to 40.0 408 381 to 40.8
Abbreviations: SAQ—speed, agility, and quickness group; SSG—small-sided games group; CON—nonexercise control group; CI—confidence interval; flex: flexion;
ext: extension; gastroc. med: gastrocnemius medialis.
 Table 3 Results time main and interaction effects of the repeated-measures ANOVA for selected dependent
variables. Reported are the mean difference between the pre- and posttest score and the 95% confidence
interval for the time main effect, the mean difference in improvement between the SAQ and SSG group, and
the 95% confidence interval for the interaction effect (but not the differences in improvement between control
group and SAQ and SSG); F value, significance level (P), and effect size (ES; partial η2).
Time Main Effect Interaction Effect
Mean difference pre- to posttest Mean difference SAQ - SSG for
and 95% CI F P ES pre- to posttest improvement F P ES
Dependent Variable and 95% CI
0–5 m (s) 0.06 s; −0.01 to 0.13 2.7 0.12 .14 0.10 s; −0.06 to 0.25 1.4 0.27 .14
0–15 m (s) 0.10 s; 0.02 to 0.17 7.6 0.01 .31 0.12 s; −0.03 to 0.28 1.8 0.21 .17
Concentric Flex (60°) 19.9 N·m; 11.0 to 28.7 27.0 0.0001 .61 22.0 N·m; 1.81 to 42.19 3.5 0.05 .29
Concentric Flex (120°) 11.9 N·m; 4.7 to 19.0 13.5 0.002 .44 16.1 N·m; −0.79 to 33.1 2.2 0.14 .21
Concentric Flex (180°) 27.9 N·m; 3.1 to 52.8 6.0 0.03 .26 25.3 N·m; −48.3 to 98.9 2.0 0.16 .19
Concentric Ext (60°) 16.2 N·m; 5.0 to 27.4 10.5 0.01 .38 27.1 N·m; 2.1 to 52.2 2.7 0.09 .24
Concentric Ext (120°) 16.8 N·m; 9.6 to 24.0 25.6 0.001 .60 15.3 N·m; −2.2 to 32.8 2.0 0.17 .19
Concentric Ext (180°) 7.6 N·m; −3.6 to 18.7 2.0 0.18 .11 17.7 N·m; −5.4 to 40.8 2.8 0.09 .25
Contact Time (s) −0.001 s; −0.04 to 0.04 0.0 0.92 .00 0.07 s; −0.04 to 0.18 1.2 0.13 .12
Flight Time (s) −0.01 s; −0.02 to 0.01 0.9 0.35 .05 −0.00 s; −0.05 to 0.05 0.1 0.90 .01
Mean µV, gastroc. med. 43.6 µV; 3.1 to 85.1 6.5 0.02 .28 110 µV; 11.0 to 209 4.5 0.03 .35
Max µV, gastroc. med. 201 µV; −72.9 to 476 2.9 0.11 .15 156 µV; −428 to 741 1.6 0.23 .16

   501
502   Polman, Bloomfield, and Edwards

significantly positively correlated with the maximal power generated by the exten-
sor muscles (r = .48 to 0.70; range P < .05). In addition, those participants who
shortened their contact time decreased mean (r = .59; P < .01) and maximal (r =
.65; P < .01) tibialis output, whereas those who showed an increase in their contact
time showed an increase in mean and maximal tibialis output during the depth jump.

