This Randomized Controlled Trial Investigated the Effects of Two Preseason Training Protocols-Small-sided Games (SSG) and Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR)-on Aerobic Capacity and Training Load in Elite Turkish Football Players. Forty Participants Were Randomly Assigned to Either Group, and Traini

"Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR) This protocol was individualized based on each player's Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS). Training intensities were prescribed at 100% to 110% of each player's MAS. Each session consisted of eight sets. During the first three weeks, each set involved a 2-minute maximal effort run followed by 2 minutes of passive recovery. In the final three weeks, the duration of each set was extended to a 3-minute maximal run with 3 minutes of passive rest, increasing intensity and volume. SIR sessions were designed to enhance anaerobic capacity and lactate tolerance.~Small-Sided Games (SSG) SSG sessions were implemented to develop agility, acceleration, tactical decision-making, and match-relevant conditioning. Training took place on regulation-size grass pitches, adjusted to maintain a consistent length-to-width ratio across all formats. Over the six-week intervention, game formats progressed from 4v4 to 7v7, with gradual increases in duration and pitch dimensions."