Handball Throwing Research Articles

Analysis of the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength of elite handball players specialized in winger position

Background and Study Aim. The physical demands of the winger position in elite handball require a unique combination of upper body speed and lower body strength. Therefore, identifying the optimal relationship between these two physical characteristics could improve performance for players in this role. This study aims to analyze the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength in elite handball players specializing in the winger position. Material and Methods. The study included 16 elite handball players specializing in the winger position from various teams in the National Handball League (Liga Zimbrilor). Four of these players were members of the Dinamo Bucharest team. Tests for evaluating the explosive strength of the lower limbs included the Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Counter Movement Jump with Free Arms (CMJb), and the maximum strength test (1RM) in squats. Specific technical training tests included triangular movement, a 30-meter sprint, and long-distance handball throws, focusing on speed and execution technique. Data analysis was conducted using KyPlot 6.0 software. Statistical indicators included median, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and non-parametric Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. The results show no statistically significant differences in lower limb strength between high-performance handball players (HPHP) and those specialized in the winger position (PSW) across various jump and squat tests (p > 0.05). The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test approached statistical significance (p = 0.084), while the CMJ with free arms (CMJb) and squat strength test did not show significant differences (p = 0.231 and p = 0.789, respectively). In the specific fitness tests, no significant differences were observed in the Triangle Movement test (p = 0.826), the 30-meter sprint (p = 0.404), or the handball throw test (p = 0.147). Correlation analysis indicated that squats and CMJb had positive correlations with improved performance in speed and distance tests, while CMJ showed a negative correlation with technical performance in agility tests. Conclusions. The findings suggest that lower limb strength and technical fitness are similar between elite handball players, regardless of specialization. This supports a unified training approach across player roles. However, targeted exercises like squats and CMJb may enhance specific performance aspects. These exercises improve dynamic strength and stability, which can benefit wingers' technical execution and speed.

Literature review of specific techniques in catching and throwing in infield defense in baseball - retrospective article

<p>目的：內野手可以是整個棒球守備的核心，棒球守備各階段全身上下的協調，有許多值得探討的專項技巧。方法：本研究使用Google scholar，以Baseball infielder、內野、野球守備、內野捕球、守備ゴロ等關鍵字，搜尋台灣、日本、美國三國關於棒球內野守備專項技巧的文獻做歸納，以不同角度探討內野守備的專項技巧：一、內野守備接球，二、內野守備傳球，三、守備的分期與各分期之動作控制。結果：本篇回顧性論文發現，一、移動腳步到好接球的彈跳點是良好守備的關鍵。二、減少軸心腳在接球位置上的變化和較為前面的接球點，對於接球的穩定性至關重要，甚至會影響到後續傳球的動能。三、精簡接傳的動作相較於增加傳球球速可能可以更能有效減少整體守備時間。四、優秀選手在接球的過程中會儘早讓軸心腳著地，並前期和中期將重心保留在軸心腳。五、內野手傳球在前導腳接觸時，軀幹向後扭轉和肘部伸展角度都會比投手小。結論：無論是接球前腳步移動的節奏和精確性，還是接球時的接球點和接短彈跳的能力，甚至是軀幹和骨盆前傾的時機點，對於內野守備過程都產生一定的影響。建議在日常練習時，就能將接短彈跳、腳步移動，納入訓練課表中，並且在動作過程中，加以檢視軀幹的姿勢，方能在比賽時擁有良好的守備表現。</p> <p> </p><p>The standing throw with run-up is the best approach to evaluate the performance of energy transfer and the efficiency of throwing motions for handball players. Purpose: This research aims at analyzing the usage of the standing throw with run-up among the handball players in Taiwan. The roles of body kinematics, strength of core muscles and standing balance of the drive leg played in the standing throw with run-up are also discussed. Methods: Nine Division I handball players from college went through a series of tests. The motions and the speed of the handball throwing were detected by a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis system and a sports radar gun, respectively. The maximum isometric muscle strength of trunks and hips were measured by a torque sensor and a home-made device of strength measurement. The standing balance of the drive leg was measured by a force plate with a mat. Results: The maximal shoulder external rotation angle in the arm cocking phase, the maximal trunk rotation velocity in the arm acceleration phase and the maximal shoulder horizontal adduction velocity showed moderate positive relationships with the ball velocity. The strength of back muscles had a moderate negative relationship with the ball velocity. The correlation between the balance ability of the drive leg and the ball velocity was not observed. Conclusion: The importance of proximal segments to the standing throw with run-up is analyzed by kinematical analysis. It is suggested that the energy of handball throwing is generated by the upper extremities or other limb segments in the processes of the standing throw with run-up. Our findings can serve as a helpful reference for both coaches and players.</p> <p> </p>

