Can Small Sided Games Build Athleticism? (Research Review)

Can small-sided games actually build better athletes, not just better decision-makers?

In this episode, we break down a 2024 randomized controlled study showing that scoring-based small-sided games helped trained high-school players jump higher, get stronger, and land more efficiently, while possession-only games and normal practice did not.

We explore why attacking, finishing, and rebounding create a different stimulus, and why coaches should be careful about dosage and over-generalizing these results.

Want to Go Deeper?

A ton of what we talk about today connects directly to the ideas inside The Modern Basketball Blueprint, my new book.

If you’re a coach who wants to bridge science, movement, decision-making, and practical training, this book lays out the full framework.

Grab your copy here → www.byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint

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