Research on Educational Sport

The Effect of Task Constraints on creative behavior in Small-Sided Soccer Games

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Amir Salimi Daghlian 1
Amir Salimi Daghlian 2
Zahra Fathirezaie 3

1 Ph. D. Student of Motor Development, Physical Education and Sport Science Faculty, University of Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran (Corresponding Author)

3 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/res.2026.18987.2732
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effect of different task constraints on the sports creativity of players in small-sided soccer games. This semi-experimental research involved 24 soccer school players from Sahand city, selected through convenience sampling. The players were homogeneously divided into four similar groups based on age and sports experience to eliminate the temporal effect of the independent variable. Four 3×3 futsal games with different task constraints were conducted in two four-minute halves, with a 30-second rest interval. To assess and collect data on sports creativity, video analysis was performed based on the Sports Creativity Evaluation Form. Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA and SPSS software version 26. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in passing creativity and dribbling creativity across different task constraints. However, no significant difference was observed in shooting creativity. The findings of this study can serve as an effective guide for designing optimal training environments and developing innovative strategies in soccer practice. Furthermore, the results can assist teachers, coaches, and sports professionals in purposefully utilizing existing constraints to enhance players’ sports creativity in training processes.

Keywords

Task constraints
creative behavior
Small-sided games
Soccer
Subjects
Research on Educational Sport

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 August 2026

  • Receive Date 25 December 2025
  • Revise Date 22 June 2026
  • Accept Date 14 July 2026

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