Anthropometric Characteristics, Maximal Isokinetic Strength and Selected Handball Power Indicators Are Specific to Playing Positions in Elite Kosovan Handball Players

Jeton Havolli,Primož Pori,Kemal Idrizović,Abedin Bahtiri,Tim Kambič,Duško Bjelica

doi:10.3390/app10196774

Abstract

Anthropometric characteristics and physical performance are closely related to the game demands of each playing position. This study aimed to first examine the differences between playing positions in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance with special emphasis on the isokinetic strength of elite male handball players, and secondly to examine the correlations of the latter variables with ball velocity. Anthropometric characteristics, maximal isokinetic strength, sprinting and vertical jumping performance, and ball velocity in the set shot and jump shot were obtained from 93 elite handball players (age 22 ± 5 years, height 184 ± 8 cm, and weight 84 ± 14 kg) pre-season. Wing players were shorter compared to other players, and pivots were the heaviest. Wings had the fastest 20 m sprints, and, along with backcourt players, jumped higher, had better maximal knee isometric strength, and achieved the highest ball velocity compared to pivots and goalkeepers, respectively. There were no significant differences between playing positions in unilateral and bilateral maximal leg strength imbalances. Ball velocity was significantly correlated with height, weight, squat jump and maximal torque of extensors and flexors. Our study suggest that shooting success is largely determined by the player’s height, weight, muscle strength and power, while it seems that anthropometric characteristics and physical performance are closely related to the game demands of each playing position.

Highlights

Handball is an Olympic team sport [1,2], split into two periods and consisting of a high degree of body contact and predominantly aerobic activities separated by anaerobic bouts of sprints, jumps, throws, changes of directions in the offense and defense [2,3]
We identified differences between playing positions in anthropometric characteristics, isometric maximal leg strength, sprinting and vertical jumping performance, and established new evidence on the relationship between anthropometry, physical performance, and ball velocity as an indicator of game performance
Our study clearly demonstrated the importance of anthropometry, jumping performance, and maximal isometric strength to handball performance

Summary

Introduction

Handball is an Olympic team sport [1,2], split into two periods (each 30 min long) and consisting of a high degree of body contact and predominantly aerobic activities separated by anaerobic bouts of sprints, jumps, throws, changes of directions in the offense (counterattack and attack buildup) and defense [2,3]. Competition success in elite handball is closely related to the technical and tactical skills of each individual or team, and to the players’ anthropometric characteristics, physical performance (e.g., maximal strength and power as measured using strength, sprinting, and jumping tests), and handball shooting performance [3,4,5]. Only a few studies evaluating the physical and physiological demands in handball matches have shown significant differences between playing positions [6,7,8]. Wing players are faster than other playing positions, and pivots endure more body impact than other players [6]. Similar differences between playing positions were obtained in anthropometric characteristics [9,10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion