Youth Handball Research Articles

Handball load and shoulder injury rate: a 31-week cohort study of 679 elite youth handball players

BackgroundKnowledge of injury patterns, an essential step towards injury prevention, is lacking in youth handball.AimTo investigate if an increase in handball load is associated with increased shoulder injury rates compared...

Comparison of lower limb strength characteristics between youth and adult elite female team handball players

Summary Objectives To analyse isometric strength and power–force–velocity profiling in youth and adult elite female handball players and to determine the differences in these capabilities according to age, anthropometric characteristics and playing positions. Methods Twenty-one youths and 18 adults were tested in dynamic and isometric conditions. Power-load profiling was assessed from leg press using loads ranging from 30 to 90% of one maximum repetition. The maximal voluntary contraction and the rate of force development (times intervals 50–200 ms) were analysed during isometric knee extension. Results A markedly difference was observed between youth and adult groups for their mechanical capabilities. Specifically the adult group's values were much higher than those of the youth players for power output at all loads tested (P Conclusions These results provide novel data on the strength characteristics that distinguished youth and adult players. Increasing power output and explosive force should be prescribed to young players hoping to reach a top-class performance level.

Does training with 3D videos improve decision-making in team invasion sports?

We examined the effectiveness of video-based decision training in national youth handball teams. Extending previous research, we tested in Study 1 whether a three-dimensional (3D) video training group would outperform a two-dimensional (2D) group. In Study 2, a 3D training group was compared to a control group and a group trained with a traditional tactic board. In both studies, training duration was 6 weeks. Performance was measured in a pre- to post-retention design. The tests consisted of a decision-making task measuring quality of decisions (first and best option) and decision time (time for first and best option). The results of Study 1 showed learning effects and revealed that the 3D video group made faster first-option choices than the 2D group, but differences in the quality of options were not pronounced. The results of Study 2 revealed learning effects for both training groups compared to the control group, and faster choices in the 3D group compared to both other groups. Together, the results show that 3D video training is the most useful tool for improving choices in handball, but only in reference to decision time and not decision quality. We discuss the usefulness of a 3D video tool for training of decision-making skills outside the laboratory or gym.

The role of community in the development of elite handball and football players in Denmark

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the place of early development in a sample of Danish male elite and youth handball and football players. The sample included 366 handball and football players from the elite Danish league in the season 2011–2012 and a comparison sample of youth players under the age of 12 from 2003, including 147,221 football and 26,290 handball players. Odds ratio analysis showed that both population size and density significantly affected the proportional number of youth players per community and the odds of athletes reaching an elite level in football and handball. The odds for youth player registrations in both handball and football increased in rural in contrast to urban communities. However, elite football players primarily came from communities of high density (>1000 pop./km2), whereas elite handball players primarily came from less densely populated communities (100 to <250 pop./km2). Furthermore, there seems to be a relation between representation of elite and talent clubs in different communities and the probability of becoming an elite player in both sports. The limited number of elite players in both sports from rural communities may be due to national talent development strategies that do not incorporate development support for clubs in rural areas. Additionally, the results of the study clearly suggest the need to include the youth player population to advance research findings in birthplace effect studies.

Construction of Endurance Of Compound Skill Performance Test For Youth Handball Players Of The Northern Region

Construction of Endurance Of Compound Skill Performance Test For Youth Handball Players Of The Northern Region

The Effect of a Coordination Training Program on the Performance of Basic Handball Skills among Young Female Athletes

Handball is a sport which demands a high level of coordination. The term “coordination” has been defined as the ability to perform complex motor exercises. The 5 basic coordination abilities are: reaction, rhythm, balance, kinesthetic differentiation and space - time orientation. It has been suggested that “additional technique training” should be practiced during childhood and adolescence in order enhance coordination abilities. The aim of this study was to define which elements of coordination are the most important in handball and to identify whether a coordination training program will improve the performance of basic handball skills among children. Ten expert coaches in handball completed a questionnaire relating to the five elements of coordination and gave their opinion regarding the most important elements of coordination for handball players. Based on the results from the questionnaires, a program was designed to provide practice in the most important elements of coordination for handball. The study participants were 20 female youth handball players (age 11 ± 2 years). The experimental group (EG, n=20) performed a specific coordination program 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Measurements of handball performance were taken prior to beginning the program and again after 12 weeks of training. The results revealed that there was a significant difference in performance before and after the training program. In conclusion, performance of basic handball skills (passing, shooting, dribbling and defensive movements) improved after participating in the training program for 12 weeks.