Correlation between run-up speed and throwing distance of elite javelin athletes

<p>目的：本研究探討台灣優秀標槍選手助跑速度與投擲距離之相關性。方法：8位國內優秀標槍選手 (身高：176.2 ± 4.5公分，體重：87.7 ± 10.7公斤，年齡：21.1 ± 3.7歲，平均投擲距離：68.8 ± 6.9公尺)，本研究採用實際比賽進行數據收集，本研究使用高速攝影機 (60Hz) 紀錄投擲標槍助跑過程，透過影像分析獲得助跑距離及時間。本研究採用相依樣本t檢定比較預賽及決賽的助跑速度及投擲表現及使用皮爾森積差相關分析比較助跑速度及投擲表現之相關性，顯著水準訂為 α = .05。結果：研究結果發現，預賽與決賽的投擲表現顯著大於決賽有顯著差異 (p < .05)，但預賽與決賽的助跑速度無顯著差異 (p > .05)，另外，預賽與決賽的投擲距離與助跑速度相關性沒有顯著差異。結論：當助跑速度越快不會增加投擲距離。選手可能會有個別最佳的助跑速度。</p><p>The standing throw with run-up is the best approach to evaluate the performance of energy transfer and the efficiency of throwing motions for handball players. Purpose: This research aims at analyzing the usage of the standing throw with run-up among the handball players in Taiwan. The roles of body kinematics, strength of core muscles and standing balance of the drive leg played in the standing throw with run-up are also discussed. Methods: Nine Division I handball players from college went through a series of tests. The motions and the speed of the handball throwing were detected by a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis system and a sports radar gun, respectively. The maximum isometric muscle strength of trunks and hips were measured by a torque sensor and a home-made device of strength measurement. The standing balance of the drive leg was measured by a force plate with a mat. Results: The maximal shoulder external rotation angle in the arm cocking phase, the maximal trunk rotation velocity in the arm acceleration phase and the maximal shoulder horizontal adduction velocity showed moderate positive relationships with the ball velocity. The strength of back muscles had a moderate negative relationship with the ball velocity. The correlation between the balance ability of the drive leg and the ball velocity was not observed. Conclusion: The importance of proximal segments to the standing throw with run-up is analyzed by kinematical analysis. It is suggested that the energy of handball throwing is generated by the upper extremities or other limb segments in the processes of the standing throw with run-up. Our findings can serve as a helpful reference for both coaches and players.</p> <p> </p>

