Psychophysiological and technical responses to single vs. double hoop 3-a-side small-sided games in young basketball players

This study aimed to compare the psychophysiological and technical responses in young basketball players on a half-court during single (S) and double (D) hoop of 3-a-side small-sided games (SSG). Twelve amateur male basketball players (age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; height: 177.6 ± 4.0 cm; body mass: 61.7 ± 2.4 kg; body mass index: 19.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) played of 3-a-side SSG with S or D hoop at 2-day intervals in a within-participant repeated-measures design. These games consisted of 4 min, 4 bouts of 3-a-side with 2 min rest periods. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), internal training load (ITL), and the physical enjoyment scores (PES) were determined at the end of each game. Heart rate (HR) and total distance (TD) responses were continuously recorded during 3-a-side SSG with S or D hoop. 3-a-side SSG with D hoop induced higher RPE, ITL, PES, HR, and TD responses (p ≤ 0.05, d values from 1.47 to 5.29 [from large to very large effect size]) compared to 3-a-side SSG with S hoop. Furthermore, 3-a-side SSG with D hoops also induced higher technical responses such as unsuccessful shoot (USS), successful pass (SP), unsuccessful pass (USP), total pass (TP) and lost ball (LB) (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.61 to 1.33 [moderate to large effect size]) compared to 3-a-side SSG with S hoop. The results of this study show that 3-a-side SSG with D hoop has an enhancing effect not only on psychophysiological responses but also on technical actions. Coaches can utilize these results in their training plans to enhance both the physiological and technical development of young basketball players.