Small-Sided Games Versus High-Intensity Interval Training: Effects on Aerobic Fitness, Agility, and Psychological Responses in Collegiate Female Field Hockey Players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.3.16Keywords:
small-sided games, high-intensity interval training, field hockey, aerobic fitness, agility, PACESAbstract
Objectives. The study aimed to examine the impact of small-sided games (SSG) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) onselected physical and psychological variables among collegiate female field hockey players.
Materials and Methods. Thirty collegiate female field hockey players (age: 20.20 ± 1.58 years) were randomly selected and divided into an SSG group (n = 15) and an HIIT group (n = 15). Both groups participated in a six-week training program (two sessions a week) alongside regular team practice. The SSG group played 4 vs 4 games on a 30 x 40 m field, while the HIIT group performed15-s running bouts at 110% maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with 15-s passive recovery intervals. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were conducted for maximal aerobic speed, agility (Modified T-test), neuromuscular power (five-jump test), enjoyment (PACES), and mood state (total mood disturbance; TMD). Independent t-tests and ANCOVA (p < 0.05) were used fordata analysis.
Results. No significant differences were observed at baseline (p > 0.05). Both groups enhanced MAS, but the SSG group demonstrated greater improvements in agility and psychological variables. ANCOVA revealed significant group effects for MAS (p = 0.014), agility (p = 0.002), PACES (p = 0.001), and TMD (p = 0.001), favoring SSG. Neuromuscular power did not show any significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions. SSG yielded superior results in agility and psychological responses while being equally effective in improving aerobic fitness. These findings confirm the application of SSG as an ecologically valid and effective conditioning strategy for collegiate field hockey players.
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