Training Method on the Passing Accuracy of Basketball by Modified Small-Sided Games for Physical Education Senior High School
This study was motivated by the low level of basketball passing accuracy among students in Physical Education classes at Senior High Schools in Magelang Regency, Central Java. Passing is a fundamental technical skill in basketball that significantly influences offensive organization and overall team performance. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of Small-Sided Games (SSG) modifications, specifically the 2×2 and 4×4 formats, on students’ basketball passing accuracy and to compare the effectiveness of both formats. This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a Two-Group Pretest–Posttest Design. The participants were 32 tenth-grade students selected via convenience sampling and assigned to two groups using a matched-subjects procedure based on pretest scores. The intervention was conducted over eight weeks with two training sessions per week. Passing accuracy was measured using a validated basketball passing accuracy test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro–Wilk normality tests, Levene’s homogeneity tests, paired-sample t-tests, independent-sample t-tests, and Cohen’s d effect size analysis. Both SSG formats significantly improved students’ passing accuracy. In the 2×2 SSG group, the mean score increased from 8.8 to 16.6 (p < 0.001), while in the 4×4 SSG group, the mean score increased from 11.0 to 13.9 (p = 0.008). Furthermore, the independent-samples t-test revealed a significant difference between groups (t = 4.55, p < 0.001), indicating that the 2×2 format produced greater improvement than the 4×4 format. Effect size analysis also showed a large effect for the 2×2 group (d = 1.84) and a moderate-to-large effect for the 4×4 group (d = 0.77). Small-Sided Games training significantly improves basketball passing accuracy among high school students. However, the 2×2 format is more effective than the 4×4 format in enhancing individual technical performance, particularly passing accuracy, due to increased ball contacts and decision-making opportunities.
Keywords: accuracy, basketball, small-sided games.
Alonso-Pérez-Chao, E., Salazar, H., Scanlan, A., & Jiménez-Sáiz, S. L. (2025). Average and peak external demands according to opposition quality and opposition pace across a full season in semi-professional, male basketball players. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 25(4), 627–638. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2024.2436275
Canuto, S.C., & Bezerra de Almeida, M. (2022). Determinants of Basketball Match Outcome Based on Game-Related Statistics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Journal of Human Movements, 48, 4–20. https://doi.org/10.21134/eurjhm.2022.48.2
Cao, J., Eakronnarongchai, W., & Duangkam, J. (2024). Small-Sided games with baskets are significantly more effective at enhancing neuromuscular force parameters than ball possession games: A randomized controlled study in young male basketball players. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 23 (3), 638. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.638
Cao, S., Wang, Z., Guo, J., Geok, S. K., Sun, H., & Liu, J. (2024). The effects of plyometric training on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1386788
Carlsson, T., Broman, J., Isberg, J., & Carlsson, M. (2025). Passing-skill training vs. small-sided games for improvement of side-foot kick accuracy among youth female soccer players. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1506563
Carter, B., & Liu, J. (2023). Implementing Small-Sided Games into Youth Basketball Practice. Strategies, 36 (3), 35–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2023.2196920
Castellano, J., & Casamichana, D. (2013). Differences in the number of accelerations between small-sided games and friendly matches in soccer. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12 (1), 209–210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24137079/
Castillo, D., Raya-González, J., Manuel Clemente, F., & Yanci, J. (2020). The influence of youth soccer players' sprint performance on the external load of different-sided games using GPS devices. Research in Sports Medicine, 28 (2), 194–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2019.1643726
