Women Handball Research Articles

Analysis of Tactical-Technical Attack Performance Factors: A Case Study of a Professional Women's Handball Team

Game analysis based on tactical-technical sports performance provides important information for coaches to periodize and evaluate team processes more accurately. The aim of this study was to analyze the probabilities of success in offensive situations by a Brazilian professional women’s handball team. The method used was a quantitative, descriptive and case study approach, which was a professional women’s handball team with national and international achievements. Data collection was based on the Handball Observation System, which allowed a total of 726 game actions to be evaluated from the two target competitions (world and national), 143 for the Women’s Super Globe and 583 for the national handball league. The data was analyzed using the Lince program, which helps with video analysis (games from different sports), optimizing data verification, and the SPSS 23.0 software, using multinomial regression. The results showed that the team had 10.538 more probabilities of scoring when using basic tactical means, compared to 1-on-1 actions (CR = 1.061) and complex tactical means (CR = 1). The offensive organization showed greater probabilities (OR = 1.668) of scoring with the full team, in attacks from the central area of the court of less than 9 meters (OR = 1.917) and with shots between 21 and 40 minutes (OR = 1.393). There were also 7.968 more chances for the opposing goalkeeper to make a save when the team attacked with basic tactical means and 2.562 more chances for him to save the shot between 21 and 40 minutes.

Neuromuscular Load in Professional Women's Handball: Segmentation of the Player Load and the Impacts at Group and Individual Level.

Handball is a team sport characterised by physical interaction with other opponents. This interaction produces a high load on the players that can manifest itself in various ways, from discomfort to prolonged injuries due to tears caused by excessive load. In order to establish correct protocols for application in women's teams, context- and gender-specific reference data must be available. For this reason, the present research aims to find out how women's teams in European competitions prepare for decisive matches during the match week, analysing the load in a segmented way and the level of specificity that should be achieved in training. Ex post facto research was used in which a total of 17 players belonging to a women's first division handball team in Spain participated. The variables player load and impacts extracted from the use of Wimu ProTM inertial devices were analysed. The results showed a high neuromuscular load in players at this competitive level, especially in the variable impacts, reaching values per session of up to 1000 impacts. The individuality analyses show that the load varies significantly depending on the subject, which is why it is considered essential to establish protocols for strength work and load control in the most specific way possible.

Is Match Playing Time a Potential Tool for Managing Load in Women's Handball?

García-Sánchez, C, Navarro, RM, Nieto-Acevedo, R, and de la Rubia, A. Is match playing time a potential tool for managing load in women's handball? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of this study was to explore the external load experienced by female handball players according to the time played in official matches (≥40, <40, and ≤20 minutes) and in relation to playing positions (backs, pivots, and wings). Twenty-two female players from the Spanish second Division were monitored across 13 matches. Total distance covered, high-speed running distance (HSR), accelerations, decelerations, and PlayerLoad were collected in absolute and relative values using a local positioning system (WIMU PRO, Realtrack Systems SL, Almería, Spain). One-way ANOVA with partial eta-squared and Cohen's d were used to determine the differences between playing time groups and between playing positions. This study revealed that players with more match playing time had a higher absolute values in all external load variables (p < 0.001; very large effects), except in HSR where only wings showed higher values according to the time played (p < 0.001; very large effects). However, these differences between playing time groups disappear when the external load values were normalized according to the effective playing time (p > 0.05). In relation to playing positions, wings covered more HSR/minutes than the other playing positions regardless of the playing time (p < 0.05; large effects). In addition, backs performed more ACC/minutes than wings in the high playing time group and more than pivots in the low playing time group (p < 0.05, moderate effects). In addition, backs performed more DEC/minutes than wings in the low playing time group (p < 0.05, moderate effects). Therefore, handball coaches should consider the playing time as an effective tool to optimize the weekly load distribution.

