Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the scanning activity of elite youth footballers across 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 game formats. The participants were outfield under 12 footballers (N = 60) born between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012 from a Premier League category 1 football academy in the UK. Observational analysis on scan frequency as well as critical scan frequency, the scan situation, the play type and technical action outcomes from the scan were all undertaken. As game formats decreased in player number and pitch size, scanning activity increased. Positional, situational and technical action scanning differences were found between game formats. The most meaningful differences in scan activity across game formats were highlighted during defensive actions and between positions. This study is the first known to explore scanning differences between small-sided and full-sized games, with results suggesting small-sided games may not replicate the scanning situations found in full-sized games. Until further research is conducted, coaches should be aware that small-sided games may influence skill transfer.

Keywords

Visual Perception, Practice, Training, Development, Skill Acquisition, Ecological Dynamics,

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