Some research to support the use of small-sided games as a means to develop skills and improve physical capacity for basketball (will be updated).
Six weeks of small-sided games (SSG) demonstrated similar improvements in aerobic capacity as high intensity interval training (HIIT) with the added benefits of improved defensive agility and shooting performance (Delextrat & Martinez, 2013).
A four-week intervention of SSG in preseason is more effective than HIT-COD (change of direction) training for female collegiate basketball players because both improve physical performance and basketball-specific movements, but SSG also improve shooting ability (Zeng et al., 2021).
Three-vs-three demonstrated greater efficiency and more 1v1 opportunities, ball contacts and involvement in possessions than 4v4 in 8-10 year-old players (Martínez-Fernández, García & Ibáñez, 2015).
Three-vs-three games maintained the same average heart rate, moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity, and vigorous intensity activity as 5v5 games, but 3v3 provided significantly more ball contacts per player (McCormick et al., 2012).
Three-vs-three games recorded a greater rating of perceived exertion than 5v5 games with regional-level players. Greater technical demands were observed during 3v3 than 5v5 (Ferioli et al., 2020).
Half-court games (2v2 and 4v4) contained almost 20% more total technical elements and passing than full-court games (Kluseman et al., 2012).
A survey of 9-11 year-old players found that they feel good and have fun when they please parents, coaches, and friends; when they feel competent; and when they participate more in their team’s game (Pinar et al., 2007).
