Differences in Physical Fitness and Throwing Velocity Among Elite and Amateur Male Handball Players

Cardiorespiratory Markers Relate to Change-of-Direction Performance During Incremental Endurance Tests and Friendly Matches in Professional Male Handball Players

PURPOSE

To compare the standard Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (IR) test and an agility Yo-Yo IR test with a higher number of change-of-direction movements to cardiorespiratory match performance.

METHODS

The study included 11 professional male handball players (age 24.5 [4.6] y) of a German second-league team. The performance parameters of the players of the seasons 2016-17 to 2018-19 were analyzed. The Yo-Yo IR test was compared to a Yo-Yo IR test with multiple multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli, which was conducted on a SpeedCourt (Yo-Yo SC IR). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximum heart rate (HRmax) were measured. Between-methods differences of individual athletes were quantified with Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

HRmax was not statistically different during the Yo-Yo SC IR test compared to the Yo-Yo IR test (181 [10] vs 188 [8] beats·min-1; P = .16). Agreement between the 2 tests was moderate for HRmax and good for heart rates >180 beats·min-1. Mean average VO2peak was 51.7 (3.9) and 50.9 (2.8) mL·min-1·kg-1 for the Yo-Yo SC IR test and the Yo-Yo IR test (P = .693), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A Yo-Yo test with multidirectional changes of direction in response to visual stimuli yielded good agreement with the frequently used linear running tests and can be used to assess players' VO2peak. The HRmax achieved during this test should be used with caution.

Influence of angular position on radar gun peak cricket ball speed measurements

The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement in peak ball speed measured using a radar gun and motion capture system then examine the influence of angular position. Peak ball speed was recorded with the radar gun in-line with the ball trajectory (0° offset) and at 5° offsets up to 35°. Agreement between devices was calculated at 0° and for grouped offset bins (0-5°, 10-15°, 20-25°, and 30-35°). At 0°, a strong correlation (r = 0.99) and intraclass correlation coefficient (.984) were observed with a systematic overestimation by the radar gun (1.7 ± 0.8 m/s). The residual speed between devices at the 30-35° offset was significantly different to both 0-5° (p < .001) and 10-15° (p < .001) offsets. The radar gun consistently overestimated peak ball speed up to a ~20° offset and thus can be positioned out of the line-of-throw to avoid obstructions.

Vertical jump neuromuscular performance of professional female handball players-starters vs. non-starters comparison

Given the complex nature of the handball as a game, players are required to possess a distinct set of physical and physiological attributes to attain peak performance. With the countermovement vertical jump (CVJ) being widely implemented as a non-invasive and time-efficient testing modality in sports settings, the purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to establish a CVJ profile of professional female handball players and (b) to examine differences in force-time metrics between starters and non-starters. Forty-two professional female handball players (e.g., SuperLeague) volunteered to participate in this study. Each athlete performed three maximum-effort CVJs with no arm swing while standing on a uni-axial force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz. Independent t-tests were used to examine differences in each variable between starters and non-starters. The results revealed that starters attained superior performance within the eccentric phase of the CVJ when compared to non-starters, particularly in terms of eccentric peak velocity (-0.957 ± 0.242 vs. -0.794 ± 0.177 m·s-1), eccentric mean power (320.0 ± 77.7 vs. 267.1 ± 75.2 W), and eccentric peak power (929.0 ± 388.1 vs. 684.4 ± 214.2 W). While not reaching the level of statistical significance, moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed for concentric impulse, peak velocity, and mean and peak force and power, all in favor of players included in the starting lineup (g = 0.439-0.655). Overall, these findings suggest that at the top-tier level of handball competition, the ability to secure a spot in a starting lineup may be possibly influenced by the athlete's eccentric performance capabilities. Thus, the development of lower-body eccentric strength and power may positively impact on-court athlete performance and ultimately help the team secure the desired game outcome.

Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Throwing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball.

OBJECTIVE

Τo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Pubmed, Medline complete, Cinahl, Sport Discus and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 18 March 1995 to 18 March 2023. Randomized, controlled, clinical studies, written in English, aiming to investigate the effect at least one modality of RT on throwing performance (velocity or/and accuracy) in handball players were considered for inclusion in the study. The eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDRO) scale. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results. Furthermore, the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the Q-statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that all studies in the analysis share a common effect size.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 30 were included. A total of 727 handball players (males = 388, females = 292) were included. 28 of the 30 studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (PEDRO score > 70%) while the rest of the studies were rated as moderate methodological quality studies (PEDRO score ≤ 60%). The mean effect size for the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in improving jumping throw, running throw, and standing throw velocity were 1.128 (95% CI 0.457 - 1.798), 1.756 (95% CI 1.111 - 2.400), and 1.098 (95% CI 0.689 - 1.507) correspondingly. Traditional weight training using barbells in mostly compound lifts yielded the most significant and robust results. Other RT modalities such as elastic bands, medicine balls, core training and ballistic training showed no significant results or positive effects due to the limited number of the studies.

CONCLUSION

Strong evidence exists only for the effectiveness of RT using barbells in increasing throwing velocity. In contrast, the remaining RT modalities, while yielding positive results, have limited support due to limited number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to support various forms of RT in increasing throw distance. Finally, medicine ball training and elastic band training demonstrated no benefits in improving throwing accuracy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42023393574.

Relationship between team ranking and physical fitness in elite male handball players in different playing positions

The aim of this study was to identify the key physical indicators that affect game performance of male team handball athletes in national team handball tournaments and explore them further in relation to playing positions. A total of 150 male handball athletes were tested before a national tournament, using squat, bench press, 30-m sprint, vertical jump, pull-ups and abdominal endurance testing. Correlation analysis was used to examine the potential relationship between fitness level and tournament ranking. The results revealed significant differences in fitness variables among different playing positions (p < 0.05), excepted abdominal endurance and vertical jump (p > 0.05). 1RM squad performance was associated with team rankings (r = 0.289, p < 0.05). For individual playing positions, bench press of backs correlate with rankings (r = 0.354, p < 0.05). For goalkeepers, ranking was significantly positively correlated with 30-m sprinting (r = 0.604, p < 0.05). No other correlations were found (p > 0.05). To conclude, fitness level is to some extent related to team ranking with higher ranked teams having better scores in some of the fitness tests for all playing positions. The key predictors of performance in sport vary from position to position and practitioners need to differentiate between them to organize strength and conditioning training more precisely. More specialized fitness tests are also needed to assess athletes' competition ability.

Basketball talent identification: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the anthropometric, physiological and physical performance factors

Background

The purpose of this study was to do a systematic review and meta-analysis about the anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance that discriminate the physical talent in basketball.

Methods

The search was conducted using the most relevant databases as Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus, according to the PRISMA (2020) guideline. Keywords such as "basketball", "talented identification", "anthropometric", "physiology" and "physical performance" were used for the search, in English and following the "PICOS" question model. Eighteen articles' overall methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Review Forms.

Results

The study found in basketball, height, body mass, Yo-Yo test, T-test, 20 m sprint, and jump performance had statistical significance between elite and non-elite groups, including different positions and levels.