Discussion
Six weeks of directly targeted strength, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training
augmented neuromuscular performance adaptations across a range of test indices
compared with a matched volume of small-sided games. The enhanced perfor-
mances of the SAQ group suggest that, as an isolated technique, this form of train-
ing might be a useful inclusion in structured conditioning programs for novice or
recreational team sport players.
The SAQ group exhibited significantly greater improvements in maximal iso-
kinetic concentric strength for both the flexor and extensor muscles in comparison
with both SSG and CON groups. This and other effects were largely expected, as
the greater improvements by SAQ conditioning across all individual elements are
probably attributable to the specificity of strength- or speed-specific energetics com-
pared with simple soccer game play in previously untrained subjects. For example,
SSG training requires a high dependency on aerobic energy due to the sustained
energetics of game play19 and may develop each attribute but at a lesser magnitude
than specifically targeted SAQ training. As a consequence of prolonged, random
activities in SSG, there are often inadequate opportunities to replenish immediate
energy stores. This outcome inevitably means that movements are performed at
submaximal intensity, limiting the development of maximal speed or torque. In
addition, the greater reliance on aerobic energy during SSG reduces of the likeli-
hood of achieving adequate training overload within each individual conditioning
session due to intrinsic pacing during game play.20 Clearly, small-sided games are
vital to the specific preparations of team sport players for a host of reasons, but
as a sole training strategy this technique is not a sufficient stimulus to optimize
the development of important neuromuscular factors. The results of the current
study, however, are limited to the SSG training program used. By manipulating
prescription variables during SSG, different overload situations can be created
with diverse outcomes.21–24
In contrast, the standardized (programmed) session-to-session structure pro-
vided by SAQ training ensured that all participants received at least a minimal
level of overload in each conditioning session regardless of levels of motivation,
or personal decisions, over the level of physical effort employed to accomplish the
task. In contrast, individual involvement in small-sided games can vary depend-
ing on intrinsic motivation, skill levels, and a range of external influences. This
inevitably means that some SSG routines may not provide a sufficient stimulus
for physiological adaptations to occur.25 The intensity and involvement in SSG
was controlled in this study through the different game manipulations and asking
participants how hard they worked following the sessions by completing the Borg
scale. In the SAQ sessions, participants initially executed the exercises at low speeds
to ensure the development of appropriate technique. It seems likely this specific
 SAQ and Small-Sided Game Effects on Neuromusclar Functioning   503

focus of training augmented neuromuscular control over the 6-wk training period,
and although the trajectory of this performance enhancement is not indefinite, it is
suggested that these adaptations would not be experienced by the small-sided games
program adopted in the current study. A combination of SAQ and SSG provide
optimal training outcomes. However, further study is required to investigate the
best combination of such training programs.
The improvements in isokinetic concentric strength achieved during the inter-
vention period are unlikely to be attributable to factors such as muscular hyper-
trophy. It is logical to assume that performance adaptations are due to enhanced
neuromuscular functioning.26 Therefore, a longer intervention period, facilitating
the repeated execution of the exercises at maximal speeds might result in greater
muscular adaptations at higher peak torque velocities than experienced in this study.
Maximal strength is an important variable that influences subsequent power
capabilities.27 Improvements in strength, therefore, have the potential to improve
game-related activities such as acceleration, sprinting, and turning. The current
study found some evidence for this assertion, given that improvements in concentric
strength for the flexor muscles were associated with improved sprinting perfor-
mance (r between −0.38 and −0.75). The concentric muscular force produced at
the knee is an important variable in the running action, general conditioning, and
match performance of game players.28 This study found a significant relationship
between participants’ isokinetic concentric strength and both 5- and 15-m sprints,
and depth jump flight time performance. We observed that 5-m and 15-m sprint
times were partly dependent on peak torque scores (N·m·kg−67) in the extensor
and flexor muscles and the ability to attain a longer flight time during the depth
jump. These observations support recent findings that have also identified strong
relationships between maximal strength in half squats and vertical jump height with
sprint performance in elite soccer players, and between isokinetic knee strength
and single sprint performance.29,30
Increases in mean microvolt values signify either a higher recruitment of muscle
fibers or increased rate of synchronicity of muscular contraction during depth jump
performances.16 It is plausible that SAQ conditioning enhances neuromuscular con-
trol better than SSG training; however, the essential component of motor learning
and physical conditioning is the principle of specificity.31,32 It is possible therefore
that the adaptations observed in this study are specific to the selected outcome
measurements and less related to the performance of games. Future game-related
studies should investigate whether these factors are transferable to match situations.
This SAQ study provides important insights in the structure of programmed training
sessions from which further investigations and methodologies can be developed.
These can be achieved through experimental conditions combining both SAQ and
SSG aspects, which would reveal the likely beneficial extent of including SAQ
within a sport-specific training program.

Practical Application
The SAQ conditioning program in the current study could be used to develop physi-
cal attributes important for team games. The improvements in sprint performance
and strength should enhance the execution of team game activities, such as changing
direction, stopping quickly, or greater jumping. SAQ conditioning appears to be an
504   Polman, Bloomfield, and Edwards

effective form of training within the constraints of available time and focus required
by the coaching staff. Another likely benefit of SAQ conditioning is identification of
individual strengths and weaknesses often missed in SSG. Future research studies
are required to establish the effect of SAQ on sport-specific outcome measures.

Conclusion
Significant training enhancements and adaptations were experienced by the SAQ
group in comparison with a small-sided training and control group. This outcome
suggests that this form of training might be a beneficial inclusion in the physical
conditioning programs of untrained players performing invasion games. However,
additional studies are required with trained populations and with different training
regimes.

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