Handball Performance Research Articles

Impact of a Ball Regulation Change on Game Performance and Shooting Play in Japanese U-15 Girls’ Handball

We aimed to investigate how a ball regulation change, implemented in U15 girls’ handball games, now affects game performance and shooting plays. Over 14 matches (28 observations), we included all the attacks ( n = 813) and shooting plays ( n = 589) with the conventional ball and all the attacks ( n = 821) and shooting plays ( n = 618) with the new ball performed by both teams. We used notational analysis to compare the game performance and shooting plays in these two conditions. Our main results were as follows: (i) the attack efficacy was higher with the new ball (41.9%) than with the conventional ball (36.1%); and (ii) the prevalence of the three-line defensive system was higher with the new ball (10.5%) than with the conventional ball (2.7%). It can be inferred that the new ball enabled backcourt players to execute more powerful middle- and long-range shots, leading to their adoption of deeper defensive tactics that were effective in halting advancing backcourt players. Moreover, implementing new ball regulations resulted in a significantly higher frequency of shots targeted at the upper third of the goal frame (44.4%) compared to those observed with the conventional ball (35.8%). This implies that the introduction of the new ball enhanced precision control over shot placements, resulting in an increased player preference for targeting the upper course. Lastly, goalkeepers’ saving rates decreased under the new ball, highlighting the need for technical and tactical coaching, tailored to goalkeepers. In summary, implementing the new ball regulations had a positive impact on Japanese U15 girls’ handball performance.

Body Part Pain Affects Subjective and Objective Handball Performance in Japanese Male National Athletes-Results of Short-Term Practical Monitoring of Athletes' Conditions.

This short-term survey examined the effect of body part pain on subjective and objective handball performance in Japanese male national handball athletes. Fourteen athletes participated in this study. Assessments of pain in 10 body parts and subjective performance (concentration and satisfaction with body movement) were performed using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 over four consecutive training days. Monitoring of heart rate and body acceleration during training was also performed to quantify the objective performance. Path analysis and linear mixed modeling were employed to assess the relationship between body pain scores and subjective/objective handball performance. Over the four days of the study period, the body part in which most athletes reported pain was the dominant shoulder (6 of 14 athletes), followed by the dominant knee, the dominant elbow, the dominant ankle joint, and the non-dominant ankle joint (3 of 14 athletes). The path analysis revealed that pain in the dominant elbow negatively correlated with concentration (standardized path coefficient = -0.644, p = 0.00), which was associated with satisfaction with body movement (standardized path coefficient = 0.704, p = 0.00). No significant effect of body pain on objective performance (heart rate and body acceleration) was found among the athletes in this study. The results suggested that the elite athletes were practicing with pain. Even if pain does not physically affect athletes' objective performance, pain in the upper extremities, associated with the primary handball movement of throwing, may reduce the quality of practice by lowering athletes' subjective performance.

Reliability of a handball specific strength test battery and the association with sprint and throwing performance in young handball players.

A greater motivation for coaches to be more involved in assessment could be the development of specific strength tests closer to specific handball tasks. Therefore, the aims were to determine the reliability of a handball specific strength test battery in young handball players using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) and to evaluate the association between the strength test battery and performance measurements. Thirty-two young handball players (25% males and 75% females) performed a repeated-measurement design over four weeks. The players conducted one session per week, with each measurement consisting of two isometric tests to obtain isometric peak force, and four incremental tests. Moreover, performance handball tests (sprint and throwing velocity [TV]) were recorded. The reliability of the whole handball specific strength tests was very high for the peak and mean strength (ICC=0.70-0.85; CV=8.49-13.99; SEM=0.44-0.67 kg). The step forward had a moderate association with 5 to 10 meters' time. The highest correlation between TV<inf>mean</inf> was found with the peak strength of standing lift and between TV<inf>peak</inf> with peak strength of unilateral throw. The sprint total time could be explained by Body Mass Index and peak strength of the standing lift in the 40% and the TV<inf>peak</inf> could be explained by arm span and mean strength of the standing lift in the 68%. The high reliability for all exercises and the significant correlation with handball performance (sprint time and TV) allow us to include these tests in handball team evaluation and training.