Conclusions

The reviewed literature highlighted a complicated relationship between anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance. Based on the results of the study, it's possible that height, body mass, agility, speed, endurance capacity, and lower lamb power could affect the early development of basketball.

Kinematics and performance of team-handball throwing: effects of age and skill level

To assess the influence of age and skill level on handball throwing kinematics and performance, 126 participants were distributed into groups according to their skill level (elite or recreational) and age group (U12, U16 or +18). Each participant performed three sets of 10 throws, aiming to hit a target (40 × 40 cm) located in the right corner of the goal. During testing, kinematic data were recorded and throwing performance (accuracy and velocity) was measured. Results showed greater throwing velocity in the elite compared to recreational groups, whereas no differences were found for throwing accuracy. The elite U16 and +18 groups displayed higher segment velocities (hand, arm and pelvis) than the recreational groups. The participation of proximal segments was higher in older groups, showing the more skilled players (U16 and +18) greater pelvis velocities (1.62-1.75 vs 1.02-1.22 m/s). The increased velocity of the distal joints (hand peak velocity: 13.56 ± 1.65 vs 10.67 ± 1.98 m/s) are responsible for the difference in throwing velocity between the elite and recreational U12 groups. Several correlations were found between joint kinematics and throwing velocity. Coaches could use these results during training, to optimise specific throwing training.

Positive Effects of Plyometric vs. Eccentric-Overload Training on Performance in Young Male Handball Players

This study aimed to compare the effects of two 8-week in-season strength-training programs on handball players' physical and technical parameters. Thirty-six male athletes were randomly separated into three groups: a control group (n = 12), a plyometric training group (PG, n = 12), and an eccentric-overload training group (EG, n = 12). The PG and EG performed upper- and lower-limb plyometric or eccentric-overload exercises, respectively, three times per week. Control groups performed regular handball training. The athletes were assessed for counter movement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov vertical jump (ABK) height, 15 m linear sprint time, handball-throwing speed (i.e., penalty throw; 3-step running throw; jump throw), and cardiorespiratory endurance through the 20 m shuttle-run test. Heart rate and blood lactate were measured at the end of the endurance test. No baseline differences were noted for dependent variables between groups. The session rating of perceived exertion was similar between the intervention groups (PG = 361 ± 12.2 AU; EG = 370 ± 13.3 AU). The ANOVA revealed significant (p < 0.05; Δ = 5-9%; effect size (ES) = 0.45-1.96). Similar improvements for experimental groups compared to the control group for CMJ, ABK jump, penalty throw, 3-step running throw, and jump throw. However, interventions did not affect 15 m, cardiorespiratory endurance, nor heart rate or blood lactate after the endurance test. In conclusion, an 8-week handball intervention by performing plyometric or eccentric-overload training in-season improves the physical and technical parameters of male players when compared to regular handball practice.

Reliability and measurement error of tests used for the assessment of throwing performance in overhead athletes: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Throwing Performance (TP) is important in throwing sports. Several tests have been designed to assess TP, and the reliability of these tests was examined in various studies. The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesize the studies that examined the reliability of TP tests.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus to identify studies related to TP and reliability. The quality of the included studies was examined through the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) tool. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while responsiveness was assessed using the minimal detectable change (MDC). Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify whether low-quality studies may have biased the recommendations of this review.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were found eligible. The results showed a moderate level of evidence to suggest that TP tests have good reliability (ICC≥0.76). This recommendation was also applied separately when TP tests were used to measure throwing velocity, distance covered, endurance and throwing accuracy. Also, summated MDC scores were reported to assist coaches in decision-making when using TP tests to detect real performance changes. However, sensitivity analysis showed that there is a significant number of low-quality studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This review revealed that the tests used for throwing performance assessment are reliable; however, due to a significant number of low-quality studies, these results should be used cautiously. Important recommendations of this review may be used in future studies to design high-quality studies.

Small-Sided Games versus Continuous Endurance Training in Female Handball Players

The main aim of the study was to compare the training methods of continuous endurance training versus handball small-sided games (SSGs) in female handball players during the preseason. Eighteen female handball players from a first league in the Czech Republic voluntarily participated in the study. They were divided into two groups (the SSG group [n = 9; age: 21.22 ± 3.03 years] and a running group (RG) [n = 9; age: 23.78 ± 3.77 years]). Both groups continued regular preseason training for six weeks. The SSG group played two small-sided games per week (a total of 12 games during the monitoring period) in their training sessions during the monitored six-week period. The RG ran twice per week, participating in continuous endurance training in the 12 training sessions during the monitored six-week period. Fitness tests (pretest/posttest) were performed prior to the six weeks of intervention and one week afterwards. The order of the fitness tests in sequence was as follows: 20-m and 30-m sprints, a Modified Agility T test (MAT), a Standing Long-Jump Test, ball-throwing velocity, and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Test level 1. In the SSG group, there was a significant improvement in the T test (p = 0.034), ball-throwing velocity (p = 0.019), and the Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.003) performance. The RG showed a significant improvement in the Standing Long-Jump Test (p = 0.049), ball-throwing velocity (p = 0.003), and the Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.003) performance. In conclusion, the SSGT method had a positive effect on female players' MAT, ball-throwing velocity and YoYo IR1 results, and the CERT method had a significant effect only on the YoYo IR1 results. Handball SSGs are a more suitable training method due to exercise specificity.

Association of trunk and lower limb factors with shoulder complaints and sport performance in overhead athletes: A systematic review including GRADE recommendations and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify the association of trunk and lower limb factors with shoulder complaints and sport performance in overhead athletes.

METHODS

Search performed at PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Cochrane, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus for observational studies. Methodological quality and strength of the evidence was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE. Meta-analysis and effects sizes analysis were calculated when possible.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included. Low to very-low evidence suggests no association of trunk/lower limb strength, endurance, power, jump or balance with shoulder complaints and/or throwing performance. Athletes with shoulder complaints performed worse in trunk stability and endurance tests (mean difference: -6.83 (95%CI: -8.78, -4.88)). Athletes with high throwing performance presented better results in CMJ, horizontal jump, power measures and knee extension strength. For swimmers, there was no association of trunk/lower limb endurance with shoulder complaints (moderate evidence) and no association of balance and swimming performance (low evidence). Better trunk/lower limb strength, power and vertical jumps measures were associated with better swimming performance.

CONCLUSIONS

In methodologically similar studies, some trunk/lower limb outcomes are associated with shoulder complaint or sport/swimming performance. Results should be considered with caution and future studies should use better methodologies.

