The aims of this study were to define determinant factors that affected throwing actions used to score goals in handball, and to study the effectiveness of throwing actions and their relationships with different factors during their use, such as: the throwing distance, type of arm build, type of throw, whether it is done while jumping or while supported, the last supporting foot and the previous step cycle, as well as their relationship with the final score of the game in elite male handball competitions. A total of 1049 shots from 24 matches in the 2018/19/20 International Men’s Handball Championship were analysed. The results show that distance is relevant in the effectiveness of throwing, setting the build up, throwing while supported or jumping, the type of throwing, the type of steps cycle used and the supporting foot. This seems to indicate that the determining factor that affects a throw is distance.

The objectives of this study were: (i) to analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed from seven meters in amateur male handball players of different ages; (ii) to know the relationship between anthropometric parameters and throwing. One hundred seventy-six male handball players (16.5 ± 5.1 years old) participated in the study, classified according to their age: senior (n = 35), U18 (n = 30), U16 (n = 37), U14 (n = 50) and U12 (n = 24). All participants were evaluated by anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index, arm span, hand width) and throwing speed from 7 m standing. A one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to establish the differences between teams. Pearson’s simple correlation coefficients were calculated between analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed. Multiple linear regression was used to predict the throwing speed. Only BMI was related with throwing speed in all age groups (0.506 > r < 0.813, p < 0.05). Throwing speed was predicted (24–72%) with only one or two variables in each model. The selected variables were: BMI, arm span in U16 model and height U14 model, and the BMI, arm span and height are proved to be good predictors of TS in male handball players.

The aim of this article was to analyze the step cycle that precedes the throwing action in elite men’s handball and its relationship with different factors, such as throwing distance, throwing technics, throw speed, whether it occurs in jump or standing, the last step, and efficiency. Twenty-four complete matches were analyzed, with a total of 1013 throws in three international elite men’s handball championships. The results show that the most used step cycle is the one performed with two steps. There is a significant relationship between the step cycle and the throw distance, with two-step throws being the most used from outside 9 m (29.8%, p < 0.001), three-step throws at a distance between 6 and 9 m (35.9%, p < 0.001), and zero- and one-step throws from 6 m (30.5%, p < 0.001). Likewise, the last step with natural footing is the most used (93.7%, p < 0.001) with a complete cycle of steps, followed by false foot with more than three steps (27.3%, p < 0.001), and two feet with zero steps (12.6%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the skill to take advantage of the dynamic improvement offered by the mastery of the step cycle, adapting to the different situations of the game, could be an essential characteristic of the player to effectively complete the throwing action.

Throwing the ball to score a goal in handball is a critical action for success in offensive play. Speed and accuracy are two determining factors for successful throws. While there is substantial research on the importance of these factors, discrepancies exist regarding their relationship. This study aims to analyze the impact of jumping ability on throwing speed and accuracy across different competitive levels in handball. Thirty-five male handball players were recruited from amateur and professional levels. Jumping ability was assessed and throwing speed and accuracy were measured using a high-performance sports radar. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between amateur and professional groups in countermovement jump (CMJ) and throwing speed jump. The comparative analysis revealed significant differences in throwing speed and in correct and incorrect throws, with large to very large effect sizes. Pearson's r correlation indicated significant correlations between throwing speed jump and CMJ, countermovement jump left (CMJL), and countermovement jump right (CMJR), and between throwing speed deficit and CMJL in the total sample. The results show that professional handball players exhibit higher throwing accuracy and speed compared to amateurs. Throwing speed and accuracy are positively correlated with performance in male handball players.

This study examined how delayed decision-making affects speed and accuracy in handball jump throws. Thirty-five experienced male players (age: 24.87 ± 4.57 yr) performed frontal 9 m jump throws under three visual-stimulus onset delays: T1 (0 s), T2 (0.100 s), and T3 (0.250 s). Throwing speed (TS) was measured via radar gun and accuracy via video analysis of hits on corner targets. Data were analysed using Friedman and Cochran's Q tests for condition effects, and binary logistic regression to examine the speed–accuracy relationship. Delayed stimulus onset caused a progressive reduction in TS (χ ² (2) = 33.036, p < 0.001, Kendall's W = 0.472). Accuracy was significantly affected (Q(2) = 9.652, p = 0.008, Cramér's V = 0.371), remaining stable between T1 and T2 but deteriorating sharply in T3 (T3 vs T2: p = 0.007). Logistic regression showed that normalized speed did not predict accuracy under T1 or T2 (T1 p = 0.601; T2 p = 0.106); however, under T3, a significant association emerged (OR = 1.164, p = 0.009), indicating the absence of a classic speed–accuracy trade-off. Temporal constraints modulate performance non-linearly: players prioritize accuracy under moderate pressure (T2) by reducing speed, but reach a critical threshold under severe constraints (T3) where both parameters collapse. This interval represents the limit of online motor reprogramming and the breakdown of perceptual-motor coupling. Training should incorporate late-stimulus drills to enhance perceptual-cognitive flexibility and fast-reprogramming capacity under extreme time pressure.

Throwing the ball to score a goal in handball is a critical action for success in offensive play. Speed and accuracy are two determining factors for successful throws. While there is substantial research on the importance of these factors, discrepancies exist regarding their relationship. This study aims to analyze the impact of jumping ability on throwing speed and accuracy across different competitive levels in handball. Thirty-five male handball players were recruited from amateur and professional levels. Jumping ability was assessed and throwing speed and accuracy were measured using a high-performance sports radar. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between amateur and professional groups in countermovement jump (CMJ) and throwing speed jump. The comparative analysis revealed significant differences in throwing speed and in correct and incorrect throws, with large to very large effect sizes. Pearson's r correlation indicated significant correlations between throwing speed jump and CMJ, countermovement jump left (CMJL), and countermovement jump right (CMJR), and between throwing speed deficit and CMJL in the total sample. The results show that professional handball players exhibit higher throwing accuracy and speed compared to amateurs. Throwing speed and accuracy are positively correlated with performance in male handball players.