Enhancing Performance and Promoting Sustainability in Female Handball: The Impact of Olympic Movement Training on Jumping, Throwing, Sprinting, and Change of Direction

Abstract

Improving women’s handball through increased performance and sustainability is crucial. Strength training, especially with Olympic movements, develops strength, power, and speed, key factors for success in team sports. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Olympic movements on performance variables such as jumps, throws, sprints, and changes of direction, and additionally, to promote a more sustainable and holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing. Twenty-one women handball players were divided into two groups (the experimental group (EG) [n = 11; age: 15.91 ± 0.70 years; BMI: 21.37] and the control group (CG) [n = 10; age: 15.60 ± 0.52; BMI: 22.31]). All participants performed four assessment tests to determine jump height (Abalakov test), throwing speed (throw test), running speed (20 m sprint) and change of direction ability (V-cut test). Measurements were carried out before and after the intervention. For six weeks, the control group performed the strength work established by the club twice a week while the intervention group additionally performed training with Olympic movements. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the pre and post measurement of the control group and the intervention group in jump height, throwing speed, and running speed, being higher in the intervention group. For change of direction, no significant differences were found. Between groups, significant differences were observed at the end of the intervention for jump height and running speed. The conclusion of this study is that the experimental group achieved greater improvements in jumping performance, throwing speed, and running speed in women handball players.