Effect of difficulty of task on throwing performance and coping strategies in team handball

In this study the effect of level of opposition on throwing performance and coping strategies in the jump throw was examined in elite, amateur, and adolescent players in team handball. Twenty four participants consisting of 13 female elite junior handball players (age: 15.5 ± 0.7 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 64.2 ± 7.0 kg; years of handball experience: 8.4 ± 1.76 years) and 11 senior recreational female handball players (age: 19.5 ± 1.04 years; height: 1.68 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 65.2 ± 9.3 kg; years of handball experience: 11 ± 2.61 years) performed ten jump throws under four conditions: (1) without opposition; (2) with a passive opponent; (3) with an opponent moving sideways; and (4) with a defender who was instructed to be unpredictable without physical contact with the thrower. Ball velocity and accuracy were measured for every throw together with answering a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions after each condition to investigate if coping strategies changed with increasing difficulty of task and if this was different for playing level. The main findings were that ball velocity and accuracy decreased when opposition was introduced, but with no differences when the opposition moved only sideways or unpredictably (forwards and/or sideways), similarly for both groups. Furthermore, the level had no influence on the coping strategies or a relationship with either of these coping strategies, but the avoidance coping strategy scored lower than the other two categories for both groups. It was concluded that level of opposition had a negative effect on throwing velocity and accuracy in elite junior and recreational level senior players which was probably caused by the change of given attention to one target (overcome opponent), which leaves less available for others (throwing velocity and accuracy). Furthermore, coping strategies did not change or have any correlation with throwing performance, indicating that these strategies seem to be influenced by trait and that most players mainly used problem- and emotional-focused coping strategies and less avoidance strategies when dealing with the level of opposition.

Sport-Specific Skills Differentiate Performance Levels Better Than Anthropometric or Physiological Factors in Beach Handball

Beach handball is characterized by high- and low-intensity efforts on an unstable surface. Players are expected to display high levels of physical performance on sand, though there are no data concerning success in elite players. Purpose: This study aimed to address anthropometric, fitness, and sport-specific skills components in beach handball, by comparing elite national team beach handball players (world champions) to sub-elite players (playing at a regular club). Method: A total of 91 senior players (more than 21 years old) of both genders (19 world champions) were assessed for anthropometry, 5-m acceleration, 15-m sprint, handgrip strength, horizontal jump, and three specific sport-specific skills (ball velocities in standing, inflight and spin throwing) at a beach court. Anthropometric, physiological, and sport-specific skill test variables were analyzed as a multiple dependent variable using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with sex and level (elite vs sub-elite) as the fixed factors. SPSS (25.0) was used, significance was assumed at p < .05. Results: The results highlighted that for male and female athletes, horizontal jump, 6-m standing, spin, and inflight throwing discriminated between elite and sub-elite groups (p < .001). Conclusion: The study suggests that the factors which differentiate between elite and sub-elite performers in beach handball are horizontal jump and technical ability via the performance of specific throwing skills, rather than anthropometric or any other physical variables, irrespective of sex. These findings highlight some of the relevant physical capacities and skills that need to be developed over the years of preparation of top-level beach handball players.

Effects of a 6 week core strengthening training on measures of physical and athletic performance in adolescent male sub-elite handball players

The objective was to investigate the effects of a 6-week core strengthening training within the regular handball training sessions compared to regular handball training only. Male sub-elite handball players were randomly assigned to an intervention (INT: n = 13; age: 16.9 ± 0.6 years) or a control (CON: n = 13; age: 17.2 ± 0.8 years) group. The INT group performed the "big 3" core exercises cross curls-up, side bridge (both sides), and the quadrupedal stance ("birddog exercise") triweekly for 20-30 min while the CON group conducted regular handball training only. Pre- and post-training assessments included measures of muscular endurance (Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test [CKCUEST] and the Bourban test), shoulder mobility/stability (Upper Quarter Y Balance [YBT-UQ] test), and throwing velocity. The ANCOVA revealed significant differences between means in favour of the INT group for the dorsal chain (p < 0.001,η p 2 = 0.46) and the lateral chain (left side: p = 0.015,η p 2 = 0.22; right side: p = 0.039,η p 2 = 0.17) of the Bourban test, the composite score (p = 0.024,η p 2 = 0.20) of the throwing arm reach and the inferolateral reach direction (p = 0.038,η p 2 = 0.17), and the composite score (p = 0.027,η p 2 = 0.19) of the non-throwing arm reach of the YBT-UQ. However, performance in the CKCUEST and throwing velocity did not show any group-specific changes. Therefore, 6 weeks of core strengthening training were effective in improving some components of physical but no handball-specific athletic (i.e., throwing velocity) performance in adolescent male sub-elite handball players. Practitioners may still opt for this training regimen when stimulus variability is sought or when a low load/low movement approach (e.g., during rehabilitation) is favoured.

The effect of high and low velocity-based training on the throwing performance of collegiate handball players

Background

The intensity of strength training exercise is generally regarded to be the most essential element in developing muscle strength and power. The exercise intensity of strength training is known as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Velocity-based training (VBT) has been proposed as a different approach for determining training intensity. VBT relies on the use of linear position transducers and inertial measurement units, providing real-time feedback to objectively adjust the exercise intensity based on an athlete's velocity zone.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of two different training interventions based on individualized load velocity profiles (LVP) on maximal bench press strength (i.e., 1RM), maximum throwing velocity (TV), and skeletal muscle mass (SKMM). Twenty-two university handball players were randomly assigned to Group 1 (low-movement speed training) or Group 2 (high-movement speed training). Group 1 exercised with a bar speed of 0.75-0.96 m/s, which corresponds to a resistance of approximately 60% 1RM, whereas Group 2 trained at 1.03-1.20 m/s, corresponding to a resistance of approximately 40% 1RM. Both groups exercised three times a week for five weeks, with strength and throwing tests performed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied, and the results showed the interaction between group and time was not statistically significant for SKMM (p = 0.537), 1RM (p = 0.883), or TV (p = 0.774). However, both groups significantly improved after the five weeks of training: SKMM (3.1% and 3.5%, p < 0.01), 1RM (15.5% and 15.0%, p < 0.01), and throwing velocity (18.7% and 18.3%, p < 0.01) in Group 1 and 2 respectively. Training at both prescribed velocities in this study elicited similar changes in strength, muscle mass, and throwing velocity.

Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Running on Lower-Body and Upper-Body Explosive Strength and Throwing Velocity in Handball Players

ABSTRACT

Seipp, D, Feuerbacher, JF, Jacobs, MW, Dragutinovic, B, and Schumann, M. Acute effects of high-intensity interval running on lower-body and upper-body explosive strength and throwing velocity in handball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of handball-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on explosive strength and throwing velocity, after varying periods of recovery. Fourteen highly trained male handball players (age: 25.4 (26.2 ± 4.2) performed HIIT consisting of repeated 15-second shuttle runs at 90% of final running speed (VIFT) to exhaustion. Upper-body and lower-body explosive strength and throwing velocities were measured before and immediately after HIIT, as well as after 6 hours. These tests included 3 repetitions of both bench press and squat exercise at 60% of the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as well as 3 repetitions of the set shot without run up and jump shot, respectively. Explosive squat performance was significantly reduced at post (-5.48%, p = 0.026) but not at 6 h (-0.24%, p = 1.000). Explosive bench press performance remained statistically unaltered at post (0.32%, p = 1.000) and at 6 hour (1.96%, p = 1.000). This was also observed in the subsequent throws both immediately after (-0.60%, p = 1.000) (-0.31%, p = 1.000) and at 6 h (-1.58%, p = 1.000) (1.51%, p = 0.647). Our data show a reduction in explosive strength of the lower but not upper extremities when preceded by running HIIT. Since throwing velocity was not affected by intense lower-body exercise, combining lower-body HIIT and throwing practice may be of no concern in highly trained handball players.

