Comparing the effects of small-sided games, skill development, and plyometric training on basketball learning and athletic performance in youth male athletes: A quasi-experimental study

This study compared three training approaches on basketball learning and performance in youth male players. Forty-two U14 athletes competing in the Lithuanian Youth Basketball League completed an 8-week in-season quasi-experimental intervention. Participants were assigned to small-sided games (SSG; n = 11), skill-development training (SKILL; n = 11), plyometric training (PLYO; n = 10), or control (n = 10), with two weekly sessions integrated into regular practice. Pre – post assessments included 20-m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), change-of-direction speed (CODS), VO2 max (30–15 IFT), 5 × 5 simulated match external load, and basketball learning indices (BALPAI). Linear mixed-effects models examined TIME × GROUP interactions. SKILL improved sprint, aerobic capacity, and technical execution versus control. PLYO enhanced CMJ and final efficacy but reduced match running output (distance/min). SSG showed no clear benefits and was associated with declines in high-intensity actions and decision-making. CODS improved across groups. Adaptations were modality-specific, underscoring the importance of aligning training content with targeted developmental outcomes in youth basketball.