Castro, H. de O., Laporta, L., Lima, R., Clemente, F., Afonso, J., Aguiar, S., Ribeiro, A., & Costa, G. D. C. T. (2022). Small-sided games in volleyball: A systematic review of state of the art. Biology of Sport, 39 (4), 995–1010. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.109960
Chen, X., Jiang, J.-Y., Jin, K., Zhou, Y., Liu, M., Brantingham, P. J., & Wang, W. (2022). Offline Reinforcement Learning for Tactical Strategies in Professional Basketball Games. Proceedings of the 31st ACM International Conference on Information & Knowledge Management, 3023–3032. https://doi.org/10.1145/3511808.3557105
Cho, E.-H., Yun, H.-J., & So, W.-Y. (2020). The Validity Of Alternative Hand Wall Toss Tests In Korean Children. Journal of Men's Health, 16 (1), 10. https://doi.org/10.15586/jomh.v16i1.166
Clemente, F.M., Bredt, S.G.T., Praça, G., Pereira de Andrade, A.G., Sanches, R., Filipe Moleiro, C., & Lima, R. (2021). Basketball small-sided games. Kinesiology, 53 (1), 28–36. https://doi.org/10.26582/k.53.1.4
Clemente, F.M., Rocha, R.F., & Mendes, R.S. (2014). The influence of the number of players on small-sided handball games: changes in technical and tactical dynamics. Revista Brasileira de Educação Física e Esporte , 28 , 135–145. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-55092014000100135
Clemente, F., Praça, G.M., Aquino, R., Castillo, D., Raya-González, J., Rico-González, M., Afonso, J., Sarmento, H., Filipa Silva, A., Silva, R., & Ramírez-Campillo, R. (2023). Effects of pitch size on soccer players' physiological, physical, technical, and tactical responses during small-sided games: a meta-analytical comparison. Biology of Sport, 40 (1), 111–147. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.110748
Courel-Ibáñez, J., McRobert, A.P., Toro, E.O., & Vélez, D.C. (2016). Inside pass predicts ball possession effectiveness in NBA basketball. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 16 (2), 711–725. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2016.11868918
Davids, K., Araújo, D., Correia, V., & Vilar, L. (2013). How Small-Sided and Conditioned Games Enhance Acquisition of Movement and Decision-Making Skills. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 41 (3), 154–161. https://doi.org/10.1097/JES.0b013e318292f3ec
de Souza, W.J.F., Clemente, F., Aguiar, S. da S., Pittner, L., Araújo, E.M., Rocha, M. de S., Silva, F.E.L., Silva, A.F., & Castro, H. de O. (2024). Exploring the Effects of Players' Numbers and Court Size on Tactical-Technical Performance Analysis of Novice Players in Basketball Small-Sided Games. Journal of Human Kinetics. https://doi.org/10.5114/jhk/190400
de Souza, W. J. F., W., Manuel Clemente, F., Naves de Oliveira Goulart, K., De Conti Teixeira Costa, G., Emerson Silva Cunha, P., Savassi Figueiredo, L., Iop Laporta, L., Silva Reverdito, R., José Leonardi, T., & De Oliveira Castro, H. (2024). Tactical and Technical Performance in Basketball Small-Sided Games: A Systematic Review. Retos, 56, 554–566. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v56.104564
Dios-Álvarez, V. de, Castellano, J., Padrón-Cabo, A., & Rey, E. (2024). Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players? Biology of Sport, 41 (1), 95–106. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.127389
Dong, R., Chen, R., Zhang, S., Sansone, P., Mateus, N., & Liu, H. (2026). Beyond the box score: Clustering offensive play types to reveal game styles in professional basketball. Journal of Sports Sciences, 44(3), 357–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2578585
Ferreira-Ruiz, Á., García-Banderas, F., & Martín Tamayo, I. (2022). Revisión Sistemática: comportamiento técnico-táctico en juegos reducidos en fútbol masculino. Apunts Educación Física y Deportes , 154 , 42–61. https://doi.org/10.5672/apunts.2014-0983.es.(2022/2).148.06
Gómez, M. A., Vaquera, A., Filho, E., & Zong, S. (2025). Scoring performance of European professional basketball players: a comparison between domestic leagues and the Eurobasket. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 25(5), 857–867. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2025.2452002
Halouani, J., Chtourou, H., Gabbett, T., Chaouachi, A., & Chamari, K. (2014). Small-sided games in team sports training: a brief review. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28 (12), 3594–3618.
