The Training Effect of Tactical Awareness and Technical-Tactical Performance Among Youth Football Players: A Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate different training methods’ effectiveness for the tactical awareness and technical-tactical performance, and to provide evidence for scientific training of youth football players.

Methods

Research articles published up to June 1, 2025 were retrieved. Outcome measures (decision-making, passing, shooting, dribbling, receiving and ball controlling, positioning) were analyzed using Review Manager5.4 software. The Cochrane scale and MINORS scale were used to evaluate the quality of the literature.

Results

Different training methods for decision-making (Standardized Mean Different, SMD = 0.91, 95%CI [0.45, 1.37], P < 0.01), passing (SMD = 0.91, 95%CI [0.53, 1.28], P < 0.01), shooting (SMD = 0.57, 95%CI [0.20, 0.94], P <0.01) receiving and ball controlling (SMD = 1.06, 95%CI [0.49, 1.62], P < 0.01) and positioning (SMD = 1.38, 95%CI [0.03, 2.72], P < 0.05) having a positive impact. Except of dribbling (SMD = 0.71, 95% [–0.03, 1.44], P = 0.06), for which the result suggests no significant effect.

Conclusions

(1) The new training methods, including Small-Side Games (SSG) and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), produce more significant teaching effects compare to the traditional conventional training mode. (2) Practical evidence demonstrates that the student-centered teaching model is more effective in enhancing students’ tactical awareness. (3) Existing research suggests that training effects may be influenced by variables such as training methods and athletic levels, but the research evidence is insufficient and more high-quality Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)will be needed in the future for verification.

Registration

The research protocol was retrospectively registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) in August 2025, CRD420251090580.

Keywords

Soccer / Training methods / Decision making

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Beijing Sport University