Bout duration and number of players of soccer small-sided games affect perceived enjoyment, physiological responses, and technical-tactical performance.

To compare perceived enjoyment (PE), % of heart rate peak (%HRpeak), blood lactate (La), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical-tactical performance of soccer players after four-a-side (4vs4) and three-a-side (3vs3) small-sided games (SSGs) with goalkeepers.Sixteen males (20.7 ± 0.7 years; experience: 6.9 ± 1.2 years) completed and were measured after six sessions of SSGs (one twelve-minute bout (1x12), two six-minute bouts (2x6), and three four-minute bouts (3x4), both 3vs3 and 4vs4). Repeated measurements ANOVA evaluated significant differences (There was higher PE for 1 × 12 compared to 2 × 6 (effect sizes [ES] = 1.53 [3vs3 and 4vs4]) and 3 × 4 (ES = 3.13 [4vs4] and 4.16 [3vs3…