How to Use the Sided Games Advisor
An evidence-based tool that recommends optimal SSG, MSG, and LSG configurations based on periodisation context or training purpose. Simply complete 5 input steps to get format, pitch size, intensity guidelines, and constraint effect recommendations.
Select Age Group
Choose from Adult, U17–U19, or U15–U16. Pitch size and intensity benchmarks are adjusted based on the selected age group. Selecting youth categories displays relevant research evidence and limitations.
Choose Recommendation Mode
Select one of two recommendation modes.
Periodisation-Based
Enter match dates (previous/next) and the tool auto-calculates turnover, MD position, and microcycle load distribution. Recommendations are tailored to the session's position within the weekly cycle.
Purpose-Based
Skip match schedule and get recommendations based purely on training purpose (technical, tactical, conditioning, recovery). Ideal for pre-season or irregular match schedules.
Match Schedule
Periodisation onlyEnter previous and next match dates. The following information is auto-calculated:
- Turnover — Number of days between the two matches
- MD Position — Where the training day falls relative to match day (e.g., MD-2, MD+1)
- Weekly Load Distribution — Microcycle load chart with daily training plan
When turnover exceeds 7 days, the tool automatically switches to purpose-based recommendations.
Training Details
Training Date — Select the session date. In periodisation mode, it must fall within the match schedule range.
Session Purpose — Choose from technical, tactical, conditioning, or recovery. In periodisation mode, the AI auto-recommends based on MD position, but you can override manually.
Number of Players — Enter between 4 and 30. The available Sided Games formats (SSG, MSG, LSG) and team compositions are determined by the player count.
Purpose Detail — Optional. Enter specific details like "5-3-2 build-up drill" to include in the PDF report.
Contextual Sub-Options
Match Day Training Type MD only — Appears when the training date falls on match day. Choose from Match Focus (default), Pre-match Warm-up (short SSG for neuromuscular activation), or Non-starter Compensation (compensate match load for substitutes/non-starters).
Speed Type MD-2 only — Appears when the training date is 2 days before match day. Choose between Locomotor Speed (large-sided games for HSR/sprint exposure) and Execution Speed (small-sided games for fast decision-making and technical execution).
Constraints
OPTIONALAdd optional training constraints. Default recommendations are provided even without constraints.
Recommendation Results
Once inputs are complete, the following results appear in real time:
Daily Training Plan — In periodisation mode, displays a microcycle table showing each day's training phase, relative load, and session content for starters and substitutes (based on Buchheit et al., 2024). The currently selected training day is highlighted.
Intensity Guidelines — Shows the current session phase (tapering, tactical focus, acquisition, etc.) with key training principles.
Option Comparison Table — Compares available SSG, MSG, and LSG formats with pitch size (ApP), intensity profile, purpose fit, and periodisation fit.
Game Duration & Sets — Select an intensity category to see recommended bout duration, number of sets, and rest periods.
Constraint Effects — Shows how applied constraints affect intensity and technical demands, backed by research evidence.
PDF Export — Download a report containing input summary, recommendations, constraint effects, and references.
3-day free trial included. Cancel anytime.