Play to Train: Designing and Comparing Exergame-Based and Traditional Basketball Defense Training

Maintaining motivation to participate in physically demanding and monotonous sports training routines, such as basketball defense training, can be challenging. Exergames that combine exercise with playful tasks can help address this challenge. However, there is limited research on how exergames involving strenuous and repetitive tasks should be designed, how they compare to traditional training methods, and how professional players evaluate such tools. To overcome these knowledge gaps, we conducted a three-phase research study. First, we interviewed basketball experts ( N = 10) to identify requirements for designing exergame-based defense training. Based on the derived requirements, we developed an exergame ( Defender ) and compared it to traditional defense training in a mixed-methods, within-participant study ( N = 40) involving individuals with basketball-playing experience. In the final step, we interviewed professional basketball players ( N = 5) after they played Defender to explore the potential use of such games in real-world training routines. Our findings show that exergame-based training led to significantly higher motivation, training experience, and performance outcomes without causing a significant decrease in physical exertion compared to traditional training. We discuss the implications of integrating exergame-based training into sports contexts.