Acute Effects of Different Warm-up Protocols on Sports Performance in Elite Male Collegiate Handball Players

ABSTRACT

Chen, CH, Chang, CK, Tseng, WC, Chiu, CH, Dai, X, and Ye, X. Acute effects of different warm-up protocols on sports performance in elite male collegiate handball players. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2262-2267, 2022-This study aimed to examine the effects of 3 different warm-up protocols on subsequent sports performance in elite male collegiate handball players. Fifteen handball players (19.0 ± 2.4 years) completed 3 separated randomly sequenced experimental visits. During each visit, they started with different warm-up protocols (traditional warm-up [TRAD] vs. warm-up with core stability exercises [CORE] vs. warm-up with elastic band exercises [ELAS]) and completed with a series of randomly ordered sport-specific performance testing measurements: 30-m sprint, countermovement jump, medicine ball overhead forward throw, and standing and jump handball throw tests. Both CORE and ELAS protocols induced statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) on overall sports performance (sprint time, jump height, medicine ball throwing peak velocity and power, and handball throwing velocities), as compared to the TRAD. In addition, the ELAS protocol imposed small-to-medium effects (effect size range: 0.45-0.82), enhancing handball throwing velocity and medicine ball throwing performance comparing with the CORE. Sport-specific warm-up protocols that contain core stability or elastic band-based exercises likely induced subsequent performance enhancements (sprint, jump, and throw) in elite male collegiate handball players when compared with TRAD. Furthermore, including elastic band exercises in the warm-up protocol even induced superior upper-body performance enhancement (explosive power and handball throwing velocity) than other protocols. Therefore, preconditioning warm-up activities using elastic band-based exercises can be integrated into a traditional sport-specific warm-up protocol for elite collegiate handball players before competition or training.

Morphological Characteristics and Situational Precision of U15 and U16 Elite Male Players from Al-Ahli Handball Club (Bahrein)

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the differences in the morphological characteristics and situational precision among younger and older groups of handball players. The sample of participants consisted of 30 handball players, members of the younger category of the Al-Ahli handball club (Bahrein), divided into two groups: older (U16, n = 18) and younger (U15, n = 12). To evaluate their morphological characteristics, eight variables were measured, while two standardized tests were used to evaluate their situational precision. The results indicate that a statistically significant difference between the groups was noticeable for nine variables in total, seven in morphology (body height, p = 0.010; body mass index, p = 0.049; arm length, p = 0.009; upper arm length, p = 0.016; lower arm length, p = 0.040; the planimetric parameter of the hand, p = 0.005; hand length p = 0.004) and two in situational precision (the standing shot, p = 0.003; the jump shot, p = 0.17), and that the achieved difference ranges from a medium to a large effect. For only one variable (body mass, p = 0.734), significant difference was not determined between the groups. It was also determined (by Cohen’s criterion) that handball players with higher longitudinal dimensionality achieve better results for specific precision. Therefore, when selecting young handball players, the aforementioned dimensions should be taken into consideration as predictors of success.

The Correlation between Psychological Characteristics and Psychomotor Abilities of Junior Handball Players

The general development of the sports world has guided researchers in sports science to study excellence in sports performance, namely, the study of the characteristics and requirements specific to each sport. However, in order to meet these requirements, each individual must have a set of specific characteristics similar to those of the group to which he/she belongs. The variables in the study are related to the psychomotor abilities and psychological aspects that could influence the overall performance of junior III handball players. The main work instruments are related to field testing and psychological characteristics measurement. For psychomotor abilities, we used means such as the TReactionCo software (eye-hand coordination), Just Jump platform (dynamic balance), Tractronix system (general dynamic coordination), and Illinois test (spatial-temporal orientation), and for the psychological characteristics, we used the Motivational Persistence Questionnaire. In addition, the result of the study is represented by new software that we created in order to better observe the level of development of these characteristics in junior handball players. From a statistical point of view, we calculated the correlations between psychomotor abilities and psychological characteristics using ANOVA in order to see field position differences and performed linear regression for the variables of this study.

Effects of Age and Expertise on Mental Representation of the Throwing Movement Among 6- to 16-Year-Olds

The aim of this article was to assess the development of mental representation of the overhead throwing movement as a function of age and expertise. The mental representational structure of the overhead throwing movement was measured using the Structural Dimensional Analysis-Motoric (SDA-M) method that reflects the organization of basic action concepts (BACs). BACs are fundamental building blocks of mental representations, which comprise functional, sensory, spatiotemporal, and biomechanical characteristics of a movement (Schack, 2010). In this study, novices and handball athletes (N = 199) each were grouped according to the level of development in motor ontogenesis (in childhood, pubescence, and adolescents). Male and female handball athletes played in the highest leagues of their age groups. As a result, novices of all age groups showed the same unstructured mental representation. Athletes in the earliest age band resemble all novices' groups and showed similar unstructured mental representation, whereas athletes within pubescence and adolescents showed functionally well-structured representations, which were similar to the structure of the reference group (N = 8). These results are consistent with a previous investigation of related quantitative and qualitative performance parameters of the overhead throwing movement (Gromeier et al., 2017). Without an increased training, neither the throwing performance nor the associated mental representation is unlikely to improve further by itself or automatically.

The influence of recovery period following a pre-load stimulus on physical performance measures in handball players

The purpose of this research was to establish the optimal recovery duration following a pre-load stimulus on performance measures related to handball players. Seventeen senior male University handball players (mean ± SD: age 23.6 ± 2.3 yrs., height 1.79 ± 0.06 m and body mass 72.5 ± 10.7 kg) performed three experimental sessions. All sessions consisted of a standardised warm-up followed by a pre-load stimulus (HSR) back squats followed by a passive rest for either 4-min (PAP₄), 8-min (PAP₈), or 12-min (PAP₁₂). Following the completion of the passive recovery, players then performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), a 20-m linear sprint and a modified agility t-test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. There was a significant main effect of passive rest duration after the pre-load stimulus. The PAP₁₂ condition improved CMJ scores (2.3–2.6%; effect size = small), 20-m linear sprint times (3.3–3.7%; effect size = small to moderate) and agility times (1.6–1.9%; effect size = trivial) compared to PAP₄ and PAP₈ conditions (P < 0.0005). Values of heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were also significantly lower during the PAP₁₂ condition compared to the PAP₄ and PAP₈ conditions (P < 0.0005). A positive Pearson correlation was established between agility and CMJ for all conditions (P < 0.001). The findings provide novel data observing that a pre-load stimulus, followed by 12-min of recovery, results in greater maximal jump, sprint and agility measures when compared with a 4-min or 8-min recovery in male handball players.

