Effectiveness of Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training on Mental Toughness, Physical Activity Enjoyment and Performance of Soccer Players

Small-sided game (SSG) training can improve the psychological factors and performance of players. A wide range of sports psychology relies on the fact that sports success is also achieved by improving psycho-motor skills. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of small-sided game (SSG) training on mental toughness, physical activity enjoyment, and performance of football players. Using the targeted sampling method, 22 football players were selected. The instruments used in the study were a mental toughness questionnaire, a physical activity enjoyment scale, and football analysis software. The executive protocol also included a four-week training program in small areas (two vs. two, three vs. three, four vs. four, and five vs. five). Results showed that there was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of mental toughness. The analysis also showed that the difference between the means in the variables of physical activity enjoyment and players' performance was significant. Therefore, training in small fields can be used to improve the psychological factors and performance of football players.