The Role of the Specific Strength Test in Handball Performance: Exploring Differences across Competitive Levels and Age Groups.

The aim of this study was to determine if specific physical tests are sufficiently discriminant to differentiate players of similar anthropometric characteristics, but of different playing levels. Physical tests were conducted analyzing specific strength, throwing velocity, and running speed tests. Thirty-six male junior handball players (n = 36; age 19.7 ± 1.8 years; 185.6 ± 6.9 cm; 83.1 ± 10.3 kg; 10.6 ± 3.2 years of experience) from two different levels of competition participated in the study: NT = 18 were world top-level elite players, belonging to the Spanish junior men's national team (National Team = NT) and A = 18 players of the same age and anthropometric conditions, who were selected from Spanish third league men's teams (Amateur = A). The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups in all physical tests, except for two-step-test velocity and shoulder internal rotation. We conclude that a battery combining the Specific Performance Test and the Force Development Standing Test is useful in identifying talent and differentiating between elite and sub-elite players. The current findings suggest that running speed tests and throwing tests are essential in selecting players, regardless of age, sex, or type of competition. The results shed light on the factors that differentiate players of different levels and can help coaches in selecting players.

Conditioning Strategies for Improving Handball Throwing Velocity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

Ball throwing velocity is essential for scoring goals in handball; the crucial question is how to develop throwing velocity in highly trained handball players. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize effective conditioning strategies to improve throwing velocity in elite male players and to perform a meta-analysis on which training system can provide the highest increase in throwing velocity. The literature was analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thirteen studies (sample n = 174) were included: five resistance training studies, one core training study, one study on repeated shuffle sprint training with small-sided games, and one on eccentric overload training. Effect size comparison showed that resistance training is the most effective strategy for improving throwing velocity in elite handball players (d > 0.7). Core training showed a small effect (d = 0.35). Small-sided game (SSG) training showed different results, from a significant positive effect (d = 1.95) to a negative effect (d = -2.03), and eccentric overload training showed a negative effect (d = -0.15). Resistance training is the most effective strategy for improving throwing velocity in elite handball players, while core training and SSGs can improve throwing velocity in youth athletes. Due to the small number of studies focusing on elite handball players, there is a need for more studies on advanced resistance training methods, e.g., contrast, complex, ballistic training, because much greater demands are placed on handball performance assumptions.

Physical characteristics of handball elite male players

Abstract Introduction: The current handball performance, both nationally and internationally, has obvious progress in terms of the dynamics of the game in all phases of its development in attack and defense, characterized by the speed and complexity of development throughout the game. Anthropometric parameters and physical tests have been identified as fundamental to determining the success of handball performance. Examining fitness profiles could be of great importance for the optimal preparation of training plans and the orthopedic care of high-performance handball players. Materials and methods: Seven athletes from the handball club SCM Politehnica Timișoara, aged between 21 and 35, participated in this study. The tests conducted were aimed at evaluating the following parameters: body composition, strength of the lower and upper limbs and speed endurance. Results: The results obtained in body composition show an average value for weight of 90.14 ± 8.35kg, for BF 15.55 ± 2.79% and for BMI 25.32 ± 0.98 kg/m2. In dynamometric tests, the mean values were obtained for VJ height of 27.85 ± 6.02 cm, for CMJ height the value of 28.07 ± 2.74 cm and for SJ height the value of 27.42 ± 2.67 cm. The mean value for the maximum oxygen consumption VO2max was 49.32 ± 2.32 ml / kg / min, and for the total distance traveled was obtained, 1714.28 ± 208.7 m. Conclusions: Analyzing the data obtained and by comparison with international average reference values, it can be concluded that a specific physical training regime based on the level and position of the player on the field is needed to improve the technical procedures during the match and prevent injuries.