Short-term in-season ballistic training improves power, muscle volume and throwing velocity in junior handball players. A randomized control trial

This study investigated the effects of a ballistic training programme using an arm/shoulder specific strength device (ASSSD) on the upper body peak power (PP), muscle volume (MV) of the dominant arm and throwing velocity in junior handball players. Twenty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG = 15, age 17.6 ± 0.51 years) and control (CG = 11, age 17.36 ± 0.50 years) group. Over an 8-week in-season period, the EG performed a ballistic training programme (2 sessions/week) immediately before their normal team handball training. Both groups underwent tests on the ASSSD, which operates in consecutive accelerative and decelerative actions, for throwing characteristics determination. Peak power (PP), peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV), peak rate of power development (PRPD), muscle volume (MV), throwing velocity with runup, standing throw, and jump throw were also assessed before/after the training programme. The EG group showed significant post-training improvements in PP (52.50% - p < 0.001), PF (26.45% - p < 0.01) and PRPD (78.47% - p < 0.001) better than the CG (1.81, 0.67 and 1.64%, p > 0.05, respectively). There was also a post-training improvement in the velocity at PP (22.82% - p < 0.001) and PF (42.45% - p < 0.001) in the EG compared to the CG (4.18 and 8.53%, p > 0.05 respectively). There was a significant increase in acceleration at PP (51.50% - p < 0.01) and PF (69.67% - p < 0.001). MV increased (19.11% - p < 0.001) in the EG, with no significant change (3.34% - p = 0.84) in the CG. Finally, significant increases were obtained in the three throw types (3.1-6.21%, p < 0.05- < 0.001) in the EG compared to the CG. The additional ASSSD training protocol was able to improve muscle strength/volume and ball throwing velocity in junior handball players.

Toward an Anthropometric Pattern in Elite Male Handball

We investigated the anthropometric characteristics associated with specific handball skills in competition. The body anthropometric profiles differ significantly among the playing positions in handball due to the specific tasks. The aim of this study is to identify the anthropometric patterns for each playing position by collecting data from elite male handball players. To determine the anthropometric profile of the elite handball players for each playing position, we used descriptive statistics for every indicator in order to identify the optimal patterns for elite handball players from the top-four ranked teams at the most important competitions over a period of 18 years (2004-2021). Over time, the anthropometric indices evolved: the average height increased (from 190 to 192.6 cm) but less than weight increased (from 90.5 to 95.28 kg), and these affected the body mass index (increase from 25.2 to 25.67). The novelty of our study is that we identified an anthropometric pattern for each playing position and for all teams in elite male handball. Our study also covered a period of 18 years to give our results more accuracy and reliability.

Objective Measurement of Ball-Handling Proficiency in Wheelchair Sports: A Systematic Review

Background

In Paralympic sports, classification of athletes based on the impact of impairments on the ability to perform is needed, to prevent a one-sided and predictable outcome of the competition in which the least impaired athlete has the best chance to win. Classification is developing from expert opinion based to evidence based. In wheelchair court sports, there is evidence to support the impact of impairment on wheeled mobility, but not on ball handling. To assess the impact of impairment on the ability to perform ball-handling activities, standardised tests for ball handling are needed.

Purpose

To assess if reliable and valid standardised tests for the measurement of ball-handling proficiency in a wheelchair or able-bodied court sports exist; to assist in the development of Evidence-Based Classification (EBC) in wheelchair court sports according to the guidelines of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Methods

The review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) statement. Search terms used were “wheelchair,” “ball,” “ball sports,” “test,” and “performance.” Databases searched were Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Sport Discus. Study quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

Results

Twenty-two articles were included. Foundational Movement Skills in ball-handling proficiency were assessed. Tests for throwing maximal distance showed sufficient reliability and validity. Precision in throwing showed low-to-moderate reliability and conflicting results in validity. Throwing techniques differed between studies. Dribbling the ball showed high reliability, but conflicting results in validity.

Conclusions

Tests for throwing maximal distance, throwing precision, and dribbling the ball can be used in standardised tests for activity limitation in wheelchair court sports. However, tests need to be adapted and standardised and then reassessed for reliability and validity in athletes with and without arm impairment.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis of Young Elite Team Handball Players

Team handball is a highly dynamic sport where physical demands differ between categories and roles. Thus, physical characteristics are fundamental for the final performance. This study aims to (a) characterize a sample of young male and female elite team handball players with a non-athletic reference population; (b) to generate their 50%, 75%, and 95% percentiles of the bioelectrical variables. The study included 55 young elite team handball players (Males, n = 37, age = 17.0 ± 1.2 yrs, height = 185.8 ± 7.3 cm, weight = 82.0 ± 11.0 kg, body mass index (BMI) = 23.7 ± 2.5; Females, n = 18, age = 17.8 ± 0.9 yrs, height = 171.2 ± 6.4 cm, weight = 67.4 ± 7.2 kg, BMI = 23.0 ± 2.0). Height and bioelectrical variables were assessed in a state of euhydration and standard conditions. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was used to characterize the bioelectrical vector (BIA vector) distribution pattern for each group. Compared to the reference values, BIA vector showed statistically significant differences in males U17 (n = 19, T2 = 51.0, p < 0.0001), males U19 (n = 18, T2 = 82.0, p < 0.0001) and females U19 (n = 18, T2 = 85.8, p < 0.0001). Male groups were also bioelectrically different (T2 = 13.7, p = 0.0036). BIVA showed specific bioelectrical characteristics in young male and female elite handball players. This study provides an original data set of bioelectrical impedance reference values of young male and female elite team handball players. Our result might help to interpret individual bioimpedance vectors and define target regions for young handball players.

Olympic Sports Science-Bibliometric Analysis of All Summer and Winter Olympic Sports Research

Introduction: The body of scientific literature on sports and exercise continues to expand. The summer and winter Olympic games will be held over a 7-month period in 2021-2022. Objectives: We took this rare opportunity to quantify and analyze the main bibliometric parameters (i.e., the number of articles and citations) across all Olympic sports to weigh and compare their importance and to assess the structure of the "sport sciences" field. The present review aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of Olympic sports research. We quantified the following topics: (1) the most investigated sports; (2) the main journals in which the studies are published; (3) the main factors explaining sport-specific scientific attractiveness; (4) the influence of being in the Olympic programme, economic weight, and local influences on research output; and (5) which research topic is the most investigated across sports. Methods: We searched 116 sport/exercise journals on PubMed for the 40 summer and 10 winter Olympic sports. A total of 34,038 articles were filtered for a final selection of 25,003 articles (23,334 articles on summer sports and 1,669 on winter sports) and a total of 599,820 citations. Results and Discussion: Nine sports [football (soccer), cycling, athletics, swimming, distance & marathon running, basketball, baseball, tennis, and rowing] were involved in 69% of the articles and 75% of the citations. Football was the most cited sport, with 19.7 and 26.3% of the total number of articles and citations, respectively. All sports yielded some scientific output, but 11 sports (biathlon, mountain biking, archery, diving, trampoline, skateboarding, skeleton, modern pentathlon, luge, bobsleigh, and curling) accumulated a total of fewer than 50 publications. While ice hockey is the most prominently represented winter sport in the scientific literature, winter sports overall have produced minor scientific output. Further analyses show a large scientific literature on team sports, particularly American professional sports (i.e., baseball, basketball, and ice hockey) and the importance of inclusion in the Olympic programme to increasing scientific interest in "recent" sports (i.e., triathlon and rugby sevens). We also found local/cultural influence on the occurrence of a sport in a particular "sport sciences" journal. Finally, the relative distribution of six main research topics (i.e., physiology, performance, training and testing, injuries and medicine, biomechanics, and psychology) was large across sports and reflected the specific performance factors of each sport.