Factor Analysis as a Tool for Optimizing the Training Process in Women's Handball

Factor Analysis as a Tool for Optimizing the Training Process in Women's Handball

CO68 Performance Diagnostic Examination of Women's Handball Players

CO68 Performance Diagnostic Examination of Women's Handball Players

Comparative analysis of two strength training protocols on throwing speed in women's handball

Shooting represents a fundamental skill in handball. Among other factors, its effectiveness requires a significant development of explosive strength. Isometric training may provide a powerful neuromuscular stimulus for its enhancement. Despite its importance and practicality, few studies have addressed the effect of this type of training on shooting speed in women's handball. Twenty female players were divided into two groups: isometric training (GI, n=10) and dynamic training (GD, n=10). Over nine weeks, twice a week, both groups completed an upper limb pushing resistance training: GI performed maximum isometric strength, and GD performed dynamic strength at 80% of one maximum repetition (1MR). In both cases, the effort was followed by medicine ball throws. The loads for both groups were equated in terms of sets and duration. Pre- and post-intervention, the 1MR of each player was estimated through a load progression test in bench press exercise. Additionally, the shooting speed with and without aiming at a target was measured from seven and nine meters using a radar. The findings showed a trend towards improvement in both groups (slightly higher in GI); however, only the not-targeted shooting speed from 9 meters in GI reached statistical significance (p &lt; .05). The correlation between 1MR and shooting speed was low to moderate. In summary, both types of training yielded similar results. Given the practical advantages of isometric training, it could be suggested that this training could serve as an effective and practical alternative for enhancing strength and shooting speed in handball. Keywords: Handball, handball shooting, isometric strength training, women's sport.

BODY HYDRATION OF FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYERS DURING THE GAME STATUS

The purpose of this study was to determine the hydration status of women's handball players on game day. Thirteen female handball players (age = 16.7 ± 0.7, height = 167.7 ± 6.8, sports age= 3.7 ± 1) voluntarily participated in the study. Hydration status of athletes in the morning of the match, before and after the game measured, body weight and fluid intake were observed. Athletes' USG changes were tested with Repeated Measure ANOVA, and athletes' body weights before and after the game were compared with a paired samples t test. Relationship between fluid intake and changes in ultrasound and body weight It was evaluated by Pearson's correlation test. In the morning measurement, 10 of the athletes were dehydrated and 3 were dehydrated. In the pre-game measurement, the results were the same as in the first measurement, after the game, all athletes were hydrated.

Achieving while looking forward: variables influencing performance in the transitory career phases of professional women’s handball

ABSTRACT This paper investigates what variables may influence long-term performance in the transitory phases of a team athlete’s career according to the perceptions of the athletes themselves. Narrative research was conducted with 16 world-class, retired women handball players and the qualitative analysis reveals those factors that influenced their performance in the transitory phases “from development to mastery” and “from mastery to discontinuation” on the individual, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural levels. The variables are organised into a systems map to provide a full overview as well as the perceived relationships between them. The practical implication of the paper is to draw the attention of those organisations that aim to improve long-term performance to the leverage points that athletes themselves find important.

Enhancing Performance and Promoting Sustainability in Female Handball: The Impact of Olympic Movement Training on Jumping, Throwing, Sprinting, and Change of Direction

Improving women’s handball through increased performance and sustainability is crucial. Strength training, especially with Olympic movements, develops strength, power, and speed, key factors for success in team sports. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Olympic movements on performance variables such as jumps, throws, sprints, and changes of direction, and additionally, to promote a more sustainable and holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing. Twenty-one women handball players were divided into two groups (the experimental group (EG) [n = 11; age: 15.91 ± 0.70 years; BMI: 21.37] and the control group (CG) [n = 10; age: 15.60 ± 0.52; BMI: 22.31]). All participants performed four assessment tests to determine jump height (Abalakov test), throwing speed (throw test), running speed (20 m sprint) and change of direction ability (V-cut test). Measurements were carried out before and after the intervention. For six weeks, the control group performed the strength work established by the club twice a week while the intervention group additionally performed training with Olympic movements. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found between the pre and post measurement of the control group and the intervention group in jump height, throwing speed, and running speed, being higher in the intervention group. For change of direction, no significant differences were found. Between groups, significant differences were observed at the end of the intervention for jump height and running speed. The conclusion of this study is that the experimental group achieved greater improvements in jumping performance, throwing speed, and running speed in women handball players.