F-26 Free Communication/Poster - Injury Epidemiology

During the last century several studies (i.e. Kassel, 1929) have thoroughly described that young people with eminent performance have a tendency to be born early in the year. Succeeding studies in sport (i.e. Musch & Grondin, 2001; Cobley et al., 2009) have documented the relative age effect (RAE). Selection of team handball players are often based on physical and cognitive criteria (e.g. play intelligence), making it an advantage to be bigger, faster, stronger and have more experience. However, there have been few studies about RAE in youth handball, and especially whether the age effect lasts. Sánchez-Rodríguez et al. (2013) have investigated RAE in male handball; findings indicate an age effect in several national teams. The Norwegian national handball team for women has been world leading the last decade. PURPOSE: To examine the relative age effect over time in three different Norwegian female youth national teams (U-20, U-18, U-16). Our hypothesis is that the RAE effect flattens over time. METHODS: Data from three different Norwegian female youth national teams (U-20 (n=22), U- 18 (n=19), U-16 (n=16)) were collected in cooperation with the Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF). Youth national teams are divided into categories made up by players born in two following years, where cut off dates are in even numbered birth years. Thus, a national team consists of players born in eight different quartiles. RESULTS: Significant correlations (p<0.05) between number of athletes and birth quartiles were found for U-16 (r2=.67) and U-18 (r2=.60), while no significant correlation was found for U-20 (r2=.02, p>0.05) CONCLUSION: This indicates that there is a RAE in the younger age groups (U-16 and U-18) while it is not visible in U-20. This may be explained by new players entering youth national teams over time, and less matured players catching up and then achieve key criteria for selection. Early maturation and physical capacity seem to favor players in selection at younger age. Future studies should compare the current findings with new youth national teams to see if this is a trend or a random result.

SHOULDER PAIN PROBLEMS IN YOUTH HANDBALL

BackgroundAssessment of prevalence and consequences of shoulder pain problems in youth handball is an integral first step towards injury prevention, but the literature is scarce.ObjectiveTo evaluate prevalence and impact of...

Differences in biological maturation, anthropometry and physical performance between playing positions in youth team handball

It was the goal of this cross-sectional study to examine differences in maturity, anthropometry and physical performance between youth handball players across different playing positions (i.e. goalkeeper, back, pivot and wing). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), accounting for biological maturation, was used to assess positional differences in 472 male youth handball players from three age groups: U14, U15 and U16. Differences in age at peak height velocity were found in all age groups. Backs were significantly more mature than wings in U14 and U15 and than wings and pivots in U16. Furthermore, backs are overall taller, have a bigger arm span and perform best on tests for strength, agility and speed, especially in the U15 age group. Therefore, it can be concluded that youth players with the most advanced maturation status and the most favourable anthropometry and physical fitness scores, are consistently positioned in the back position. Players with a less advanced maturity status and an overall smaller stature are placed on the wing or pivot positions. In conclusion, it seems that anthropometrical and maturational characteristics are used by coaches to directly and/or indirectly select players for specific field positions. This strategy is risky since anthropometry and maturity status change over the years.

Correction: A New Dimension to Relative Age Effects: Constant Year Effects in German Youth Handball

The affiliations for Dr. Jorg Schorer are incorrect. The full, correct author byline and affiliations are as follows: Jorg Schorer1,3, Nick Wattie2, Joseph R. Baker2 1 Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Muenster, Munster, Germany, 2 School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Canada, 3 Institute for Sport Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany

A new dimension to relative age effects: constant year effects in German youth handball.

