Effects of Small-Sided Games Training versus High-Intensity Interval Training Approaches in Young Basketball Players
Question
How do basketball small-sided games and running-based HIIT compare for physical fitness, basketball skill, and psychophysiological responses in young basketball players?
Summary
In 32 young male basketball players, 6 weeks of added HIIT running and basketball small-sided games both improved fitness and performance outcomes. Small-sided games produced greater improvements in basketball control-dribbling and shooting skills and higher enjoyment, while HIIT produced a greater 30 m sprint improvement and higher perceived exertion, mental effort, and internal training load.
Methodology
- Male young basketball players from the same regional league team, allocated to small-sided games or HIIT.
- 32 participants.
- Intermittent track running.
- Work intervals: 15 seconds.
- Recovery: 15 seconds passive rest.
- Intensity: 90-95% of 30-15 IFT final velocity.
- About 12-18 minutes after a 10-minute standardized warm-up.
- 3 sessions per week with 2 days of rest between sessions.
- 6 weeks.
- Randomized matched-group parallel training study
- 30-15 IFT and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1, Squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, and drop jump, Repeated sprint ability, 5-30 m sprinting, T-drill, modified T-drill, passing, control dribbling, and shooting, and RPE, mental effort, internal training load, and physical activity enjoyment were tracked.
Outcomes
Main reported result
Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in measured performance outcomes.
Main reported result
Small-sided games produced greater improvements in control dribbling and shooting than HIIT.
Main reported result
HIIT produced a greater 30 m sprint improvement than small-sided games.
Main reported result
RPE, mental effort, and internal training load were significantly higher in HIIT than small-sided games.
Main reported result
Enjoyment was significantly higher after small-sided games than after HIIT.
Insights
- Small-sided games may produce similar conditioning benefits while preserving sport skill practice and enjoyment.
- Running HIIT may be useful when linear sprint adaptation is the priority.
- Mental effort and internal load were higher in HIIT, so dose and recovery may need closer management.
Limitations
- Small convenience sample from one team.
- No non-training control group.
- Short intervention period.
- Findings may not generalize beyond this age, sex, and training level.
Safety
- Dropouts or adverse events were not clearly reported in the extracted full paper sections.