Do all matches require the same effort? Influence of contextual factors on physical demands during official female handball competitions.

Understanding the influence of contextual factors on physical demands is essential to maximize performance in handball. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare the influence of contextual factors (halves of the match, level of the opponent, match outcome and player role) on external load during official matches in women's handball. Twenty-two semi-professional female players from the Spanish 2nd Division were monitored across 13 official home matches. Total distance covered (TDC), high-speed running distance (HSR), high-intensity breaking distance (HIBD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC) and PlayerLoad (PL) were collected in absolute and relative values (normalized by playing time) using a local positioning system (WIMU PRO, Realtrack Systems S.L., Almería, Spain). HSR, HSR/min and HIBD/min decreased during the second half (p < 0.05; small effects). Regarding the level of the opponent, high-level and middle-level teams elicited higher TDC/min, HIBD/min and PL/min than low-level teams (p < 0.05; small-moderate effects). Additionally, starter players exhibited higher absolute values of external load (TDC, HSR, HIBD, ACC, DEC and PL) compared to non-starters (p < 0.05; moderate-large effects). Match outcome did not affect the physical demands (p > 0.05). The study indicated that halves of the match, level of the opponent, and player role influenced external load experienced by players during official matches; specifically, starter players showed higher absolute values of external load compared to non-starters. This information should be considered in managing load and developing strategies to minimize fatigue and enhance performance during matches.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYERS IN THE PREPARATORY PERIOD OF TRAINING

Introduction. Handball as a sport is constantly evolving, demanding from female athletes an enhancement of physical and technical skills, which underscores the need for research into their functional capabilities. Understanding the physiological characteristics of female handball players enables effective planning of the training process, ensuring an optimal combination of endurance, strength, and speed. Identifying the optimal methods of preparing highly skilled handball players is key to increasing their competitiveness at the national and international levels. The preparatory period is crucial for developing the physical condition of the athletes, which directly affects their performance during competitive activities. The relevance of this research is also driven by the growing interest in women's handball and the need to develop specific approaches to training women's teams, taking into account their physiological and psychological characteristics. Aim is to investigate the functional state of handball players during the preparatory period of the stage of maximum realization of individual possibilities. Research material and methods. Material and methods. The study involved athletes of the main squad and reserves of the handball club "Halychanka" in Lviv. The methods included analysis of literary sources and the World Wide Web, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing, a method of multifactorial express diagnostics of functional readiness, content analysis, meta-analysis, and methods of mathematical statistics.. Results. A significant decrease in the V3R index, which reflects the anaerobic creatine phosphate mechanism of energy supply, was found to be 7.84 units below the established standards. This indicates a limited ability to rapidly mobilize energy in the muscles of handball players, which is critical for short-term high-intensity loads. The average indicators of the anaerobic glycolytic energy supply mechanism were 3.1 units lower than the norm, suggesting less efficient use of muscle glycogen for rapid energy acquisition during medium-duration physical efforts. The assessment of the anaerobic lactate mechanism revealed that it was low in 20% of the handball players and below average in 52%, showing only a medium level in 26% of the participants. This demonstrates variability in the athletes' ability to manage the lactate threshold, which is important for long-term endurance. The index of aerobic energy supply was also found to be 1.33 units below the norm, indicating potential deficiencies in long-term energy supply through aerobic metabolism. Conclusions. A balanced approach to training is key to optimizing the sports results of handball players.