The biomechanical analysis of the standing throw with run-up

<p>為了解手球選手在投擲動作上的效率，墊步射門是檢視能量傳遞好壞的最佳方式。目的：分析臺灣手球選手使用墊步射門的情形，以及探討肢體運動學，核心肌群肌肉力量和前導腳站立平衡能力在墊步射門中的重要性。方法：9 位大專男子甲組選手 (年齡 22.0 ± 1.3 歲、身高 177.1 ± 3.1 公分、體重 78.4 ± 5.1 公斤)，以三度空間電磁場動作分析系統擷取墊步射門動作，並以雷達測速槍測量球速；以力矩傳感器搭配特製測力裝置測量軀幹及髖關節各肌群之最大等長肌力；以軟墊置於測力板上測量前導腳站立平衡能力。使用肯德爾相關係數探討射門運動學參數、核心肌群肌肉力量和前導腳站立平衡能力與墊步射門球速之相關性，顯著水準定在 p < .05。結果：引臂期的肩膀最大外轉角度 (Kendall’s tau-b = .54)，手臂加速期的軀幹最大旋轉速度 (Kendall’s tau-b = .54)、肩膀最大水平內收速度 (Kendall’s tau-b = .69) 與射門球速皆有中度的正相關。背部肌肉力量與射門球速有中度的負相關 (Kendall’s tau-b = -.57)。前導腳平衡能力參數與射門球速皆無相關性存在。結論：透過運動學分析了解到大專男子甲組選手在執行墊步射門時的動作表現，並發現身體近端對於墊步射門的重要性。建議應加強墊步射門時的軀幹動作，藉由較快的軀幹旋轉速度來帶動上肢的投擲表現，以提升射門球速。</p> <p> </p><p>The standing throw with run-up is the best approach to evaluate the performance of energy transfer and the efficiency of throwing motions for handball players. Purpose: This research aims at analyzing the usage of the standing throw with run-up among the handball players in Taiwan. The roles of body kinematics, strength of core muscles and standing balance of the drive leg played in the standing throw with run-up are also discussed. Methods: Nine Division I handball players from college went through a series of tests. The motions and the speed of the handball throwing were detected by a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis system and a sports radar gun, respectively. The maximum isometric muscle strength of trunks and hips were measured by a torque sensor and a home-made device of strength measurement. The standing balance of the drive leg was measured by a force plate with a mat. Results: The maximal shoulder external rotation angle in the arm cocking phase, the maximal trunk rotation velocity in the arm acceleration phase and the maximal shoulder horizontal adduction velocity showed moderate positive relationships with the ball velocity. The strength of back muscles had a moderate negative relationship with the ball velocity. The correlation between the balance ability of the drive leg and the ball velocity was not observed. Conclusion: The importance of proximal segments to the standing throw with run-up is analyzed by kinematical analysis. It is suggested that the energy of handball throwing is generated by the upper extremities or other limb segments in the processes of the standing throw with run-up. Our findings can serve as a helpful reference for both coaches and players.</p> <p> </p>

Effect of a High-Intensity Handball-Specific Fatigue Protocol Focused on the Leg Contralateral to the Throwing Arm on Interlimb Asymmetries.

Janicijevic, D, Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Ortega-Becerra, M, Morenas-Aguilar, MD, Smajla, D, Sarabon, N, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol focused on the leg contralateral to the throwing arm on interlimb asymmetries. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1382-1389, 2023-This study aimed to elucidate which countermovement jump (CMJ) variant (unilateral or bilateral) is more sensitive to detect the decrement in kinetic CMJ-derived variables of the leg more actively involved in a handball-specific fatigue protocol. Seventeen female handball players (age: 20.6 ± 2.5 years) performed a fatigue protocol consisting of 8 repetitions of the following circuit separated by 10 seconds: 10 m sprint, 180° change of direction with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm, 10 m sprint with ball reception at 7 m, and handball throw preceded by a jump over a 40 cm hurdle with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm. Before and after the fatigue protocol, 6 unilateral CMJs (3 with each leg) and 3 bilateral CMJs were performed on a dual Kistler force platform (model 9260AA6). Bilateral CMJ height was reduced by 5.4% after the fatigue protocol (p < 0.001). However, the fatigue protocol did not promote any significant change in peak force, mean force, and propulsive impulse or in their asymmetry values (17 of 18 comparisons). The decrement of 6.1% during the unilateral CMJ in the propulsive impulse developed by the leg ipsilateral to the throwing arm (less involved in the fatigue protocol) was the only variable that reached statistical significance (p = 0.038). The pre-post fatigue changes in asymmetry values presented negligible correlations between both CMJ variants (rs = 0.01 to -0.19). These results suggest that neither unilateral nor bilateral CMJs are able to detect changes in interlimb asymmetries after a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol.

Free weight training vs. elastic band training

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two resistance training (RT) programs (free weight [FW] and elastic band [EB]) on velocity variables (handball throwing velocity [HTV] and maximal theoretical velocity [V0]) using load-velocity (L-V) relationship modelling. Both programs lasted 6 weeks and consisted of performing bench press and overarm dumbbell pull-over using free weights (FW group) or elastic bands (EB group). Nineteen male sports science students were randomly assigned to EB (n=10) or FW group (n=9). Both RT programs increased HTV and V0, although the increment was greater in the FW (&amp;gt;2 m·s-1) compared to the EB group (&amp;lt;1 m·s-1). RT programs had selective effects on the strength variables being FW more effective in increasing 1-repetition maximum, while EB in increasing maximal isometric force. Very large correlations were observed between two-point (L-V relationship modelled through two pairs of L and V data) and multiple-point methods (L-V relationship modelled through six pairs of L and V data) (V0: r=0.96; HTV: r=0.93). All coefficients of variation showed high validity both for V0 and HTV (≤6.2%). Altogether, FW training should be used for increasing the velocity of the throwing performance, while the two-point method for following training-induced changes.

