Defining the Effects of Floaters’ Number on Internal Load, External Load and Technical Skills in Small-Sided Soccer Games

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the effects of different floater configurations in small-sided games (SSGs) on physiological responses, external load metrics, and technical performance among professional soccer players. Materials and methods. Twenty male players from the Thailand League 3 (age: 21.4 ± 1.82 years) participated in three SSG formats: standard (4v4), one floater (4v4+1), and two floaters (4v4+2). Each format consisted of 4 × 4-minute bouts with 4-minute rest intervals on a 32 × 25-meter pitch. Heart rate responses, locomotor activities, and technical actions were analyzed. Results. Significant reductions in maximal heart rate and mean heart rate were observed (181.55 vs 169.55 and 168.15vs 156.15 beats•min-1) in the 4v4+2 format compared to 4v4. High-intensity running decreased (238.60 vs 91.35 m), while technical performance improved, as evidenced by increased total passes and successful passes (81.25 vs 142.50 and 68.00 vs 123.00) in the 4v4+2 format. The 4v4+1 format provided intermediate responses in both physiological and technical parameters. Conclusions. These findings suggest that floater-modified SSGs effectively reduce physiological demands while enhancing technical performance, offering coaches practical tools for manipulating training intensity and technical development in soccer training programs.