ERGOGENIC AIDS IN COMPETITIVE HANDBALL PLAYERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Handball performance is a team-sport characterized by high intensity efforts interspersed with recovery periods. Due to high demands of handball performance, the use of ergogenic aids is a common strategy of handball players with the aim of enhancing handball performance, to allow more effective training, and to increase the rate of recovery. Although the use of ergogenic aids is generalized in the whole spectrum of competitive handball (e.g., from recreational to professional players), only a few ergogenic aids have been investigated to test their effectiveness to increase handball performance. In addition, no previous study has summarized the scientific literature on this topic to determine the ergogenic aids with good level of evidence regarding their effectiveness to increase handball physical performance. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to describe the prevalence in the use of ergogenic aids in handball players and to analyse this information to identify which of these substances may increase physical performance in an intermittent sport such as competitive handball.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Exploring the Effect of Long Naps on Handball Performance and Heart Rate Variability.

This study explored the effect of long naps on handball-related performance and assessed the role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in this process. Eleven male collegiate handball players performed a repeated sequential trial consisting of a 20-m consecutive turnaround run, 10-m run with a load, and shooting the ball into a target. Participants were allocated randomly and sequentially to have a short (20 minutes) nap, long (60 minutes) nap, or no nap. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess regular sleep quality. Subjective sleepiness before and after napping was measured using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale. Heart rate variability was recorded to assess cardiac autonomic nervous function during napping. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was correlated with shot accuracy only after long naps (ρ=0.636, r=0.048). A negative correlation was observed between the root mean square of successive differences and average load run time (ρ=−0.929, p<0.001). Long napping was associated with a significant benefit on performance in athletes with poor sleep quality, implying a role of the autonomic nervous system in this regard. Our findings indicate the effect of sleep quality on the endurance and resistance of handball players.

The Anthropometric and Physical Performance Profiles of Female Handball Players: Influence of Playing Position

The purpose of the study was to compare anthropometric data and physical performance characteristics between different playing positions in professional female team handball. Twenty-nine female handball players were categorized as centers (n=6), pivots (n=9), wings (n=8) or goalkeepers (n=16). Measurement of anthropometrics data including body height and mass, body mass index; knee muscle strength, scores on the lower limb vertical power (vPower), lower and upper limb performance and trunk extension endurance were determined and analyzed with respect to playing position. The goalkeepers had higher knee strength in than pivots, wingers, and centers (p<.001). Pivot players achieved higher vPower than wings, centers and goalkeepers (p=.011). In addition, goalkeepers and wings achieved higher vPower than centers (p<.001). No significant differences were observed in trunk extension endurance and upper limb performance results according to play positions. The pivots and wingers had better lower limb performance than goalkeepers and centers (p<.001). The present study concludes that depending on their play positions, there are differences in terms of anthropometric values, knee muscle strength, vertical power and lower extremity performance in elite handball players. Results indicate that knee muscle strength and height should be considered in handball performance, as well as the fat tissue in career performance, especially in females by professionals involved in the development process and selection of talent in young handball players.

Constructing and Standardizing Compound Tests (Physical _ Skill) According to Phosphate Energy System for National Center for Gifted in Handball Players aged (15 – 17) Years Old

The research aim at constructing and standardizing compound tests (skill – physical) according to the phosphate energy system for the national center for gifted handball players aged (15 – 17) years old. The researchers used the descriptive method on (60) handball players from the national center for gifted in handball. Four tests were selected and a pilot study was conducted followed by the tests and the data was collected and treated using proper statistical operations to conclude that compound tests give a realistic evaluation for handball performance. Finally, the researcher recommended using these tests on regular bases for players’ selection as well as making other tests on other abilities and skills.

Orientation and motivational climate in elite handball players: Multivariate modeling of performance

This study's objectives were to analyse goal orientation and motivational climate in elite handball players as functions of age and gender; and construct a multivariate model explaining handball performance from a motivational perspective (orientation and climate). The participants were 174 national team handball players. They were categorized in accordance with the official age groups. Two questionnaires were used: Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire and the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2. A one-way ANOVA (Bonferroni post-hoc correction) was used to examine differences between teams for each gender. Discriminant analyses were performed to classify the participants of each team into two groups according to their performance level (starters and non-starters). There were no age or gender differences found in goal orientation, and very few differences in motivational climate. Except for the women's U19, U17, and U15 teams, it was possible to predict the performance level (starters and non-starters) in the different age and gender groups, achieving correct classification (55% to 93%). The two variables that were repeated most often (thrice) in the models were ego orientation and task cooperative learning. Coaches might focus on looking for handball players with ego orientation, while a climate of task-oriented motivation should predominate in training sessions.

