The aim of this master's thesis was to investigate the influence of different pitch sizes and the number of players on the occurrence of technical-tactical elements. The research was conducted in two age categories.
In the U9 category, the study was carried out on a sample of 4 teams, and in the U11 category, on a sample of 8 teams. We recorded and analyzed matches in which each team, following adapted rules, played three matches on three different pitches against the same opponent. In the U9 category, we observed matches played on a 26 x 18 m pitch with a 4v4 format without a goalkeeper, a 45 x 35 m pitch with a 7v7 format including a goalkeeper, and a 62 x 40 m pitch with a 7v7 format including a goalkeeper. In the U11 category, we observed matches played on a 45 x 35 m pitch with a 7v7 format including a goalkeeper, a 52 x 40 m pitch with a 7v7 format including a goalkeeper, and a 62 x 40 m pitch with a 7v7 format including a goalkeeper. The goal of the research was to determine how pitch size and the number of players influence the occurrence of technical-tactical elements in the game. Using an independent samples T-test at a 5% risk level, we found significant differences in the U9 category. Between the 26 x 18 m and 45 x 35 m pitches, differences were observed in the total number of stoppages (p = 0.049), instances where the ball was cleared out of play (p = 0.012), instances where possession was retained (p = 0.030), and the number of throw-ins (p = 0.003). Between the 26 x 18 m and 62 x 40 m pitches, differences were found in the total number of stoppages (p = 0.042), the number of passes in a specific area of the pitch – P9 (p = 0.009), passes that went out of bounds (p = 0.020), ball receptions with other parts of the foot/body (p = 0.012), instances where the ball was cleared out of play (p = 0.017), instances where possession was retained (p = 0.030), and the number of throw-ins (p = 0.001). Between the 45 x 35 m and 62 x 40 m pitches, differences were observed in receiving the ball with the instep (p = 0.038), shots off target (p = 0.038), and the number of throw-ins (p = 0.030).
In the U11 category, using an independent samples T-test at a 5% risk level, we found significant differences. Between the 45 x 35 m and 52 x 40 m pitches, differences were observed in forward passes towards the opponent’s goal (p = 0.004) and passes caught by the goalkeeper (p = 0.039). Between the 45 x 35 m and 62 x 40 m pitches, differences were found in the total number of shots (p = 0.012), passes made with the outside of the foot (p = 0.048), the number of passes in a specific area of the pitch – P9 (p = 0.036), shots with the instep (p = 0.025), aerial shots towards the near post (p = 0.045), ground shots towards the center of the goal (p = 0.024), aerial shots towards the center of the goal (p = 0.004), and the number of saves (p = 0.005). Between the 52 x 40 m and 62 x 40 m pitches, differences were observed in passes made with the outside of the foot (p = 0.005), backward passes towards a team's own goal (p = 0.035), receptions with the outside of the foot (p = 0.015), and aerial shots towards the far post (p = 0.032).
In both categories, Cohen's d was used to measure effect size, revealing medium to large effects (d > 0.5) for several technical-tactical elements. This suggests that, even though some differences in mean values may not be statistically significant, they are large enough to have a practical impact on the game.
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