In this manuscript we argue for a broader use of the term ‘relative age effect’ due to the influence of varying development policies on the development of sport expertise. Two studies are presented on basis of data from Schorer, et al. [1]. The first showed clear ‘constant year effects’ in the German handball talent development system. A shift in year groupings for the female athletes resulted in a clear shift of birth year patterns. In the second study we investigated whether the constant year effect in the national talent development system carried over to professional handball. No patterns were observable. Together both studies show that a differentiation of varying effects that often happen simultaneously is necessary to understand the secondary mechanisms behind the development of sport expertise.

Factors of success. Attitude differences of one Hungarian and one Serbian team’s youth handball players

Results of the Hungarian and the Serbian handball teams are similar on the international level (IHF rankings: Serbia 4. Hungary 5. IHF-10.03.2012.), however the general supposition is that the Serbian handball players are more successful and more acknowledged. This is confirmed by numerous Serbian internationals that play at high level in Hungary and other European countries and the results of the youth national teams. In this article we were searching for the influential factors behind the success of the Serbian team. While there are no considerable differences in physical performance and anthropometric parameters so we assume the main differences are in their relation and stance to coach and to training. In our study we support an explanation for the reasons of the differences in the results between two nations youth handball players with an analysis of the attitude to the head coach and players relation to work and physical training. Our sample was chosen from one Serbian (Crvenka) and one Hungarian (Komló) youth team. The measurement was completed with a standard survey according to Hagger et al. (2007) Passes questionnaire. The results show that the Serbian youth players have better relations with their head coach and have better stance for work and training, which might be an explanation for their better success.

Your fate is in your hands? Handedness, digit ratio (2D:4D), and selection to a national talent development system

Over the past decade a small evidence base has highlighted the potential importance of seemingly innocuous variables related to one's hands, such as hand dominance and the relative length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D ratio), to success in sport. This study compared 2D:4D digit ratio and handedness among handball players selected to advance in a national talent development system with those not selected. Participants included 480 youth handball players (240 females and 240 males) being considered as part of the talent selection programme for the German Youth National team. Hand dominance and digit ratio were compared to age-matched control data using standard t-tests. There was a greater proportion of left-handers compared to the normal population in males but not in females. There was also a lower digit ratio in both females and males. However, there were no differences between those selected for the next stage of talent development and those not selected on either handedness or digit ratio. These results add support for general effects for both digit ratio and handedness in elite handball; however, these factors seem inadequate to explain talent selection decisions at this level.

A longitudinal study of multidimensional performance characteristics related to physical capacities in youth handball

Longitudinal research provides valuable information about change and progress towards elite performance. Unfortunately, there is a lack of longitudinal research in handball. In this study, 94 youth handball players (oldest group: n = 41; age 15–17 and youngest group: n = 53; age 13–15) were followed over a three-year period. Repeated Measures ANCOVA was conducted to reveal longitudinal changes in anthropometry and physical performance between elite and non-elite players, controlling for maturation. Maturation effects were found for anthropometry (P < 0.01) and some physical performance measures in strength and speed (P < 0.05). The lack of significant interaction effects revealed that during the three years of the study the elite players did not improve their physical performance more rapidly than the non-elites. Furthermore, they had a similar anthropometric profile to the non-elites. Elite players performed better on the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test (P < 0.01; on average 24.0 in the youngest group and 25.2% in the oldest group over the three years) and on the speed and coordination items (P < 0.05; shuttle run: 3.6 and 5.1%; cross hopping: 11.0 and 14.8%, handball-specific shuttle run: 7.6 and 7.7%; slalom dribble test: 10.7 and 8.9%; sprint 30 m: 4.9 and 3.9%). Additionally, Yo-Yo performance and coordination with and without a ball were the most discriminating factors between the playing levels. In conclusion, youth coaches and scouts within team handball should recognise the importance of good skills and an excellent endurance for talent identification purposes.

Injury risk in Danish youth and senior elite handball using a new SMS text messages approach

ObjectiveTo assess the injury incidence in elite handball, and if gender and previous injuries are risk factors for new injuries.MethodsCohort study of 517 male and female elite handball players (age...