Fitness profiles of elite male Italian teams handball players.

The aim of this study was to examine the fitness profile of the Italian national male Team-Handball players of different competitive level. Forty-one male handball players from the senior (N.=21, height 1.90±0.06m, body mass 94.04±11.59kg, BMI 26.13±2.45) to the junior category (N.=20, height 1.86±0.06m, body weight 84.99±12.52kg, BMI: 24.56±3.35) Italian National Teams participated in this study. Players were tested for lower and upper limbs muscle strength, change of direction ability and specific endurance. Lower limbs explosive strength was assessed with squat (SJ) countermovement (CMJ), stiff leg (stiffness) jumps. Explosive strength was assessed by measuring kinematic aspects of squat and bench exercises. Change of direction ability was assessed with the 505 test. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1) was considered for specific endurance. Large and significant differences (d>1; partial η2>0.14; P<0.01) between senior and junior national team players were found in anthropometrics, jumping, power, sprint, agility, and aerobic fitness (junior body weight accounting for 10% less than the senior one, P=0.021; SJ and CMJ in juniors smaller than the seniors by 15% and 12%, P=0.000 and P=0.001, respectively). Similar differences were found among positional roles (goalkeepers, backs, centers, pivots, wings), suggesting practical implications for training. The differences between the competitive level and the playing role in relevant handball performance were reported in Italian national team players. The magnitude of the differences suggests the need of individual training approach when dealing with the young handball players.

Kinematics and performance of team-handball throwing: effects of age and skill level

ABSTRACT To assess the influence of age and skill level on handball throwing kinematics and performance, 126 participants were distributed into groups according to their skill level (elite or recreational) and age group (U12, U16 or +18). Each participant performed three sets of 10 throws, aiming to hit a target (40 × 40 cm) located in the right corner of the goal. During testing, kinematic data were recorded and throwing performance (accuracy and velocity) was measured. Results showed greater throwing velocity in the elite compared to recreational groups, whereas no differences were found for throwing accuracy. The elite U16 and +18 groups displayed higher segment velocities (hand, arm and pelvis) than the recreational groups. The participation of proximal segments was higher in older groups, showing the more skilled players (U16 and +18) greater pelvis velocities (1.62–1.75 vs 1.02–1.22 m/s). The increased velocity of the distal joints (hand peak velocity: 13.56 ± 1.65 vs 10.67 ± 1.98 m/s) are responsible for the difference in throwing velocity between the elite and recreational U12 groups. Several correlations were found between joint kinematics and throwing velocity. Coaches could use these results during training, to optimise specific throwing training.

Effects of CYP1A2 and ADORA2A Genotypes on the Ergogenic Response to Caffeine in Professional Handball Players.

Previous investigations have found that several genes may be associated with the interindividual variability to the ergogenic response to caffeine. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of the genetic variations in CYP1A2 (−163C > A, rs762551; characterized such as “fast” (AA genotype) and “slow” caffeine metabolizers (C-carriers)) and ADORA2A (1976T > C; rs5751876; characterized by “high” (TT genotype) or “low” sensitivity to caffeine (C-carriers)) on the ergogenic response to acute caffeine intake in professional handball players. Thirty-one professional handball players (sixteen men and fifteen women; daily caffeine intake = 60 ± 25 mg·d−1) ingested 3 mg·kg−1·body mass (bm) of caffeine or placebo 60 min before undergoing a battery of performance tests consisting of a countermovement jump (CMJ), a sprint test, an agility test, an isometric handgrip test, and several ball throws. Afterwards, the handball players performed a simulated handball match (2 × 20 min) while movements were recorded using inertial units. Saliva samples were analyzed to determine the genotype of each player for the −163C > A polymorphism in the CYP1A2 gene (rs762551) and for the 1976T > C polymorphism in the ADORA2A gene (rs5751876). In the CYP1A2, C-allele carriers (54.8%) were compared to AA homozygotes (45.2%). In the ADORA2A, C-allele carriers (80.6%) were compared to TT homozygotes (19.4%). There was only a genotype x treatment interaction for the ball throwing from 7 m (p = 0.037) indicating that the ergogenic effect of caffeine on this test was higher in CYP1A2 AA homozygotes than in C-allele carriers. In the remaining variables, there were no genotype x treatment interactions for CYP1A2 or for ADORA2A. As a whole group, caffeine increased CMJ height, performance in the sprint velocity test, and ball throwing velocity from 9 m (2.8–4.3%, p = 0.001–0.022, effect size = 0.17–0.31). Thus, pre-exercise caffeine supplementation at a dose of 3 mg·kg−1·bm can be considered as an ergogenic strategy to enhance some neuromuscular aspects of handball performance in professional handball players with low daily caffeine consumption. However, the ergogenic response to acute caffeine intake was not modulated by CYP1A2 or ADORA2A genotypes.

