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Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.
Highlights
Handball is a professional and Olympic sport played worldwide that has become increasingly popular over the past decades
We considered the distinction between offense and defense, and classified the players by their positions according to handball nomenclature in offense
LWs were the players spending more time running with significant differences with the rest of playing positions (CB, p < 0.001, ES = 0.62; RB, p < 0.001, ES = 0.79; LB, p < 0.001, ES = 0.88; LP, p < 0.001, ES = 0.76) except for RWs (p > 0.05)
Summary
Handball is a professional and Olympic sport played worldwide that has become increasingly popular over the past decades. The offense starts the moment the team gains possession of the ball and lasts until they lose it. During this period, the players try to score by employing individual, group, or team technical-tactical elements. The defense starts the moment the team loses possession of the ball and lasts until they regain it. During this period, the defenders try to obstruct the opponents’ scoring attempts by employing individual, group, or team technical-tactical elements [1]
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