Small-Sided Games with Baskets Are Significantly More Effective at Enhancing Neuromuscular Force Parameters Compared to Ball Possession Games: A Randomized Controlled Study in Young Male Basketball Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of small-sided basketball games (SSG) training using baskets (SSGbk) and ball possession games without baskets (SSGbpg) on various neuromuscular parameters in young male basketball players. Specifically, the study examined unilateral isometric knee flexor strength (KFS), unilateral isometric knee extensor strength (KES), bilateral countermovement jump peak power and peak landing force (CMJ), and leg land and hold test (LHT) peak landing force. This randomized controlled study included two experimental groups (SSGbk and SSGbpg) and one control group. Fifty regional competitive-level male youth basketball players (16.7 ± 0.5 years) were assigned to the groups. The experimental groups participated in two additional SSG weekly training sessions over 8 weeks. Both experimental groups were exposed to the same 2v2 to 4v4 formats of play and training volume, with the only difference being that one group performed ball possession games while the other participated in games targeting to score in the basket. Players were evaluated twice: once at baseline in the week prior to the intervention period, and again in the week post-intervention. The neuromuscular tests were conducted using force platforms. Significant interactions between time and groups were observed in KES (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.902), KFS (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.880), and CMJ peak power (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.630). Significant differences between groups were found post-intervention for the variables of KES (p = 0.017; ηp2 = 0.159), KFS (p = 0.011; ηp2 = 0.174), CMJ peak power (p = 0.017; ηp2 = 0.160), CMJ peak landing force (p = 0.020; ηp2 = 0.154), and LHT peak power (p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.171). In conclusion, our study highlights that the SSGbk significantly increases neuromuscular adaptations in young male basketball players. Conversely, our findings do not support the efficacy of SSGbpg in targeting these specific physical fitness variables. Therefore, the use of SSGs must be carefully considered, particularly in selecting task conditions, to ensure efficacy in interventions.