Hoffmann, J. J., Reed, J. P., Leiting, K., Chiang, C.-Y., & Stone, M. H. (2014). Repeated Sprints, High-Intensity Interval Training, Small-Sided Games: Theory and Application to Field Sports. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 9 (2), 352–357. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2013-0189
Hudain, MA, Kamaruddin, I., Hita, I. P. A. D., Pranata, D., & Ariestika, E. (2023). Investigation of nutritional status, VO2max, agility, speed, and strength: A cross-sectional study in basketball athletes. Sports Area Journal, 8 (2), 261–271. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2023.vol8(2).11724
Huyghe, T., Alcaraz, P. E., Calleja-González, J., & Bird, S. P. (2022). The underpinning factors of NBA game-play performance: a systematic review (2001–2020). The Physician and Sports Medicine, 50(2), 94–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.2021.1896957
Islam, S., Hafnita, Muti, GG, Raditya, A., Atmaja, D., & Wicaksono, GB (2025). The impact of wearing compression garments on basketball players: a literature review. MULTILATERAL: Journal of Physical Education and Sports, 24 (2), 238–252. https://dx.doi.org/10.20527/multilateral.v24i2.22092
Karahan, M. (2020). Effect of skill-based training vs. small-sided games on physical performance improvement in young soccer players. Biology of Sport, 37 (3), 305–312. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2020.96319
Khoirudin, D., Pratama, HG, Santoso, DA, & Putro, BN (2023). The Impact of Drill Exercise and Games Approach on Improving Under-Passing Ability in Adolescent Female Volleyball Athletes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 2 (2), 142–151. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v2i2.276
Kim, P., & JeongJun, M. (2023). DEA Assessment of Evaluating Possession-based Player Efficiency of Korean Professional Basketball Players and Floor Impact Counter Performance. Journal of Sport and Leisure Studies, 92, 39–52. https://doi.org/10.51979/KSSLS.2023.04.92.39
Klingner, F.C., Huijgen, B.C., Den Hartigh, R.J., & Kempe, M. (2022). Technical–tactical skill assessments in small-sided soccer games: A scoping review. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 17 (4), 885–902. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211049532
Klusemann, M.J., Pyne, D.B., Foster, C., & Drinkwater, E.J. (2012). Optimizing technical skills and physical loading in small-sided basketball games. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30 (14), 1463–1471. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.712714
Köklü, Y., Ersöz, G., Alemdaroğlu, U., Aşç, A., & Özkan, A. (2012). Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Characteristics of 4-A-Side Small-Sided Game in Young Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26 (11), 3118–3123. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318244341d
Kristiono, AA, Pratama, O.P.A, Islam, S., Abadi, AK, & Wijaya, MB (2024). Effect of Small Side Games 3x3 on Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) in Extra-Curricular Basketball Participants at SMK 1 Semarang. Proceedings of the International Conference on Physical Education, Health, and Sports, 4, 109–116.
Krzysztofik, M., Jarosz, J., Urbański, R., Aschenbrenner, P., & Stastny, P. (2025). Effects of 6 weeks of complex training on athletic performance and post-activation performance enhancement effect magnitude in soccer players: a cross-sectional randomized study. Biology of Sport, 42(1), 211–221. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2025.139849
Li, F., Jiang, F., Sansone, P., Gastin, P. B., & Gomez, M. A. (2025). Key performance indicators for success in decisive NBA playoff games: a 10-year analysis of game-7 outcomes. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2025.2574170
Li, T., Xu, Q., Sarmento, H., Zhao, Y., Silva, R.M., & Clemente, F.M. (2024). Effects of small-sided games training programs on physiological and physical adaptations of youth basketball players: A systematic review. Science Progress, 107 (1). https://doi.org/10.1177/00368504241231657
Liu, H., Yin, M., Xu, K., Deng, S., McKee, J. R., Scott, B. R., … Zhang, M. (2026). Blood flow restriction during small-sided games enhances physiological adaptations and performance improvements in well-trained basketball players: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sports Sciences, 44(3), 372–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.258084
Machado, G., González-Víllora, S., Roca, A., & Teoldo, I. (2024). Developing cognitive and motor decision-making skills through tactical principles and small-sided games in youth soccer. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 24 (5), 444–463. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2024.2321039
Oktavia, HT, Irsyada, R., Setiawan, I., & Wijayanti, DGS (2024). The Effect of 3x3 Basketball Games on Heart Rate Changes in Female Athletes at Celena Basketball Academy. Indonesian Journal for Physical Education and Sport, 5 (1), 242–252.
Oktavia, HT, Setianingsih, MRY, Assidiqi, M., & Raharjo, HP (2025). Comparative Study of Learning Approaches, Learning Styles, and Integration in Improving Basketball Skills. Gelanggang Olahraga: Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika dan Olahraga , 8 (3), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.31539/jpjo.v8i3.13111
Pamungkas, H., Nidomuddin, M., Yusuf, H., Mardikaningsih, A., & Lesmana, H. S. (2023). Small Side Game Training Contribution of Volume Oxygen Maximum Football Players Elite Pro Academy. JOSSAE (Journal of Sport Science and Education), 8 (2), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.26740/jossae.v8n2.p129-136
Perdima, F. E, Apriansyah, D., Sumantri, A., Ertanto, D., & Sofyan, D. (2024). Enhancing technical proficiency through small-sided basketball games: A strategic approach for student athletes. Sports Area Journal, 9 (2), 195–206. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2024.vol9(2).16651
Práxedes, A., Moreno, A., Gil-Arias, A., Claver, F., & Del Villar, F. (2018). The effect of small-sided games with different levels of opposition on the tactical behavior of young footballers with different levels of sports expertise. PLOS ONE, 13 (1), e0190157. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190157
Presto, R., Manalu, N., Sukatendel, P., Sihombing, F., & Hamdani, T. (2024). The effect of triangle passing and small-side game training on the passing accuracy of sports students. Journal of Sports, Fitness, and Rehabilitation (JOKER), 4 (2), 77–82. https://doi.org/10.35706/joker.v4i2.12319
Quílez-Maimón, A., Rojas-Ruiz, F. J., Delgado-García, G., & Courel-Ibáñez, J. (2021). The q-pass index: a multifactorial imus-based tool to assess passing skills in basketball. Sensors, 21(13), 4601. https://doi.org/10.3390/s2113460
Rampinini, E., Impellizzeri, F.M., Castagna, C., Abt, G., Chamari, K., Sassi, A., & Marcora, S.M. (2007). Factors influencing physiological responses to small-sided soccer games. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25 (6), 659–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410600811858
Riboli, A., Olthof, S. B., Esposito, F., & Coratella, G. (2022). Training elite youth soccer players: area per player in small-sided games to replicate the match demands. Biology of Sport, 39(3), 579–598.
