Abstract
Purpose: A more detailed understanding of the effects of soccer coaching by a Japan football
association (JFA) official kids’ leader on exercise intensity in preschool children during small-sided soccer
games may increase the prevalence of soccer coaching in early childhood and contribute to more effective
coaching methods. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of soccer coaching by a JFA
official kids’ leader on heart rate (HR) responses in preschool children during small-sided soccer games
and compared them to those by a childminder. Methods: Ten preschool boys (mean±S.D. age: 71.1±6.5
months, height: 112.5±4.1 cm, body weight: 20.0±1.8 kg) participated in soccer coaching by a JFA official
kids’ leader (KL trial) and childminder (C trial). Data were collected from small-sided soccer games (7
min). HR was recorded every 1 sec during small-sided soccer games using short-range telemetry HR
monitor systems. The activity profiles of subjects were assessed using global position system technology
(GPS). Results: Mean HR values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the KL trail than in the C trial.
Furthermore, mean movement distances were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the KL trail than in the C
trial. Mean movement distances positively correlated with mean HR (P < 0.05， r = 0.966). Conclusions:
The present results demonstrated that soccer coaching by a JFA official kids’ leader increased the HR and
movement distance of preschool children, and provide novel insights into high-intensity exercise in
preschool children.
