The true test of whether or not an athlete is skilled rises and falls upon the athlete’s ability to execute skills within a competitive context. Being able to make 77 three-pointers in a row does not mean you are a skilled shooter. Being able to shoot 45% or better from the three-point line while being chased and contested means that you are a skilled shooter.

Small-sided games make the development of true skills possible. Because small-sided games feature fewer players than the 5v5 game, each player participating gets more and more touches, resulting in more and more game-like repetitions. 

The other benefit to using small-sided games as a means of skill development is that the small- sided game enables the athlete to participate in decision making.

Small-sided games allow decision-making development by keeping the athlete in decision- making mode throughout the activity. A traditional drill gives the player a rep with the ball, and then allows them to disengage while they wait for their next turn. Small-sided games, however, give the players lots of reps while also mandating constant decision making.

Could 3 on 3 Basketball Be the Best For Youth Players?

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