Technical–tactical skill assessments in small-sided soccer games: A scoping review

Skill assessments are essential to elite soccer coaches and clubs, provide an evidence-based approach player evaluation. Valid methods thereby support talent identification development procedures (e.g. scouting training strategies). However, it remains a complex challenge. Small-sided games have emerged as promising tool, due high ecological validity. Until now, no review has focused on their discriminative power. Therefore, we aimed investigate whether technical–tactical skill of small-sided can discriminate between individual players teams different levels (i.e. higher vs. lower playing older younger players) in soccer. A scoping PubMed, Web Science, MEDLINE databases was performed according the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews Meta-Analyses extension Scoping Reviews guidelines. total 23 studies were included, all but one which showed at least good methodological quality > 50% score assessment). For technical skills, indicate power passing only when comparing levels, supported by two included studies. Tactical categories, such movement variability decision-making, more pronounced level experienced players. most conclusive finding among that overall performance (a comprised subcategories) positive relation three Team mainly distinguish themselves from less-skilled peers using available space efficiently. With influence assessment instruments several modifications mind, may be concluded skills levels. An interesting future avenue is examine consistent games, warrant use purposes.