Space and players' number constrains the external and internal load demands in youth futsal

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to analyze the effects of space and number of players manipulation on the external and internal load demands of youth futsal athletes.MethodsForty-two male U17 players (age = 15.62 ± 0.58 years) from three futsal teams participated in the study. In this cross-sectional study that lasted 8-week, the player's sample practiced six futsal tasks (T1–T6) and a futsal game played under the official rules (T7). From T1–T6, two task constraints were manipulated: (i) the number of players and, (ii) the space of play. The WIMU PRO™ Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracking system was used to measure the external and internal load during the futsal tasks. External load was quantified using kinematic and mechanical variables extracted from positional data and, the internal load was quantified using Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison purposes.ResultsIn general, the results showed high external (total distance, distance 18.1–21, above 21 Km/h, and high intensity acceleration and deceleration, p