This article reports the findings of a scoping review of the use of small-sided games
(SSGs) as a teaching or coaching pedagogy across four game categories. The selection
criteria included empirical research available online, published after January 1 2006
and prior to December 31, 2016, in an academic journal. The data were analysed
through an inductive thematic approach which generated two themes: Development
and Practical considerations. This review found that SSGs can be used as a deliberate
pedagogy to elicit physiological responses for a training effect. Given that the variables
associated with SSGs include pitch size, game intensity, and number of players, a key
determining factor in the implementation of SSGs includes the objective of the practice
activity.