Effects of Black Maca supplement on isokinetics muscular performance of elite women's handball players: placebo-controlled, crossover study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in isokinetic muscular performance among female adolescent elite handball athletes with the supplementation of Black Maca (BM). Eight elite handball athletes were recruited for the present study. The intake capsules contained 2,500 mg of 100% concentrated BM extract and a placebo each, for 4 weeks. Isokinetic muscular performance and physical fitness were measured three times at 4-week intervals after the intake of BM and placebo, including baseline. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis showed a significant improvement in 20 m-shuttle run (P < 0.001), 30°/s flexor (P < 0.01), and 120°/s flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the trunk, and 180°/s right extensor (P < 0.05), 180°/s left extensor (P < 0.05), and 180°/s left flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the knee, after BM supplementation. Post-hoc analysis indicated that the BM group had significantly higher results compared to the baseline and placebo groups in terms of 20 m-shuttle run, 30°/s flexor and 120°/s flexor of the trunk, 180°/s right extensor, 180°/s left extensor, and 180°/s left flexor of the knee. BM supplementation can have a positive effect on improving the performance of elite handball players who engage in high-intensity movements by enhancing their isokinetic muscle function and endurance.

CORRELATION BETWEEN INDICATORS OF BALANCE OF NERVOUS PROCESSES WITH LOCALIZATION OF CONTROL IN HIGH SKILLED WOMEN HANDBALL PLAYERS

Introduction. The problem of finding the psychological resource of the athlete remains relevant. Success in sports largely depends on the athlete’s individual psychological characteristics. Many authors, based on research, conclude that the internal locus of control has a positive effect on performance in team and non-team sports. It seems to be an interesting scientific problem to study the gender aspect of this problem.&#x0D; The purpose of the study: to establish a relation between the locus of control and the characteristics of the response to the moving object of elite women handball players.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Athletes of the Ukrainian National women handball team (21 players aged 17 to 28, experience in this sport from 5 to 19 years) took part in the research. To study the locus of athletes' control over significant events, the method for the research of the level of subjective control (LSC) by J. Rotter was used. Software and hardware complex “BOS-test-Professional” for psychological and psychophysiological diagnostics was used to determine the characteristics of the athlete’s response to the moving object.&#x0D; Results: A study of internality found that the majority of skilled handball players (61.9%) have a general internal type of locus of control. The vast majority of athletes tend to take responsibility in the field of productive (sports) relations (81%), areas of achievement (71.4%) and failures (52.4%). However, in areas such as family relationships, health and illness, most athletes share responsibility with the social environment and feel unable to control external circumstances. A correlation has been identified between the internality of locus of control and the ratio of nervous processes (inhibition and excitation) in elite women handball players. Higher stability of athletes' responses to a moving object is associated with a more pronounced internal locus of control, but only in the field of family relations. The obtained data indicate a more optimal functional state of the athlete’s central nervous system with internal locus of control.&#x0D; Conclusions: Family relationships and health &amp; illness are the most sensitive areas for female athletes. This fact provides a basis for gender mainstreaming in psychological support activities.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Physiological Performance Variables in Women's Handball.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used in different sports, although there is no consensus on its benefits. We investigated the effects of eight weeks of IMT in women's handball. Twenty-four players were randomly distributed into experimental (EXP; n = 13) and control (CON; n = 11) groups. Only the EXP group performed IMT using the POWERBreathe device, following indications of the manufacturers. Before and after the intervention, spirometric variables were evaluated at rest and during a graded test using direct analysis of respiratory gases. Perception of exertion at submaximal intensity was also determined. No significant differences were observed post- vs. pre-intervention (p ≥ 0.05) regarding forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (VEF1), FVC/VEF1, maximal expiratory flow at 50% of FVC or peak inspiratory flow. Post-intervention, only the CON group increased their absolute and relative VO2max (2.1 ± 0.2 L/min pre vs. 2.2 ± 0.3 L/min post; 33.6 ± 3.6 ml/kg∙min pre vs. 34.5 ± 3.2 ml/kg∙min post, respectively). No significant improvements (p ≥ 0.05) were observed in VO2 associated with ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1), nor in the intensity associated with VO2max and VT1. However, there was a tendency for the mentioned variables to decrease in the CON group, while in the EXP group the trend was to maintain or increase previous values. IMT did not determine an improvement in the perception of exertion at submaximal intensity. The use of POWERBreathe, as described in the present study, is feasible in terms of time and effort, although its benefits may not be significant.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN WOMEN’S HANDBALL ELITE PLAYERS – MIDDLE RANKING COUNTRIES SPECIFICS

