Small-sided games (SSG) are a common training modality for soccer teams, and

have been extensively researched in the literature. However, there are inconsistent findings

regarding whether SSGs induce a sufficient intensity for optimal conditioning. Enforcing a

man marking (MM) strategy during SSGs has been theorized to increase the intensity and

running velocities of players. Currently, no study has quantified GPS-derived time-motion

analysis data from MM SSGs. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare the

physiological, perceptual and time-motion characteristics of MM with non-man marking

(NMM) in SSGs. Eight amateur players (mean age ± SD: 23.6 ± 3.3 years) participated in

2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 SSGs, with two repeats for NMM and MM for all three formats. Players

were initially assessed for maximal aerobic speed, maximum heart rate (HR) and maximal

sprint speed, with team allocation based upon results from initial testing and coach

recommendations. Each session consisted of 4x4 min bouts, with 2 min passive recovery,

during which players wore a HR monitor and GPS unit and reported their rate of perceived

exertion (RPE).

Average percentage HR (%HRave) induced small to moderate effects with MM

compared to NMM (ES = 0.22 to 0.65), however great inter-individual differences renders

assumptions unclear for 3v3 and 4v4. Comparisons between MM formats indicated a

decrease in %HRave with increased player numbers (%Δ = 1.6-3.5%; ES = 0.39 to 0.86).

Bout comparisons (NMM vs MM and player numbers (MM only)) for time spent ≥90%

HRmax were predominantly unclear.

Perceptual load increased with MM compared to NMM (%Δ = 6.7-17.6%; ES =

0.66 to 2.09), while increases in player numbers (MM only) reduced RPE scores (%Δ =

9.4-24.3%; ES = 1.14 to 3.61).

2

Time-motion characteristics revealed substantially greater total distance in MM

irrespective of player number (%Δ = 6.8-14.7%; ES = 1.34 to 2.82). While only 3v3 MM

elicited substantial differences compared to the NMM (%Δ = 21.2 ± 20.1; ES = 1.48 ±

1.27) for jogging (7-13 km/h), there were very likely increases in distances covered for both

striding (13.1-17.8 km/h) (%Δ: 23.4-33.2; ES = 2.42 to 4.35), and high intensity running

(HIR: 17.9-21 km/h) (%Δ: 47.3-104; ES = 0.91 to 1.68) for MM compared to NMM

irrespective of player number. Comparing player numbers for striding revealed increased

distances covered with increased player numbers (%Δ: 12.6-19.6; ES = 1.37 to 2.06), with

similar findings identified for HIR (%Δ: 19.8-80.4; ES = 0.43 to 1.39).

Player number comparisons (MM only) for maximum and average metabolic load

(Pmax and Pave respectively) revealed predominantly unclear differences, while a very likely

decrease occurred with Pmax and Pave for MM implementation in 2v2 (ES = -1.21 ± 0.71)

and 4v4 (ES = -0.95 ± 0.5) respectively.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates how MM substantially elevated perceptual

load and distances covered when striding and running at high intensity regardless of player

number. However, the lack of difference in internal load between MM and NMM, indicated

by HR, suggests that SSGs with more players may not be prone to increased intensities.