EFFECTS OF VERBAL INTERVENTIONS PERFORMED BY THE COACH DURING SMALL-SIDED GAMES ON THE TACTICAL PERFORMANCE OF YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of verbal interventions performed by the coach on the tactical performance of young soccer players. 24 under-13 players and a coach with more than 10 years of experience participated in this study. Players were submitted to two conditions: experimental (small-sided games with verbal intervention) and control (small-sdeid games without verbal intervention). The players, in both conditions, played small-sided games in the format Goalkeeper+3 vs. 3+Goalkeeper, lasting 4 minutes. Tactical performance was analyzed using the Football Tactical Assessment System (FUT-SAT), considering the 10 fundamental tactical principles. The categorization of verbal interventions performed by the coach was performed through content analysis. The results show that the verbal interventions used (~90% instructive/direct) positively influenced the defensive tactical performance, however, they had a negative impact on the offensive tactical performance. It is concluded that the coach's verbal interventions can be important pedagogical tools to guide the tactical performance of young players. However, the predominance of direct instructions can compromise the offensive tactical performance during small-sided games in young players. Coaches, therefore, should reflect on how and in what ways to communicate with their players, in an attempt to promote a more representative learning environment.