Does the New Resin-Free Molten d60 Ball Have an Impact on the Velocity and Accuracy of Handball Throws?

The aims of this study were (i) to examine gender differences between the Molten H3X5000 ball and the resin-free Molten d60 ball with regard to throwing velocity and accuracy according to two conditions, throwing situation and instruction received, and (ii) to analyse the player’s subjective perception on throwing velocity according to ball types. The sample comprised 29 handball players (18 men and 11 women), who carried out a throwing protocol to measure velocity, accuracy, and subjective perception. The main results found significant throwing velocity differences between the new balls and traditional balls with resin in short-distance actions (7 m). Specifically, males did not perceive a loss of throwing velocity with the new ball. For target accuracy, men showed higher velocities with the traditional balls with resin and new balls than with the traditional balls with no resin. Women reached higher velocities with the new balls and the traditional balls with resin than with the traditional balls with no resin. Furthermore, throwing accuracy and effectiveness were not influenced by the ball type or throwing distance. While uneven results in relation to throwing velocity according to ball type, gender, and throwing distance were identified, the accuracy and effectiveness were not affected by the ball type. As the throws were made from further away (9 m), the impact of the new ball on the throwing velocity decreased.

Exploration of the Shoulder Internal Rotation’s Influence on Throwing Velocity in Handball Players: A Pilot Study

The main objective of this study was to test the relationship between shoulder internal rotation strength and standing throwing velocity. A repeated measures cross-sectional study was conducted with 20 professional handball players (mean ± SD; age: 19.28 ± 2.55 years, weight: 81.52 ± 9.66 kg, height: 185 ± 6 cm, BMI: 23.74 ± 1.69). The participants were instructed to perform eight standing throws from the 7 m line of the handball court at maximum velocity to calculate the mean and maximum throwing velocity. An incremental test was performed to calculate the repetition maximum (1-RM) of internal rotation shoulder strength. A Pearson's correlation analysis with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was performed to determine whether correlations existed between dominant arm internal rotation strength characteristics and maximum and mean ball-throwing velocity. There is no correlation between the internal rotation strength of the throwing shoulder and the velocity of the ball in the standing handball throw.

Reduced shoulder proprioception due to fatigue after repeated handball throws and evaluation of test-retest reliability of a clinical shoulder joint position test.

Proprioception is vital for motor control and can be disturbed, for example, due to fatigue or injury. Clinical feasible, reliable and valid tests of shoulder proprioception are warranted. The aim was to investigate the effects of local fatigue on shoulder proprioception and the reliability of a feasible joint position sense test using an experimental repeated measures design. Forty participants repeated a shoulder joint position sense test to assess test-retest reliability. The test was then utilized on a subgroup of handball players who were subjected to five bouts of a repeated throwing task with the dominant hand. The effect of local fatigue was investigated by comparing the fatigued with the non-fatigued shoulder. There was a significant interaction for the arm × bout (p = 0.028, ηp2 = 0.20) and a significant effect for the arm (p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.35) with a significant decrease in joint position sense for the throwing arm compared to the non-throwing arm. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78 (95% CI = [0.57; 0.89]). The standard error of measurement between trials was 0.70° (range: 0.57°-0.90°). The results indicate that repeated throwing to fatigue disturbs shoulder joint position sense. Assessment with the modified test showed acceptable reliability and can be a valuable assessment tool in the clinic.

