The aim of this study was to compare heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion
(RPE), and technical-tactical actions during small-sided games (SSGs) played without
(CTR), with internal (IW), and with IW and external (IEW) wildcard players. A total
of 22 young male soccer players (age 17.2 ± 0.9 years) randomly completed six 4vs4
SSG situations. The control conditions occurred with goals scored without goalkeeper
(4vs4-NO) and with goalkeeper (4vs4-GK). During the experimental conditions, the situations
incorporated 2 IW (4vs4+2IW-NO, 4vs4+2IW-GK) and 2 IEW (4vs4+2IW+2IEW-NO, 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-GK).
Processed results did not include data from goalkeepers, IW, and IEW players. The
HR was divided in intensity-zones (Z1, Z2, and Z3, for <80%, 80-90%, and >90% of maximal
HR, respectively) and the analyzed technical-tactical actions were the pass, dribbling,
collective success, and pause. The effects of IW and IEW were analyzed through repeated
measures analysis of variance. During 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-NO, greater time was recorded
in Z1 (p ≤ 0.05) compared with 4vs4-NO and 4s4+2IW-NO. During 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-GK, greater
time was recorded in Z1 and less in Z3 (p ≤ 0.05) compared with 4vs4-GK. Greater RPE
was reported in 4vs4-NO (p < 0.01) and 4vs4+2IW-NO (p < 0.01) compared with 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-NO,
and during 4vs4-GK (p < 0.01) than 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-GK. Greater number of dribbling situations
were recorded during 4vs4-NO (p ≤ 0.05) compared with 4vs4+2IW+2IEW-NO. In conclusion,
compared with the control condition of 4vs4, the incorporation of IEW reduced HR,
RPE, and dribbling actions.