Prediction of Handball Players' Performance on the Basis of Kinanthropometric Variables, Conditioning Abilities, and Handball Skills.

Handball (team handball) is a multifactorial sport. The aims of this study were (i) to analyse anthropometric variables, conditioning abilities, and handball skills in club handball players according to age and sex, and (ii) to develop multivariate models explaining club handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Two hundred and twenty six handball players (age 16.9 ± 4.0 years, 54% males) participated in the study. The players belonged to under-14, under-16, under-19, and A teams. They were evaluated with a battery of 18 tests covering kinanthropometry, conditioning abilities, and handball skills. A one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to investigate differences between teams, and a t-test for differences between the sexes. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine differences between performance levels. The results showed little differences between the U19 and A teams in any of the variables studied in either men or women, and that the lowest values corresponded to the U14 team. The differences according to sex were clear in the kinanthropometric and conditioning variables, but much less so in handball skills. The eight multivariate models that were constructed classified successfully from 48.5 to 100% of the sample using at most three variables (except for the women's A team whose model selected six variables). Conditioning variables were most discriminating in men, and handball skills in women. This would seem to reflect the different performance profiles.

Field Tests of Performance and Their Relationship to Age and Anthropometric Parameters in Adolescent Handball Players.

Handball performance is influenced by age, anthropometric characteristics, technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical abilities. The aims of this study were (i) to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between adolescent handball players across age categories, and (ii) to determine which anthropometric and maturity variables have the greatest relative importance in fitness for this sport. Seventy-nine male handball players drawn from a team in the elite Tunisian Handball league [U18 (n = 10); U17 (n = 12); U16 (n = 17); U15 (n = 18); and U14 (n = 22)] volunteered for the investigation. Assessments included sprint performances; change in direction tests (T-half test and Illinois modified test); jumping tests (squat jump; counter movement jump; countermovement jump with aimed arms; five-jump test); medicine ball throwing; handgrip force; back extensor force and selected anthropometric measurements. The individual’s age category affected all measurements, with U17 and U18 players showing larger body measurements and significantly better absolute results on all physical tests than U14, U15 and U16 contestants. Scores for the majority of physical performance tests were closely inter-correlated. We conclude that U17 and U18 players show significantly better absolute results than the younger players on all physical tests. Multiple linear regressions, using block-wise entry, indicate that age is the strongest predictor of jump and sprint performances. Several anthropometric characteristics, including body mass, standing height and lower limb length were closely correlated with performance test scores, but after allowing for age only body mass added to the prediction of jumping ability.

Influence of Physical Aspects and Throwing Velocity in Opposition Situations in Top-Elite and Elite Female Handball Players.

The relationship between anthropometric and physical characteristics of female handball players and throwing velocity is considered an important factor in handball performance. The aim of this study was to examine key differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between top elite and elite female players competing in the first Spanish handball league. A total of 89 players from the first Spanish handball league were divided into two groups, top elite (38) and elite (51) players, and assessed for anthropometric and fitness characteristics (throwing velocity, vertical jump and hand grip strength). A Student’s t-test was used to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two different levels of play occurred. Significant differences were found in age, body height, body mass, arm span, muscle mass, different girths (tensed and flexed arm, forearm, wrist, ankle), dominant hand width and length, different breadths (biacromial, bitrochanteric, bistyloid breadth and biepicondylar humerus) and fitness characteristics (hand grip strength and throwing velocity for different positions). Top elite players compared to elite players showed differences in anthropometric characteristics which were mainly located in the upper limbs and mostly were nonmodifiable aspects by training. Furthermore, the best players were able to maintain a high throwing velocity in different tactical situations.

