Effects of manipulations applied in small-situated games on neuromuscular fatigue, physiological, physical and technical parameters in female football players

Small-sided games represent a prevalent component of branch-specific training methodologies in football. The planning of these games, which encompass numerous variables, is crucial to align with the physical, physiological, and technical readiness of female football players. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of small-sided games with sprint manipulation played in a 3v3 configuration on neuromuscular fatigue, along with physical, physiological, and technical parameters, in female football players. The study was conducted on a group of 12 female football players (6 in the experimental group and 6 in the control group) who had been actively playing football with a license for a minimum of three years. The participants were requested to record their performance data over a period of six weeks, during which their physiological and physical parameters were measured using the Catapult OpenField Global Position System (GPS). The degree of neuromuscular fatigue was determined by means of an active vertical jump test, while technical parameters were recorded using a GoPro Hero12 and subsequently analysed through observation. The data obtained from the study was analysed using a Repeated Measures ANOVA test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The data analysis was performed using the JASP 0.19.2 package program, and the results revealed statistical significance in the physiological parameters player load and perceived difficulty level. In physical parameters, statistically significant differences were found in the total distance, positive acceleration, vertical jump and running speed range 1-2-3-4 data. Positive developments were found in other parameters and technical parameters, but no statistically significant difference was found (p<0.05). Consequently, the present study demonstrates the potential for coaches to utilise this information in the organisation of training programmes, with the objective of enhancing performance parameters such as total distance covered, positive acceleration, and sprint speeds, whilst concomitantly reducing neuromuscular fatigue in female football players. Keywords: Football, Small Sided Games, Global Position System, Energy Systems, Performance