This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the effects of daytime napping on athletic performance across multiple domains in team ball sports athletes. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched from their inception to December 18, 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the association between daytime napping and objective performance measures compared with a no-nap control condition. Twelve trials encompassing 179 team ball sports athletes met the inclusion criteria. Nap interventions were consistently scheduled in the early afternoon (13:00-15:30), most frequently commencing at 14:00. Following presumed normal nocturnal sleep, napping demonstrated a large positive effect on endurance performance (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.29, p < 0.001) and a moderate improvement in agility (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.09, p = 0.048). A moderate positive trend was also observed for power and strength (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI -0.09 to 1.09), although the 95% confidence intervals crossed zero. Subgroup analyses revealed that the magnitude of these effects was modulated by nap duration, with longer naps (>60 min) yielding the largest improvements in endurance (SMD = 1.38) and power (SMD = 0.84), while moderate naps (31-60 min) similarly conferred substantial benefits. These findings suggest that strategic napping, particularly moderate and long durations, should be considered for integration into training and competition routines for athletes achieving presumed normal nocturnal sleep. However, effects on cognitive and technical performance remain uncertain due to evidence imprecision. Strategic napping protocols should be tailored to specific sport performance demands to optimize physiological recovery and readiness. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD420251268837, identifier CRD420251268837.
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