No association between dynamic trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity in elite women handball players

BACKGROUND: The relationship between strength and throwing velocity is much investigated in handball, but core strength is largely ignored. Only four studies have investigated the effect of core training on handball throwing velocity, reporting conflicting results in amateur players. However, lack of specificity and deficient technical execution of throwing in amateurs can obscure the results. OBJECTIVE: To examine the direct association between trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity in elite handball players, using women as a model. METHODS: Sixteen women players from an elite-level Norwegian handball team participated in the study. Strength in trunk flexion, shoulder extension, internal shoulder rotation, and forearm pronation was assessed using isokinetic dynamometer measurements (peak moment, total work, angular impulse). Throwing velocity in both the standing throw with run-up and the jump throw was determined from motion capture measurements. To account for arm strength, the association between trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity was examined using partial correlation analyses. RESULTS: No significant association was found between any measure of trunk flexion strength and throwing velocity for either throwing technique (explained variance ⩽ 13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that isolated, dynamic trunk flexion strength is not a differentiating factor for handball throwing velocity in elite women players.

Physical fitness and throwing speed in U13 versus U15 male handball players

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the shoulder functional profile (rotation range of motion [ROM] and strength), upper and lower body performance, and throwing speed of U13 versus U15 male handball players, and to establish the relationship between these measures of physical fitness and throwing speed.MethodsOne-hundred and nineteen young male handball players (under (U)-13 (U13) [n = 85]) and U15 [n = 34]) volunteered to participate in this study. The participating athletes had a mean background of sytematic handball training of 5.5 ± 2.8 years and they exercised on average 540 ± 10.1 min per week including sport-specific team handball training and strength and conditioning programs. Players were tested for passive shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, overhead medicine ball throw (OMB), hip isometric abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) strength, hip ROM, jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and triple leg-hop [3H] for distance), linear sprint test, modified 505 change-of-direction (COD) test and handball throwing speed (7 m [HT7] and 9 m [HT9]).ResultsU15 players outperformed U13 in upper (i.e., HT7 and HT9 speed, OMB, absolute IR and ER strength of the dominant and non-dominant sides; Cohen’s d: 0.76–2.13) and lower body (i.e., CMJ, 3H, 20-m sprint and COD, hip ABD and ADD; d: 0.70–2.33) performance measures. Regarding shoulder ROM outcomes, a lower IR ROM was found of the dominant side in the U15 group compared to the U13 and a higher ER ROM on both sides in U15 (d: 0.76–1.04). It seems that primarily anthropometric characteristics (i.e., body height, body mass) and upper body strength/power (OMB distance) are the most important factors that explain the throw speed variance in male handball players, particularly in U13.ConclusionsFindings from this study imply that regular performance monitoring is important for performance development and for minimizing injury risk of the shoulder in both age categories of young male handball players. Besides measures of physical fitness, anthropometric data should be recorded because handball throwing performance is related to these measures.

Examination of Physical Fitness Evaluations of Severe Obesity During Junior High School

Hypotheses on physical fitness and motor ability of obesity have not been clearly proven. To be sure, several papers have been reported, but none of them have gone beyond speculation. In other words, statistically warranted amounts of data on obese people have not been obtained. This study examined physique, physical fitness and motor ability measurements obtained in a large-scale investigation over 7 years (from the 2013 to 2019 academic years) based on the physical fitness improvement action plan of City O The measurement results of children in the second year of junior high school were used. In this study, the wavelet interpolation model was applied specifically to the average value and standard deviation of height, physical strength and motor ability (grip strength, sidesteps, sit-and-reach, sit up, endurance running, 50 m dash, standing long jump, 20 m shuttle run, handball throw) for second year junior high school students. An annual span evaluation chart was then constructed. The height, physical strength, and motor ability of second year junior high school boys and girls judged by the annual span evaluation chart of BMI devised by Fujii [16] were applied to this evaluation chart. As a result, the evaluation of physical fitness and motor ability of the second-year junior high school students derived in this study was not a conjecture. Rather, a clear judgment of "Somewhat poor" or "Poor" in the items except for grip strength, sit-and-reach, and handball throwing was derived, and we suggest that a physical fitness and motor ability evaluation for second year junior high school boys and girls could be established here.

