The impact of small-sided games on the athletic performance of basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Article excerpt
ObjectiveSmall-sided games (SSG), as a game-based training approach, offer unique advantages compared with traditional training methods. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the effects of SSG versus traditional training on athletic performance in basketball players. Therefore, the purpose of…
ObjectiveSmall-sided games (SSG), as a game-based training approach, offer unique advantages compared with traditional training methods. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the effects of SSG versus traditional training on athletic performance in basketball players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of small-sided training on athletic performance in basketball players.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, EBSCO, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to January 3, 2026. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of SSG on basketball players’ athletic performance were included. Outcomes related to physical performance (aerobic performance, sprinting, agility, and jumping) and basketball-specific technical performance (shooting, passing, and dribbling) were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane framework.ResultsNine randomized controlled trials involving 180 basketball players were included. The meta-analysis showed that, compared with traditional training, SSG significantly improved agility, shooting, passing and dribbling. However, no significant differences were found between SSG and control interventions for aerobic performance, sprinting, or jumping.ConclusionSmall-sided games are an effective training strategy for enhancing agility and basketball-specific technical performance, but they do not demonstrate clear advantages over traditional training in improving aerobic performance, sprint performance, or jumping ability. SSG may serve as a valuable complement to conventional training methods, particularly for developing technical and tactical abilities, but they should not replace traditional physical conditioning programs.Systematic review registrationCRD420261285674.