Determinant Factors for Throwing in Competition in Male Elite Handball

The aims of this study were to define determinant factors that affected throwing actions used to score goals in handball, and to study the effectiveness of throwing actions and their relationships with different factors during their use, such as: the throwing distance, type of arm build, type of throw, whether it is done while jumping or while supported, the last supporting foot and the previous step cycle, as well as their relationship with the final score of the game in elite male handball competitions. A total of 1049 shots from 24 matches in the 2018/19/20 International Men’s Handball Championship were analysed. The results show that distance is relevant in the effectiveness of throwing, setting the build up, throwing while supported or jumping, the type of throwing, the type of steps cycle used and the supporting foot. This seems to indicate that the determining factor that affects a throw is distance.

Effects of an Elastic Resistance Band Intervention in Adolescent Handball Players

The objective was to investigate the effects of a 9-week elastic resistance band training within the regular handball training sessions compared to regular handball training only. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (INT: n=16; age: 17.0 ± 0.7 years) or a control (CON: n=16; age: 16.9 ± 0.9 years) group. The INT-group performed elastic resistance band exercises (3/week) for 20–30 minutes while the CON-group conducted regular handball training only. Pre- and post-training assessments included measures of strength endurance (Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test [CKCUEST]), maximal isometric strength (MIS), and throwing velocity. Significant main effects of Test (i.e. pre- to post-training enhancements) were detected for the CKCUEST (p < 0.001, 0.54 ≤ η _p² ≤ 0.57) and throwing velocity (p = 0.001, η _p² = 0.34). We found a significant (throwing velocity: p = 0.004, η _p² = 0.25) and a tendency toward (MIS of the internal rotators, non-throwing arm: p = 0.068, η _p² = 0.12) a significant Test × Group interaction, both in favour of the INT-group. A 9-week strengthening program using elastic resistance bands combined with regular handball training is effective to improve upper extremity strength endurance, throwing velocity, and MIS of the internal rotators of the non-throwing arm.

Exercise Intensity and Technical Involvement in U9 Team Handball: Effect of Game Format

The purpose of this study was to quantify the exercise intensity and technical involvement of U9 boys’ and girls’ team handball during different game formats, and the differences between genders. Locomotor activity (total distance, distance in speed zones, accelerations, and decelerations), heart rate (HR), and technical involvement (shots, goals, and duels) metrics were collected during various 15 min game formats from a total of 57 Danish U9 players (37 boys and 20 girls). Game formats were a small size pitch (20 × 13 m) with 3 vs. 3 players and offensive goalkeepers (S3 + 1) and 4 vs. 4 players (S4), a medium size pitch (25.8 × 20 m) with 4 vs. 4 (M4) and 5 vs. 5 (M5) players, and a large size pitch (40 × 20 m) with 5 vs. 5 (L5) players. Boys and girls covered a higher total distance (TD) of high-speed running (HSR) and sprinting during L5 games compared to all other game formats (p < 0.05; ES = (−0.9 to −2.1), (−1.4 to −2.8), and (−0.9 to −1.3) respectively). Players covered the highest amount of sprinting distance in L5 games compared to all other game formats (p < 0.01; ES = 0.8 to 1.4). In all the game formats, players spent from 3.04 to 5.96 min in 180–200 bpm and 0.03 min to 0.85 min in >200 bpm of the total 15 min. In addition, both genders had more shots in S3 + 1 than M5 (p < 0.01; ES = 1.0 (0.4; 1.7)) and L5 (p < 0.01; ES = 1.1 (0.6; 2.2)). Team handball matches have high heart rates, total distances covered, and high-intensity running distances for U9 boys and girls irrespective of the game format. Locomotor demands appeared to be even higher when playing on larger pitches, whereas the smaller pitch size and fewer players led to elevated technical involvement.

No association between dynamic trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity in elite women handball players

BACKGROUND: The relationship between strength and throwing velocity is much investigated in handball, but core strength is largely ignored. Only four studies have investigated the effect of core training on handball throwing velocity, reporting conflicting results in amateur players. However, lack of specificity and deficient technical execution of throwing in amateurs can obscure the results. OBJECTIVE: To examine the direct association between trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity in elite handball players, using women as a model. METHODS: Sixteen women players from an elite-level Norwegian handball team participated in the study. Strength in trunk flexion, shoulder extension, internal shoulder rotation, and forearm pronation was assessed using isokinetic dynamometer measurements (peak moment, total work, angular impulse). Throwing velocity in both the standing throw with run-up and the jump throw was determined from motion capture measurements. To account for arm strength, the association between trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity was examined using partial correlation analyses. RESULTS: No significant association was found between any measure of trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity for either throwing technique (explained variance ⩽ 13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that isolated, dynamic trunk flexion strength is not a differentiating factor for handball throwing velocity in elite women players.

Ballistic, maximal strength and strength-endurance performance of male handball players: Are they affected by the evaluator's sex?

This study aimed to elucidate whether ballistic, maximal strength and strength-endurance performances are affected by the sex of the evaluator. Sixteen young male handball players attended two testing sessions that only differed in the sex of the evaluators (2 women vs. 2 men). The two sessions were performed in a counterbalanced order. Ballistic performance (countermovement jump height and throwing velocity), maximal strength performance (squat and bench press [BP] one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and strength-endurance performance (number of repetitions-to-failure in BP and average velocity of the set in the squat) were assessed in both sessions. BP 1RM was greater in the presence of women evaluators (p = 0.036, ES = 0.09), whereas no differences were observed for the remaining variables (p ≥ 0.254, ES ≤ 0.19). Low correlations (r median [range] = -0.074 [-0.693, 0.326]) were observed between the different performance tests for the percent differences between both testing sessions. The sex of the evaluators has minimal influence on a number of physical traits in young male handball players when they are tested in the presence of other members of the team, while the low correlations indicate that a higher performance in one test under the presence of women does not imply a higher performance under the presence of women in other performance tests.

Effects of Elastic Band Based Plyometric Exercise on Explosive Muscular Performance and Change of Direction Abilities of Male Team Handball Players

This study examined the effects of incorporating 8 weeks of bi-weekly lower limb elastic band based loaded plyometric training into the in-season regimen of junior handball players. Participants were assigned between control (n = 15, age: 18.1 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 73.7 ± 13.9 kg, height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body fat: 14.4 ± 6.0%) and experimental groups (n = 14, age: 17.7 ± 0.3 years, body mass: 76.8 ± 10.7 kg, height: 1.83 ± 0.04 m, body fat: 13.4 ± 3.8%). Measures obtained before and after the intervention included a cycle ergometer force-velocity test, squat and countermovement jump characteristics, sprints times, repeated change of direction and change of direction tests (COD), a 1-RM half-back squat, and anthropometric estimates of limb volumes. Gains in the experimental group relative to controls included absolute muscle power (W) (Δ 23.1%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.565), relative muscle power (W.kg^–1) (Δ 22.1%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.573), sprint times over 5 and 30 m (Δ−8.7%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.921 and Δ−7.2%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.573, respectively), COD times (Δ−9.2%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.561) and all repeated COD parameters except the fatigue index. However, a significant improvement by time interaction was observed in both groups on some anthropometric parameters (leg muscle volume and surface section thigh max), 1-RM half- back squat and vertical jump performance. We conclude that bi-weekly elastic band-loaded plyometric training improves the ability to sprint, COD and repeated COD relative to regular training, and thus it can be recommended to young male team handball players as a new method of plyometric training to improve important elements of their physical performance.

