The article “The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” by Shudian Cao et al., published in 2025 in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects basketball players’ physical performance.
The authors examined 15 studies involving 369 athletes of both genders across various competitive levels. Seven of those studies were included in a quantitative meta-analysis.
Objectives and Methodology
The primary goal was to evaluate the efficacy of HIIT in improving general fitness and basketball-specific performance. Included studies applied HIIT protocols lasting at least 4 weeks, with intensity monitored through physiological indicators (e.g., ≥80% of max heart rate or ≥75% VO₂max) or subjective measures like the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE).
Participants ranged from 14 to 26 years old, with the interventions averaging 6.1 weeks in duration and comprising 2–4 sessions per week.
Key Findings
Cardiovascular Fitness
HIIT showed a significant effect on cardiovascular endurance. The meta-analysis reported a very large effect size for the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (ES = 2.32) and a moderate effect on VO₂max (ES = 0.90), suggesting meaningful aerobic capacity improvements.
Muscular Power
Eleven studies assessed the effect of HIIT on muscular power using tests like the countermovement jump (CMJ), vertical jump, and medicine ball throw. The meta-analysis found a moderate effect on CMJ height (ES = 0.76), indicating increased muscular explosiveness.
Speed and Sprint Performance
HIIT positively influenced linear speed and repeated sprint ability. A small effect was found for the 20-meter sprint test (ES = 0.59). However, results varied among studies, suggesting individual responses or protocol differences may influence outcomes.
Agility and Change of Direction
Agility, crucial in basketball, improved with HIIT. The meta-analysis found a moderate effect on the T-test (ES = 0.91), indicating enhanced ability to change direction rapidly.
Basketball-Specific Performance
Six studies analyzed HIIT’s effects on basketball-specific skills like shooting, passing, and dribbling. Four reported significant improvements, while two found no notable changes. This suggests HIIT can enhance certain technical skills, but may not be sufficient alone to improve all sport-specific abilities.
Practical Implications
To optimize the benefits of HIIT in basketball, coaches and strength & conditioning professionals should consider:
- Implementing HIIT during the pre-season or off-season, when recovery and adaptation can be maximized without interfering with competition.
- Incorporating basketball-specific movements into HIIT protocols (e.g., lateral slides, directional changes) to improve transfer to actual game performance.
- Combining HIIT with technical skill training, as HIIT alone may not sufficiently improve skills like shooting or ball handling.
Limitations and Future Recommendations
The authors noted several limitations:
- Variability in HIIT protocols (duration, intensity, frequency) across studies made direct comparisons challenging.
- Lack of subgroup analysis by age, sex, or competitive level, which limits understanding of who benefits most.
- Risk of bias in some studies due to lack of blinding or incomplete outcome data.
Future research should aim to:
- Develop standardized HIIT protocols for basketball.
- Examine differences in HIIT effectiveness by age group and playing level.
- Explore HIIT’s impact on technical and tactical basketball performance in more depth.
Conclusion
HIIT emerges as an effective method to enhance general fitness and select basketball-specific abilities. However, to fully optimize player development and performance, it should be integrated with technical and tactical training. A carefully planned and individualized HIIT program can significantly contribute to athletic success in basketball.
CITATION
Shudian Cao, Zhenxing Li, Zhaoran Wang, Soh Kim Geok, Jia Liu. (2025) The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (24), 31 – 51. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.31
REFERENCE – ORIGINAL ARTICLE
