Pequenos jogos no futebol: princípios táticos fundamentais em situações de superioridade numérica

Abstract

Tactical, technical and physical demands are investigated in soccer small-sided games (SSG) with different number of players. Situations of numerical equity between the teams are commonly investigated, however the formal game presents moments in which numerical unbalanced situations can occur, which had a little attention until this moment. This study aimed to compare the tactical behavior related with fundamental tactical principles and the place of action in the game field of soccer players during SSG played with numerical equality (3vs.3), offensive numerical superiority (4vs.3) and additional players on the side of the field (3vs3+2). Eighteen male U-17 soccer players of national level participated in this study. Data collect consisted of 9 sessions, each organized with 2 series of 4 minutes of SSG. Teams were divided and balanced based on the playing position and the procedural tactical knowledge of the players. Data were analyzed through the chi-square test and Bonferroni’s post-hoc correction. Results showed an increasing in without ball principles, namely, coverage and unity (offensive and defensive) and depth mobility in the 4vs.3 SSG, while the 3vs.3 SSG presented a higher incidence of penetration. It was still observed a fewer incidence of defensive actions on the defensive midfielder and an increasing of defensive action on the offensive midfielder in the 3vs.3+2 configuration. It was concluded that numerical unbalanced situations interfere in the tactical behavior of soccer players, and these situations must to be adjusted by coaching staff according to the objectives of each training session.