Russell, J. L., McLean, B. D., Stolp, S., Strack, D., & Coutts, A. J. (2025). Factors affecting NBA game performance over the course of a season. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(23), 2888–2899. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2567778
Sal-de-Rellán, A., Ben Brahim, M., Martín, V., Yassin, H., & Sánchez-Sánchez, J. (2025). Effects of combined resisted sprint training with small-sided games compared to regular soccer training on physical performance in professional soccer players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 20 (2), 650–657. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241302083
Sansone, P., Conte, D., Gasperi, L., Scanlan, A. T., & Gómez-Ruano, M. A. (2025). Analysing elite European basketball players’ performances according to travel demands, game schedule and contextual factors. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 25(3), 446–461. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2024.2418185
Santos, F., Clemente, F.M., Sarmento, H., Ferreira, C., Figueiredo, T., Hernández-Beltrán, V., Gamonales, J.M., & Espada, M. (2024). External load of different format small-sided games in youth football players of different ages. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 19 (5), 2024–2034. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241231485
Silva, A. de S. e, Oliveira, J. J. de, Mereu, G. P., Montalvão, V. H. de S., Baganha, R. J., Lacerda, F. V., & Silva, J. A. de O. (2021). Efeitos dos jogos reduzidos no consumo de oxigênio, agilidade e atenção concentrada no futebol. Revista Brasileira de Fisiologia do Exercício, 20(3), 358–366. https://doi.org/10.33233/rbfex.v20i3.4334
Strand, B. N., & Wilson, R. (1993). Assessing sports skills. In Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.
Sukarmin, Y., & Jumareng, MT (2023). Arm Muscle Power, Agility, and Chest Pass Ability in Basketball: Is there a Connection? International Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 06 (12). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i12-01
Supola, B., Hoch, T., & Read, A. (2022). The role of secondary assists in basketball – an analysis of its characteristics and effect on scoring. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 22 (2), 261–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2022.2039090
Supola, B., Hoch, T., & Read, A. (2023). Modeling the Extra Pass in Basketball (pp. 178–181). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31772-9_37
Tolga Fisek, Ani Agopyan. (2021). Effects of six weeks of stable versus unstable multi-dimensional surfaces balance training on passing skills and balance performance in young male basketball players. Journal of Men's Health. 2021. 17(4);264-277.
Uludağ, S., Dorak, F., Vurgun, N., Yüzbaşioğlu, Y., & Ateş, E. (2021). Effects of 10 weeks of imagery and concentration training on visual focus and free-throw performance in basketball players. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 21 (4), 1761–1768. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2021.04223
Wang, T., Xue, T., & He, J. (2024). Do different playing formats and aerobic capacity influence variances in psychophysiological demands and technical performance in small-sided games? a study among under-17 male soccer players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 619–627. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.619
Zaenudin, M., Adityatama, F., & Nur, H.A. (2025). Efforts to improve passing accuracy with triangle training and small-sided games at ssb pespa pabedilan kidul. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 7 (1), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.33222/jpess.v7i1.2307
Zhang, F. (2024). Study on the application of tactical consciousness in basketball sports training. Scientific and Social Research, 6 (10), 41–45. https://doi.org/10.26689/ssr.v6i10.8523
Zhou, W., Sansone, P., Jia, Z., Gomez, M.-A., & Li, F. (2024). Determining the key performance indicators on game outcomes in the NBA based on quantile regression analysis. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 24 (6), 519–534. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2024.2325846
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
View My Stats

