External and internal load demands in small-sided games according to standard training games in elite rink hockey

Abstract

S mall-sided games (SSGs) are useful tasks in modern training methodology, and a growth trend in both practical and scientific fields (1). In outdoor sports like soccer, the evidence is clear regarding the manipulation of pitch area. The larger the absolute and relative space, the more external load (EL) and internal load (IL) demands (1); only accelerations and decelerations were void of a significant relationship respect the pitch area (2,3). In rink hockey, the relationship between space and EL and IL is unknown.