The Effect of Small-Sided Games Training on Cognitive Intelligence and Basic Skills of Junior Volleyball Athletes

Abstract

Small-sided games (SSG) in volleyball were adopted to increase the amount of contact with the ball, speeding up the application of specific techniques. SSG is modified by manipulating the number of players, area configuration, allowed actions, or relevant factors during training. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of small-sided games-based exercise delivery in improving junior volleyball athletes' cognitive intelligence and basic skills. The research design is quasi-experimental, which applies a non-equivalent control group design. Digit span tests from WAIS measure cognitive intelligence measurements. The digit span test consists of two types, precisely, forward digits and backward digits. The validity test is 0.94, while the reliability test is 0.93. Basic volleyball skills include upper service, lower service, upper passing, lower passing, and smash, with a validity value of 0.94 and reliability of 0.84. The results revealed that providing 2v2 and 3v3 small-sided games training in high-and low-intelligence male and female junior volleyball athletes significantly improved basic volleyball skills. Providing small-sided exercises effectively improves the basic skills of junior volleyball athletes. This research contributes to developing methods of training and coaching junior volleyball athletes, especially technical and tactical improvements of the game.