This qualitative research aimed to study the career development outcomes of women's handball players. The purpose was to identify the socio-cultural factors and personal characteristics that enabled athletes from geographically small countries with middle-ranking national handball teams to fulfil their sporting career goals. Data collection via semi-structured interviews and systematic observation of the athlete's career development commenced in 2012 and lasted one decade. Career development was one part of the questions; the other parts concerned migration and dual careers. Altogether sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted – with players ranked in the top ten players in their national teams, and all had played more than 50 international matches; after the observation phase, the eight players still actively playing at the elite handball level were re-interviewed; all were sports migrants. In the final stage of the study, two additional interviews were done – with two athletes who were among the players with the most successful careers in Europe at that time but not having migration experience. The study concluded that parents and coaches are the most important social support in career development in the first career phase. In the second phase, access to dual career prospects is vital to successful career development, parallel with elite handball sports conditions in a club and national teams. A successful migration path seems to be one of the significant factors in evaluating success in sports career development.

The influence of the pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 virus on the activity of the CSU Oradea women's handball team in the 2020-2021 season

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on ordinary activities and lifestyles. As a result of all these changes, it was anticipated that the level of physical activity would also change. Knowing and highlighting the effects of the pandemic on the CSU Oradea women's handball team can generate relevant data regarding the involvement of the players in the preparation process and also the obtained results in the competitions. The subjects of the research have been 16 members of the CSU Oradea women's handball team from the 2020-2021 season. The questionnaires applied, which includes 22 items, was pretested and then applied online between April and May 2021, without undergoing changes from one subject to another. The female athletes of the CSU Oradea team were mostly affected by this pandemic, primarily in terms of sports.

Sport Physical Fitness Using Test Parameters on Malang Raya Handball Players

This handball game requires excellent physical ability, where the physical ability of the handball players in order to be able to play optimally in matches. The research objective is to conduct data surveys and analyze physical conditions using measuring instruments that follow Indonesia's geographical conditions. The research conducted is analytical research through a quantitative descriptive approach. The research instrument used in this study was a test of running speed, agility, and oxygen saturation. Ten test items have excellent categories: running speed of 91.4%, Agility of 89.5%, and Oxygen Saturation of 99.4% in the Malang men's handball team. In the poor women's handball team, three test items had excellent categories at 84.9% running speed, 99% Agility, and 99.6% Oxygen Saturation. As a measure of the ability of each player according to Sport Science. The results of this study can be used as a reference for players and coaches in following up on programs that will be made according to the needs of players with the results of data obtained from sports tests and measurements.

Some physiological changes in performance handballists

The study presents the relationships between the results of the intermittent recovery test Yo-Yo level 2 (YYIRT2), heart rate indices, Cooper test and stress recovery indices of performance handball players at the end of the competitive season. The women's handball team of 20 sportswomen underwent a pre-test, and after six weeks, they were evaluated by the post-test. The results showed some differences (p &lt;0.05) in the stress recovery scales included in the Athlete Stress Recovery Questionnaire and Heart Rate Variables (HRV). The results of the Cooper test, the YYIRT2 test and the VRC test showed no significant differences between pre- and post-test. The mean square of the successive differences had large variations in the performance test and the questionnaire. In the final evaluation there were some discrepancies between some variables that we will take into account in the training of handball players.

Influence of the Menstrual Cycle on the Performance of Different Physical Tests Specific to Handball

Nowadays, several scientific studies focus women's the menstrual cycle and its impact on sports performance. However, the results of these studies are controversial. In This regard, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the menstrual cycle on physiological responses, intermittent Yo-Yo test performance, repeated sprints and medicine-ball in elite women handball players.

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.