Framework and Consensus Statement for the Implementation of Sided Game Training in Football (Soccer)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sided games are very popular in football (soccer) training, designed to integrate technical, tactical, and physical development through the manipulation of constraints such as player numbers, pitch size, and rules, among other variables. However, inconsistent terminology, methodological heterogeneity, and limited empirical guidance have hindered its methodological advancement across research and practice. OBJECTIVE: This consensus aimed to establish a unified framework and evidence-based recommendations for the design, monitoring, and application of sided games in football, providing conceptual clarity and practical guidance for coaches and sport scientists. METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of 20 international experts in football science and coaching developed the framework through a 3-stage process: (1) theoretical model development, (2) synthesis of priority areas based on an umbrella review of 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and (3) iterative drafting and blinded consensus voting on statements using a 9-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Seven statements achieved consensus (scores 7-9), defining sided games in soccer, delineating important influencing factors (coach philosophy, environmental, task, and individual constraints), defining monitoring principles, and highlighting benefits and limitations. The consensus confirmed sided games as effective for developing aerobic fitness and tactical-technical behaviors but less effective for strength, power, and high-speed performance adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus provides the first framework for sided game training in football, unifying terminology, and guiding evidence-based design. Its implementation can enhance training coherence, optimize player development, and inform future research addressing existing methodological and population-specific gaps.
Authors: Marco Beato, Gibson Moreira Praça, Antonio Dello Iacono, José Afonso, Antonio Gualtieri, Andrew Hulton, Naomi Datson, Peter Krustrup, Francisco Tomás González Fernández, Grégory Hallé Petiot, João Cláudio Machado, Piotr Żmijewski, Rodrigo Aquino, Michael King, Nuno André Nunes, Sigrid Olthof, Magni Mohr, Israel Teoldo da Costa, Filipe Manuel Clemente
Institutions: Pegaso University, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, University of the West of Scotland, Universidade do Porto, University of Surrey, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Southern Denmark, University of Exeter, Universidad de Granada, HEC Montréal, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, University of Glasgow, Southampton Solent University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of the Faroe Islands, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7154691114