Effect of the mass of the ball on the kinematics of the handball throw

The aim of this study was to discriminate the effect of five increases of 15% in the mass of the ball on the most significant kinematic variables that determine the throwing performance. The sample was comprised of twelve male players specializing in front-line throws and belonging to the Spanish Asobal Handball League. Every throw was recorded by two video cameras temporally synchronized at 250 Hz, which allowed us to obtain the spatial coordinates of a model made up of five body markers and the geometric center of the ball. From these coordinates, the components of the positions and linear velocity of the ball were determined, in addiction, the angular positions and velocities of vertical rotation of the upper trunk, shoulder flexion, external / internal rotation of the shoulder, and flexion / extension of the elbow were also obtained. The results indicate that the velocity of the ball decreases with the increase in the mass of the ball and the angular velocity of internal rotation of the shoulder is the most affected factor, followed by the extension of the elbow. The throwing time increases when the mass of the ball increases due to the longer backward movement time of the ball. It is estimated that a 15% increase in the ball mass has no effect on the kinematics of the throw.

Quantifying throwing load in handball: a method for measuring the number of throws

ABSTRACT Shoulder injuries are a common problem in handball. One likely cause of such injuries is excessive throwing. However, it is difficult to measure the number of player throws in large cohort studies using existing methods accurately. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop and validate a method for identifying overhead throws using a low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU) worn on the wrist. In a two-stage approach, we developed a threshold-based automatic identification method for overhead throws in a laboratory study using the IMU. Subsequently, we validated the suggested thresholds in a field setting by comparing throws identified by the threshold-method to throws identified by video recordings of handball practices. The best set of threshold values resulted in a per-player median sensitivity of 100% (range: 84–100%) and a median positive predictive value (PPV) of 96% (range: 86–100%) in the development study. In the validation study, the per-player median sensitivity dropped to 78% sensitivity (range: 52–91%), while the per-player median PPV dropped to 79% (range: 47–90%). The proposed method is a promising method for automatically identifying handball throws in a cheap and feasible way.

Determinant factors for specific throwing and physical performance in beach handball

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the determinant factors of physical performance in beach handball players at different competitive levels. Equipment and methods Twenty-three beach handball players were pooled in 2 groups: elite (n = 13) and sub-elite (n = 10). The following fitness tests were completed: 10-m running sprints (measuring split times at 0–5, 0–10, and 5–10 m); countermovement jump and handball throwing (standing throw, three steps standing throw and 360° jump throw). Results Elite players attained better performances in 5 and 10 m sprints and countermovement jump. However, sub-elite players showed significantly better performance in split sprint time from 5 to 10 m. No significant differences were found between elite and sub-elite beach handball players in throwing velocity. Conclusion Elite beach handball players showed better acceleration capacity and jump performance than sub-elite players, but sub-elite players attained better flying sprint performance. Throwing velocity did not differentiate between different standard levels.

Can Machine Learning with IMUs Be Used to Detect Different Throws and Estimate Ball Velocity in Team Handball?

Injuries in handball are common due to the repetitive demands of overhead throws at high velocities. Monitoring workload is crucial for understanding these demands and improving injury-prevention strategies. However, in handball, it is challenging to monitor throwing workload due to the difficulty of counting the number, intensity, and type of throws during training and competition. The aim of this study was to investigate if an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and machine learning (ML) techniques could be used to detect different types of team handball throws and predict ball velocity. Seventeen players performed several throws with different wind-up (circular and whip-like) and approach types (standing, running, and jumping) while wearing an IMU on their wrist. Ball velocity was measured using a radar gun. ML models predicted peak ball velocity with an error of 1.10 m/s and classified approach type and throw type with 80–87% accuracy. Using IMUs and ML models may offer a practical and automated method for quantifying throw counts and classifying the throw and approach types adopted by handball players.

