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.