Table 2. Exercise-load characterization across the 24 training sessions. Protocol component 1v1 SSG 3v3 SSG Intervention duration 8 weeks 8 weeks Session frequency 3 sessions/week 3 sessions/week Planned total sessions 24 sessions 24 sessions Session structure 10-min warm-up, 40-min SSG block, 10-min cool-down 10-min warm-up, 40-min SSG block, 10-min cool-down SSG block structure 4 x 8-min bouts with 2-min passive recovery between bouts and 2 min for transition/hydration 4 x 8-min bouts with 2-min passive recovery between bouts and 2 min for transition/hydration Active SSG time/session 32 min 32 min Passive recovery/session within SSG block 6 min 6 min Total intended active SSG exposure 768 min 768 min Weeks 1-4 playing area 7 x 10 m; two players; 35 m2/player 14 x 15 m; six players; 35 m2/player Weeks 5-8 playing area 10 x 14 m; two players; 70 m2/player 28 x 15 m; six players; 70 m2/player Ball, basket, and scoring Same ball size, standard basket height, standard scoring Same ball size, standard basket height, standard scoring Coach encouragement Neutral encouragement Neutral encouragement Permitted coaching Safety, timekeeping, rules, and standardized reminders only Safety, timekeeping, rules, and standardized reminders only Primary format difference Individual 1v1 attacking/defending interactions Cooperative/oppositional 3v3 attacking/ defending interactions Heart rate (beats/min) 178.33 ± 2.13 [range: 172 to 185] 177.49 ± 2.02 [range: 172 to 184] RPE (A.U.) 8.45 ± 0.86 [range 5 to 10] 7.88 ± 0.93 [range: 6 to 10] Values of heart rate and RPE are based on all available participant-session observations from the intervention groups. RPE = rating of perceived exertion; AU = arbitrary units. The control group did not complete training sessions and is therefore not included.