Differences in situational power performance between playing positions in top level handball

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the differences in situational power performance between playing positions in handball. The following variables were analyzed: body height and weight, fastest shot, fastest sprint, highest jump, and average game time. The study sample comprised 412 handball players who participated at European championships. Backcourt players had the fastest shots and wing players presented the slowest shots among all playing positions. Wing players presented the fastest sprinting (29.09 km/h). Jumping performance showed the most diversity between the playing positions, and backcourt players jumped significantly higher than other players (16.76 cm).

Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive, physical and biochemical responses to strenuous short-term exercises in elite young female handball players

The present study aimed to assess the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RF) on cognitive and physical performance and biochemical responses to specific exercises in elite young female handball players. Twelve athletes participated in three experimental sessions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the first week of Ramadan (FWR) and during the last week of Ramadan (LWR). The present crossover study was carried out in Tunisia during the 2013 Ramadan month lasting from 9 July to 7 august. During each session, a battery of tests was performed as follow: Hooper index, vigilance test (VT), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), five jump test (5-JT), modified agility T-test (MAT), maximal standing ball-throw velocity test (MSBVT) and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint (RAST) Test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded immediately after the RAST. Blood samples were collected before and after exercises during each session. The results showed that ESS scores were higher during LWR than BR (p < 0.05). Moreover, MSBVT time decreased (p < 0.05) during LWR, therefore performance enhanced. The power of three final sprints from the RAST decreased significantly only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.05). RAST fatigue index and RPE scores were higher during LWR more than BR (p < 0.05). The results showed also that hematological measures (i.e., red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit), plasma osmolarity and energetic markers were unaffected by RF. Biomarkers of muscle damage were higher after the RAST only during LWR compared to BR (p < 0.01 for all). In conclusion, RF increased ESS and decreased RAST performances associated with higher muscle damage and fatigue, especially at LWR. These previous alterations could be attributed to disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms rather than nutritional deficiency or dehydratation.

Comparative Analysis of the Offensive Effectiveness in Winner and Losing Handball Teams

The purpose of this study was to determine differences related to the offensive process between winning and losing teams among teams participating in the European Handball Federation Champions League (EHFCL) in 55 matches across five seasons. The key indicators used in this study are the offensive actions, team possession type and the zones of the field, goals, and shooting effectiveness. A total of 34 indicators were analyzed and compared using Mann–Whitney U tests. Sixteen key indicators are identified to confirm differences both from the aspect of the collective game in terms of assists (9.10 ± 2.75 vs. 7.29 ± 2.65), goals of positional attack (21.38 ± 4.60 vs. 18.20 ± 3.62) and from the aspect of individual goals from 6 m (16.67 ± 3.98 vs. 13.64 ± 3.70), and the effectiveness of shots (68.19 ± 6.83 vs. 59.41 ± 6.33). Winning teams performed better regarding the variables that defined the effectiveness of offensive shots, especially successful positioned attacks and fast attacks. They also had a greater number of assists. The profiles of the most successful teams can help coaches and practitioners to achieve better performances adjusting the training process according the performance indicators that seem to lead more often to success.

Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Throwing Speed in Amateur Male Handball Players at Different Ages

The objectives of this study were: (i) to analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed from seven meters in amateur male handball players of different ages; (ii) to know the relationship between anthropometric parameters and throwing. One hundred seventy-six male handball players (16.5 ± 5.1 years old) participated in the study, classified according to their age: senior (n = 35), U18 (n = 30), U16 (n = 37), U14 (n = 50) and U12 (n = 24). All participants were evaluated by anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index, arm span, hand width) and throwing speed from 7 m standing. A one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to establish the differences between teams. Pearson’s simple correlation coefficients were calculated between analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed. Multiple linear regression was used to predict the throwing speed. Only BMI was related with throwing speed in all age groups (0.506 > r < 0.813, p < 0.05). Throwing speed was predicted (24–72%) with only one or two variables in each model. The selected variables were: BMI, arm span in U16 model and height U14 model, and the BMI, arm span and height are proved to be good predictors of TS in male handball players.

Effect of Resistance-Training Programs Differing in Set Configuration on Maximal Strength and Explosive-Action Performance

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of 2 upper-body strength-training programs differing in set configuration on bench press 1-repetition maximum (BP1RM), bench press throw peak velocity against 30 kg (BPT30), and handball throwing velocity.

METHODS

Thirty-five men were randomly assigned to a traditional group (TRG; n = 12), rest redistribution group (RRG; n = 13), or control group (n = 10). The training program was conducted with the bench press exercise and lasted 6 weeks (2 sessions per week): TRG-6 sets × 5 repetitions with 3 minutes of interset rest; RRG-1 set × 30 repetitions with 31 seconds of interrepetition rest. The total rest period (15 min) and load intensity (75% 1RM) were the same for both experimental groups. Subjects performed all repetitions at maximal intended velocity, and the load was adjusted on a daily basis from velocity recordings.

RESULTS

A significant time × group interaction was observed for both BP1RM and BPT30 (P < .01) due to the higher values observed at posttest compared with pretest for TRG (effect size [ES] = 0.77) and RRG (ES = 0.56-0.59) but not for the control group (ES ≤ 0.08). The changes in BP1RM and BPT30 did not differ between TRG and RRG (ES = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). No significant differences in handball throwing velocity were observed between the pretest and posttest (ES = 0.16, 0.22, and 0.02 for TRG, RRG, and control group, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance-training programs based on not-to-failure traditional and rest redistribution set configurations induce similar changes in BP1RM, BPT30, and handball throwing velocity.

Relationship between Upper Quarter Y Balance Test performance and throwing proficiency in adolescent Olympic handball players

Background

Olympic handball is a sport mainly focused on executing throwing and passing techniques with the throwing arm. Functional specialization due to the unilateral characteristic and dominance of the throwing arm may lead to adapted control of shoulder stability and mobility. Thus, we examined side differences between the throwing and the non-throwing arm. Additionally, correlations between the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-UQ) and handball-specific performance measures were investigated.

Methods

All participants (F = 13 yrs., n = 14, training experience [te] 5.9 ± 1.3 yrs.; M = 14 yrs., n = 24, te 6.5 ± 2.5 yrs.; M = 15 yrs., n = 18, te 9.3 ± 2.2 yrs) were Olympic handball players of a regional youth selection team. YBT-UQ was executed assessing performance in medial, inferolateral and superolateral reach direction normalized to the upper limb length together with a composite score of the mean of all reach directions. A radar gun and a target net were used for the assessment of throwing velocity and throwing accuracy. The paired t-test was used to detect side differences in YBT-UQ performance. Pearson’s correlation analysis was calculated for associations between YBT-UQ and throwing velocity/accuracy.

