Abstract
This research identifies which shots types in goalball are most likely to lead to a goal and herby provides background information for improving training and competition. Therefore, we observed 117 elite level matches including 20,541 shots played in the regular situation (3 vs. 3) using notational analysis. We characterized the shots by using their target sector (A-E), technique (traditional, rotation), trajectory (flat, bounce), angle (straight, diagonal and outcome (goal, violation, out, blocked). In our data, a χ2-test showed a significantly higher goal rate for men (3.9%) compared to women (3.0%). For men, we found a significantly higher goal rate in the intersection sectors between players C (5.6%), D (4.9%), and in the outer sector A. In sector A, goal rate was higher only for straight shots (6.6%). Technique and trajectory did not affect goal rate for men, but flat shots showed a higher violation rate (3.2%) compared to bounce shouts (2.0%). In women's goalball, goal rate was higher only on sector D (4.4%). Bounce-rotation shots were the most successful (5.5%). We conclude that men should focus on shots to sectors C and D (called pocket) and straight shots to sector A, as long as there are no other tactical considerations. Women should shoot primarily towards the pocket. It might also be worth playing more bounce-rotation shots and practicing them in training.
Highlights
Goalball is a Paralympic sport designed for visually impaired and blind people
This study examines the distribution and goal rate of different shot types in men’s and women’s elite goalball using notational analysis [24]
On shot level we report the results in the categorical variables GENDER, SECTOR, SECTOR’, SIDE, TECHNIQUE, TRAJECTORY and ANGLE
Summary
The game consists of two teams of three players, played on a modified volleyball court with tactile markings allowing the players to determine their position [1]. The purpose of the game is to throw the ball from the one team’s area into the opposing team’s goal. The players on the defending team use their bodies to block the ball before it crosses their goal line. The ball contains bells allowing players to estimate its speed and direction. The ball must touch the ground in the area in front of the highball line (see Fig 1). If the ball touches the ground behind the highball line without touching the ground before it, the opponent team get a penalty, in which only one player is allowed to defend the ball.
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