The Effect of a Coordination Training Program on the Performance of Basic Handball Skills among Young Female Athletes

Abstract

Handball is a sport which demands a high level of coordination. The term “coordination” has been defined as the ability to perform complex motor exercises. The 5 basic coordination abilities are: reaction, rhythm, balance, kinesthetic differentiation and space - time orientation. It has been suggested that “additional technique training” should be practiced during childhood and adolescence in order enhance coordination abilities. The aim of this study was to define which elements of coordination are the most important in handball and to identify whether a coordination training program will improve the performance of basic handball skills among children. Ten expert coaches in handball completed a questionnaire relating to the five elements of coordination and gave their opinion regarding the most important elements of coordination for handball players. Based on the results from the questionnaires, a program was designed to provide practice in the most important elements of coordination for handball. The study participants were 20 female youth handball players (age 11 ± 2 years). The experimental group (EG, n=20) performed a specific coordination program 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Measurements of handball performance were taken prior to beginning the program and again after 12 weeks of training. The results revealed that there was a significant difference in performance before and after the training program. In conclusion, performance of basic handball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling and defensive movements) improved after participating in the training program for 12 weeks.