Results

Significant differences between the throwing and non-throwing arm were only detected for the superolateral reach direction in the 14-year-old males. Small correlations between YBT-UQ performance and throwing velocity/accuracy (13-year-old females: − 0.01 ≤ r ≤ − 0.37 / 0.01 ≤ r ≤ 0.31; 14-year-old males: 0.10 ≤ r ≤ 0.45 / -0.01 ≤ r ≤ .-0.51; 15-year-old males: 0.06 ≤ r ≤ 0.34 / 0.01 ≤ r ≤ − 0.45) were observed, irrespective of age and sex category.

Conclusions

There was only a minimal difference in performance of the YBT-UQ between the throwing and non-throwing arm and only weak if any relationships between throwing performance and stability/mobility of the upper extremities in adolescent Olympic handball players existed. Further research is needed to investigate whether the YBT-UQ is a useful tool to detect training-related improvements in measures of shoulder stability/mobility and functional performance.

Prediction of Handball Players' Performance on the Basis of Kinanthropometric Variables, Conditioning Abilities, and Handball Skills

Handball (team handball) is a multifactorial sport. The aims of this study were (i) to analyse anthropometric variables, conditioning abilities, and handball skills in club handball players according to age and sex, and (ii) to develop multivariate models explaining club handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Two hundred and twenty six handball players (age 16.9 ± 4.0 years, 54% males) participated in the study. The players belonged to under-14, under-16, under-19, and A teams. They were evaluated with a battery of 18 tests covering kinanthropometry, conditioning abilities, and handball skills. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to investigate differences between teams, and a t-test for differences between the sexes. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine differences between performance levels. The results showed little differences between the U19 and A teams in any of the variables studied in either men or women, and that the lowest values corresponded to the U14 team. The differences according to sex were clear in the kinanthropometric and conditioning variables, but much less so in handball skills. The eight multivariate models that were constructed classified successfully from 48.5 to 100% of the sample using at most three variables (except for the women's A team whose model selected six variables). Conditioning variables were most discriminating in men, and handball skills in women. This would seem to reflect the different performance profiles.

Functional Variability in Team-Handball Players during Balance Is Revealed by Non-Linear Measures and Is Related to Age and Expertise Level

Postural control is considered a key variable in team sports, such as handball, which require abilities strongly related to balance. However, postural control and its relationship to the performance of handball skills according to the players’ skill level and age has not been evaluated to date. This study analyzes the relationship between balance ability and team-handball performance according to age and expertise, applying a non-linear approach to balance assessment. Postural control from 114 male team-handball players was analyzed through the center of pressure (COP) during a balance task. Sport performance was measured by the accuracy and speed in throwing. Expert players threw faster, but not more accurately than recreational players. Balance performance was better for 18+ players (older than 18 years old) than those U12 (under 12 years old), but no differences were found according to their skill level. Players who threw with less accuracy showed slower COP velocity during the balance task and their moves were less irregular. Players who threw faster displayed more irregular and less auto-correlated COP movements. In conclusion, experienced team-handball players exhibited better balance performance, and this seems to be related to the maturation of the motor system more than to sport performance level. Nevertheless, non-linear measures of COP excursion revealed an exploratory behavior during balance in expert players, exhibiting more motion adjustments to reduce motor output error. Traditional variables measuring balance performance did not show sensitivity to this motor control process. A non-linear approach to balance assessment revealed functional variability during balance as an intrinsic characteristic of individuals’ motor control according to age and skill level.

Changes in bench press performance and throwing velocity after strength-oriented and ballistic resistance training programs

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the effect of two upper-body resistance training programs (strength-oriented vs. ballistic) on bench press (BP) performance and handball throwing velocity (HTV).

METHODS

Thirty resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group (STG) or a ballistic training group (BTG). The study consisted of 11 sessions: 2 pre-tests (week 1), 8 training sessions (weeks 2-5), and 1 post-test (week 6). The STG performed the BP at the 70-90% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM), and the BTG the BP throw at the 40% of 1RM. BP performance (BP 1RM and maximum velocity achieved against 20 kg [BP20]) and HTV were assessed before and after training.

RESULTS

The STG enhanced BP 1RM (effect size [ES]=0.24) but not BP20 (ES=0.21) or HTV (ES=0.10). The BTG enhanced BP20 (ES=0.63) but not BP1RM (ES=0.27) or HTV (ES=0.02). HTV was not significantly correlated with the BP 1RM (r≤0.181) or BP20 (r≤0.220).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that a short-term RT program based exclusively on the BP exercise performed against either heavy (strength-oriented) or light loads (ballistic) is not effective to increase HTV in resistance-trained men with little handball experience.

Physical fitness profile in elite beach handball players of different age categories

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to compare anthropometric and fitness variables of high-level beach handball players across Under-19 (U-19), Under-21 (U-21) and senior male categories, and between male and female senior players; and to test the correlations among those measures.

METHODS

A total of 70 high-level players (53 male of different ages) were evaluated for 5-m acceleration, 15-m sprint, horizontal jump, handgrip strength, specific beach handball throwing velocities, and anthropometric variables. Differences between age groups were tested using ANOVA. Independent t-test was used to compare fitness variables between male and female elite athletes, and Pearson partial correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the fitness variables using BMI and age as covariates. SPSS Software was used, and the level of significance was set at 95%.

RESULTS

The U-21 athletes better performed on horizontal jump and 6-m throw than the U-19 athletes. Senior athletes showed better performance on horizontal jump than U-19 athletes (P≤0.05). Positive correlation was seen for handgrip on dominant and non-dominant hands and 6-m throwing speed, and for handgrip on dominant hand and inflight velocity (P≤0.05). Negative correlations were observed between horizontal jump and 5-m acceleration, and 15-m sprint (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Male athletes better performed than women in all the fitness tests. The study, for the first time, showed physical fitness comparisons between beach handball elite male athletes of different ages and between genders. These are key steps for coaches and athletes and may support future beach handball studies and practice.

Sex Differences in Body Composition Changes after Preseason Training in Elite Handball Players

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the estimated body composition of elite female and male Polish handball players during a five-week preseason training camp. Height and weight were measured, while body composition was estimated with bioelectrical impedance in 18 male and 17 female handball players before and after the five-week training protocol. Components of body composition included total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), and absolute and relative fat mass (FM). Weight and body mass index (BMI) did not change in males, but declined in females after five weeks of training. FM and %FM declined, while estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased significantly after training in both males and females. In contrast, comparisons of log transformed ratios for changes in weight, the BMI and body composition in males and females, respectively, suggested that estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased relatively more in females than in males, while FM and %FM decline relatively more in males than females. Overall, the five-week preseason training program modified the body composition of male and female handball players. FM and %FM decreased, while estimated TBW, FFM, and MM increased, in both males and females after the preseason training program. Comparisons of log transformed ratios for changes in body composition in males and females suggested sexual dimorphism in response to intensive preseason training.