Examining the influence of eight weeks of small-sided games (SSGs) enhancing pass accuracy and eye–foot coordination: a factorial experimental design

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
• Main Author: Anwar G.M.; Hanief Y.N.; Supriatna; Azidin R.M.F.R.; Amiq F.; Muslim B.A.; Carmen M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universitatii din Pitesti 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85186624802&doi=10.7752%2fjpes.2024.02033&partnerID=40&md5=0b8bdea9bd43cecbe10c3e5b42cc24eb

Pass accuracy is a fundamental skill for soccer players. This study examined the improvement of basic passing techniques by applying small-sided games (SSGs), specifically the rondo model. Thus, this study assessed the impact of two-touch SSG exercises on enhancing passing accuracy, focusing on eye-foot coordination. The study focused on the 15–17-year-old athletes from the Bina Mandiri Soccer Academy, Malang Regency, Indonesia. The sample comprised 36 players, and a 2 × 2 factorial field experimental method was used. All participants were grouped into two groups to receive interventions of 5v5 and 4v4+2 with two touches. A passing accuracy instrument was used to determine the ability of pass accuracy, and a soccer wall volley test was used to determine eye-foot coordination. ANOVA was used to determine the differences in the effect and interaction between eye-foot coordination and SSGs on pass accuracy. The results showed that eye-foot coordination influenced the improvement of pass accuracy (p = 0.038 < 0.05), 5v5 and 4v4+2 interventions did not provide differences in the results on improving pass accuracy (p = 0.760 > 0.05), and there was an interaction between eye-foot coordination and intervention groups on pass accuracy. In conclusion, SSGs with 5v5 and 4v4+2 models with two touches can improve pass accuracy, but there is no better effect in improving pass accuracy. Eye-foot coordination has an essential role in the mastery of pass accuracy. Athletes with high eye-foot coordination are more appropriate if treated with SSG model 5v5, while athletes with low eye-foot coordination are more appropriate if treated with 4v4+2. © 2024, Editura Universitatii din Pitesti. All rights reserved.