Anthropometric Characteristics, Physical Fitness, and Throwing Velocity in Elite women's Handball Teams.

Saavedra, JM, Kristjánsdóttir, H, Einarsson, IÞ, Guðmundsdóttir, ML, Þorgeirsson, S, and Stefansson, A. Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, and throwing velocity in elite women's handball teams. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2294-2301, 2018-The aims of this study were (a) to analyze anthropometric, physical fitness, and throwing speed in women elite handball players of different ages and (b) to develop a multivariate model explaining handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Eighty women handball players (18.2 ± 4.0 years in age) from national team selections participated in the study. The players belonged to A Team, under-19, under-17, and under-15 national teams. All were evaluated by basic anthropometry, physical fitness tests, and handball throwing speed. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to establish the differences between teams with a Bonferroni post hoc test. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine the predictor variables of performance. Pearson's simple correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the variables. The results of this particular study showed that (a) between the A Team and the U19 team, there were only differences in mass, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and yo-yo test, (b) the A Team and U19 predictive models correctly classified 76 and 90% of the samples, respectively, with the variables involved being mass and body mass index (A Team) and 30-m sprint and 7-m throwing speed (U19 team), and (c) the 7- and 9-m throwing speeds were correlated with each other and with stature, mass, CMJ, and medicine ball throw (0.367 ≤ r ≤ 0.533; 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05). These results could help improve coaches' knowledge of elite female teams, in particular, in the country where the study was conducted and in others of similar characteristics.

Psychological skills, mental toughness and anxiety in elite handball players

The objectives of this study were: to analyse psychological skills, mental toughness, and anxiety in elite handball players as functions of category (age group) and sex, and to develop a multivariate model explaining handball performance from a psychological perspective. One hundred and seventy four handball players (18.8 ± 3.5 years), components of the national teams, participated in the study. They were classified into official categories (age groups). Three questionnaires were used: the Test of Performance Strategies Questionnaire, the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 questionnaire. A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc correction was used to examine differences between teams for each sex. A discriminant analysis was performed for each team to classify the participants into two groups according to their performance level (starters and non-starters). The results showed there to be no differences in the variables studied as a function of age. However, men reported lower anxiety than women. The discriminant analysis correctly classified high percentages of the players (65.2% to 100%). In the younger players, the variables selected were related to mental toughness and anxiety. For the men's and women's A Teams the most discriminating variables were emotional control in practice and relaxation in competition, respectively.

Effects of Two Different Training Periodization Models on Physical and Physiological Aspects of Elite Female Team Handball Players

Manchado, C, Cortell-Tormo, JM, and Tortosa-Martínez, J. Effects of two different training periodization models on physical and physiological aspects of elite female team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 280-287, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare training-induced changes in selected physiological and physical team handball performance factors after 2 training periodization models: traditional periodization (TP) vs. block periodization (BP). Eleven female team handball players who played over 2 consecutive seasons for a Spanish first league team were assessed twice per season during a training cycle. On each occasion, participants completed anthropometric, maximal strength, and lower-body power assessments. In addition, incremental tests to determine maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), sprint- and sport-specific throwing velocity tests were performed. Block periodization group experienced significantly greater improvements than TP on squat jump (5.97%; p < 0.001), countermovement jump (8.76%; p = 0.011), hand-grip strength (8.22%; p = 0.029), bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (5.14%; p = 0.049), 10-m sprint (-6.19%; p < 0.001), and 20-m sprint (2.95%; p = 0.008). Greater changes in BP group (p ≤ 0.05) were also found for the throwing velocities in sport-specific tests compared with the TP group. No significant difference between the groups were detected for the half-squat 1RM (p = 0.15) and the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p = 0.44). These findings suggest that BP may be more effective than TP for improving important physiological and physical team handball performance factors in high level female handball players.