Assessing the Effects of Transition Small-Sided Game Format and Work-to-Rest Ratio on Training Load in Soccer Players

Background. Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in soccer training to simultaneously develop physical and physiological performance. However, transition-specific SSG formats combined with work-to-rest ratio manipulation may further influence training load, although their interactive effects remain unclear. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the effects of transition small-sided game format and work-to-rest ratio on internal and external training load in university soccer players. Materials and Methods. Eighteen male university soccer players participated in this study. Two transition game formats (3v3v3+2 and 3v3v3+2 Change) and four work-to-rest ratios (4:4, 4:2, 2:2, and 2:1) were applied. Internal load was assessed using heart rate responses, and external load was measured using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results. Both the work-to-rest ratio and the playing format significantly affected internal load, with higher mean heart rate and greater time spent above 80% of HR under shorter recovery (4:2), as well as higher mean heart rate under the No-Change format overall. External load variables showed significant main and interaction effects, with the 2:2 ratio producing the highest total distance, acceleration, and deceleration, while and the 3v3v3+2 Change format combined with the 2:2 ratio eliciting the greatest high-intensity running and peak speed. Maximum heart rate indicated a significant Format × Work-to-Rest interaction, although no individual condition-pair comparison remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Conclusions. The findings suggest that combining transition game format with an appropriate work-to-rest ratio can be used as an effective strategy for manipulating training loads in soccer players.