Throwing practice with different ball weights: Effects on throwing velocity and muscle strength in female handball players

Abstract

Forty‐five female handball players were trained during 8 weeks with a frequency of two sessions per week. They were divided at random into three groups of 15 subjects each: (1) a control group with normal training, using normal handballs (approximately 400 g); (2) the heavy training group (HT) exercised with a heavy ball (approximately 500 g); and (3) the light training group (LT) exercised with a light ball (approximately 300 g). In the two experimental groups the players completed a specific throwing session of 30 maximal overarm throws in addition to the normal training. After 8 weeks of practice in this maximal overarm throw, there was a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in ball velocity of 0.4 m/sec in the LT group and no increase in the HT group. Maximal isokinetic and isometric torque measurements of medial shoulder rotation and elbow extension showed no significant changes in any of the groups following training. The LT group, however, showed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in both movements of the torque at 160, 240, and 320 msec of a maximal contraction during 3 seconds. These results indicate that a training with overload of velocity increases ball velocity from the standing overarm throw.