Validation of Player and Ball Tracking with a Local Positioning System

The aim of this study was the validation of player and ball position measurements of Kinexon’s local positioning system (LPS) in handball and football. Eight athletes conducted a sport-specific course (SSC) and small sided football games (SSG), simultaneously tracked by the LPS and an infrared camera-based motion capture system as reference system. Furthermore, football shots and handball throws were performed to evaluate ball tracking. The position root mean square error (RMSE) for player tracking was 9 cm for SSCs, the instantaneous peak speed showed a percentage deviation from the reference system of 0.7–1.7% for different exercises. The RMSE for SSGs was 8 cm. Covered distance was overestimated by 0.6% in SSCs and 1.0% in SSGs. The 2D RMSE of ball tracking was 15 cm in SSGs, 3D position errors of shot and throw impact locations were 17 cm and 21 cm. The methodology for the validation of a system’s accuracy in sports tracking requires extensive attention, especially in settings covering both, player and ball measurements. Most tracking errors for player tracking were smaller or in line with errors found for comparable systems in the literature. Ball tracking showed a larger error than player tracking. Here, the influence of the positioning of the sensor must be further reviewed. In total, the accuracy of Kinexon’s LPS has proven to represent the current state of the art for player and ball position detection in team sports.

Association of physical fitness and motor ability at young age with locomotive syndrome risk in middle-aged and older men: J-Fit+ Study

BackgroundPhysical fitness and motor ability are associated with the incidence of locomotive syndrome (LS) in older adults. The relationships between physical fitness and motor ability at a young age to LS risk in later life remain unclear. This study examined the association between physical fitness and motor ability among university students and their risk of LS in middle and old age.MethodsThe participants were 231 male alumni aged 48–65 years from the Department of Physical Education of a university in Japan. Physical fitness and motor ability test results during their fourth year at the university were used. Physical fitness tests included the side-step test, vertical jump test, back muscle, grip strength, trunk lift, standing trunk flexion, and step-test. Motor ability was tested using the 50-m and 1500-m run, running long jump, hand-ball throw, and pull-up test. LS risk was assessed using a seven-question standardized self-administered Loco-check questionnaire. Participants were divided into three groups (low, medium, and high) based on physical fitness and motor ability test results at young age, and LS risk was assessed at an older age across the three groups using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsFrom the 2017 follow-up survey, the median follow-up period was 37 years (interquartile range, 33–41), and LS risk was suspected for 31 (13.4%) participants. Better performance on the side-step test was associated with the reduced risk of LS (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.101–0.983, P = 0.047).ConclusionsGood agility (side-step test) at a young age may reduce the future risk of LS among middle-aged and older men.

Influence of the use of resin on the speed and precision of handball throws

The handling of the ball is considered to be a determining factor in the precision and power of handball throws. To facilitate ball handling, the rules allow players to use an adhesive material called ‘resin’. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of the resin on the throw velocity and accuracy, both in men and women in formative (U-18) and senior categories. The sample consisted of 46 players (31 men and 15 women) who performed a protocol of 6 distance throws with the intention of maximum velocity and accuracy. Randomly, each subject threw 3 times without resin and 3 times with resin. The results showed a higher velocity with the use of resin in the whole sample analysed. Throws with resin were 6.56% faster (p &lt; 0,001). However, no significant differences in throwing accuracy were found (p &gt; 0,05). Furthermore, no differences were found between the analysis subgroups (p &gt; 0.05). The use of resin seems to be a determinant of throwing velocity. These results are highly applicable both in the field of sport training and for the evaluation of the importance of the throw in the offensive performance of a handball team.

THE THROWING VELOCITY AT DIFFERENT PHASES OF TEACHING HANDBALL ELEMENTS

The aim of this research is to study the ball throwing velocity at different phases of teaching handball elements to female students in their first year of study at Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb. The set of variables contains three throwing velocity tests: 1. handball throwing velocity from the standing position (ST), 2. basic shot throwing velocity (RT) and 3. jump shot throwing velocity (JT). The speed of the ball was estimated by a radar gun (Stalker ATS) three times for each shooting type and it was expressed in km/h unit. Measuring was conducted twice in the course of the summer semester of the academic year 2017/2018. The first measuring was carried out after the first lesson and the second one a month later. The average throwing velocities recorded during the first measuring were: ST - 59.25 km/h, RT - 61.60 km/h and JT 61.62 km/h. On the following occasion, the average results were: 59.36 km/h (ST), 61.33 km/h (RT) and 61.33 km/h (JT). No statistically significant differences in the observed set of variables were found by using the t-test for the dependent samples on either occasion. The obtained results can be interpreted in regard to the methods of directing and evaluating the teaching process, as well as in regard to an effective program for improving explosive throwing power.