Factors Influencing Ball Throwing Velocity in Young Female Handball Players

Abstract

Aim of this study was the investigation of the relationship between throwing ball velocity and specific anthro- pometric and physical fitness characteristics of young female team handball players (n = 220, mean ± SD age 13.99 ± 1.06 yrs and playing experience 3.66 ± 1.66 yrs). Throwing velocity was assessed with a radar gun while body height, body mass, body mass index, arm span, hand length and spread, standing long jump, 30m sprint, sit and reach flexibility and es- timated maximal oxygen uptake were also measured. The results showed that throwing performance is significantly (p<0.05) correlated with all variables calculated in this study except of the body mass index. This suggests that high per- formance requires advanced motor abilities and anthropometric features for these ages.