A multidisciplinary identification model for youth handball

Talent identification in team sports is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between elite and non-elite handball players in three age groups: U14 (n=186), U16 (n=150), and U18 (n=92). A multidimensional test battery was assessed, taking biological maturation into account. Significant maturation effects were found for all anthropometric characteristics and most performance variables. Compared with their non-elite peers, the elite handball players demonstrated significantly greater aerobic capacity (P<0.01), strength and power (U14: countermovement jump, P=0.021; sit-ups, P=0.003; handgrip, P=0.020; U16: countermovement jump, P=0.013; five-jump test, P<0.001), and speed and agility (P<0.05) when maturation was controlled for. There was a significant difference in flexibility between elite and non-elite players in the U18 group (P<0.05). The elite and non-elite players did not differ in task- and ego-orientation. These results show that elite and non-elite young handball players possess different physical performance characteristics and that the specific tests that discriminate elite from non-elite handball players vary among age groups. In addition, maturity status can influence the results and should therefore be considered in talent identification and development programmes.

Comparative analysis of training regimens between top European and Japanese women’s youth handball teams with a focus on shooting

Comparative analysis of training regimens between top European and Japanese women’s youth handball teams with a focus on shooting

Anthropometric and performance measures for the development of a talent detection and identification model in youth handball

The first part of this study examined in which basic morphological and fitness measures Under-14 (n = 34) and Under-16 (n = 47) male youth handball players differ from reference samples of the same age (n = 430 and n = 570, respectively). To help develop a talent identification model, the second part of the study investigated which specific morphological and performance measures describe differences between elite (n = 18) and non-elite (n = 29) Under-16 youth handball players. The results showed that Under-16 handball players were significantly taller than the reference group; this was not the case in the Under-14 age group. Physical fitness in handball players was significantly better than in the reference groups. Multivariate analysis of covariance (maturation and chronological age as covariates) showed that the Under-16 elite players were heavier and had greater muscle circumferences than their non-elite peers. Elite players scored significantly better on strength, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance but not on balance, upper limb speed, flexibility or upper body muscular endurance. Maturation was a significant covariate in anthropometric measures but not in physical performance. Discriminant analysis between elite and non-elite players revealed that height, running speed, and agility are important parameters for talent identification. Specific anthropometric measures, in addition to some performance measures, are useful for talent identification in youth handball.

Epidemiology of injuries in juvenile handball players

Aim of the study was to elucidate epidemiological aspects and injury mechanisms in juvenile team handball. A standardized questionnaire was used to evaluate the injuries of 100 juvenile players (50 male, 50 female, year of birth 1982/83). A total of 130 injuries were recorded of 73 players. Most of the injuries (73.1%) occurred between the age of 15 and 18. Approximately two thirds of the injuries (69.2%) occurred in a competition and most of them in an offensive situation. Backcourt players (29.0%), line players (27.5%), and goalkeepers (17.0%.) were the player positions to be most injured. Female goalkeepers were three times more often injured than male ones at the same age. Most injuries applied to the foot and the ankle (32.0%), followed by the finger joint (26.9%) and the knee (24.6%). The most frequent ankle injuries were ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments. The knee joint was affected by the most severe injuries with the need of surgical therapy. The most common injury concerning the knee joint was rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Eleven ACL tears were recorded in the age between 15 and 18 years (12-14 years: 1; 8-12 years: 0). The most typical game situation at the point of injury was catching a ball (38.5%), contact situation with the opponent (34.5%), or landing after a jump (26.2%). This study allows conclusions concerning prevention of injuries in juvenile team handball. There is apparently a difference in muscle strength and coordination of the youth handball player, especially at the age of 15-18 years, which has to be addressed. Therefore the authors recommend a proprioceptive training program as well as exercises to improve jumping techniques. Special strengthening training for the finger muscles might help to prevent finger injuries. The frequency of contact injuries underlines the importance of a "fair play" campaign among young players.