Performance analysis based on artificial intelligence together with game-related statistical models aims to provide relevant information before, during and after a competition. Due to the evaluation of handball performance focusing mainly on the result and not on the analysis of the dynamics of the game pace through artificial intelligence, the aim of this study was to design and validate a specific handball instrument based on real-time observational methodology capable of identifying, quantifying, classifying and relating individual and collective tactical behaviours during the game. First, an instrument validation by an expert panel was performed. Ten experts answered a questionnaire regarding the relevance and appropriateness of each variable presented. Subsequently, data were validated by two observers (1.5 and 2 years of handball observational analysis experience) recruited to analyse a Champions League match. Instrument validity showed a high accordance degree among experts (Cohen’s kappa index (k) = 0.889). For both automatic and manual variables, a very good intra- ((automatic: Cronbach’s alpha (α) = 0.984; intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.970; k = 0.917) (manual: α = 0.959; ICC = 0.923; k = 0.858)) and inter-observer ((automatic: α = 0.976; ICC = 0.961; k = 0.874) (manual: α = 0.959; ICC = 0.923; k = 0.831) consistency and reliability was found. These results show a high degree of instrument validity, reliability and accuracy providing handball coaches, analysts, and researchers a novel tool to improve handball performance.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of the sprint force-velocity profile [Hzt FV profile] variables with change of direction [COD] performance in female futsal players. Twelve female futsal players (age: 19.83 ± 4.2 years; body height: 160.75 ± 8.37 cm; body mass: 57.64 ± 8.3 kg) volunteered to be evaluated in the following assessments: Hzt FV profile, 505 test, modified 505 test [M505test] and V-cut test. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient [r_s] (p < 0.05) was used to determine the relationship of the mechanical variables of the sprint (maximum power output [P_max], maximum horizontal force production [F₀] and maximum velocity [V₀]) with COD performance. V₀ showed a very large significant association with the 505 test (r_s = -0.767; 90% CI: (-0.92 to -0.43); p < 0.01) and a large association with the V-cut test (r_s = -0.641; 90% CI: (-0.86 to -0.21); p < 0.05), whereas P_max was strongly associated with results of the 505 test (r_s = -0.821; 90% CI: (-0.94 to -0.55); p < 0.01) and largely associated with the V-cut test results (r_s = -0.596; 90% CI: (-0.84 to -0.14); p < 0.05). In conclusion, maximal power and velocity output during sprinting are determinant factors to successful COD in 180º and 45º cuts, thus, the Hzt FV profile should be assessed in female futsal players to better understand the influence of sprint mechanical properties on COD performance and prescribe individualized training programs

The aim of this study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the main performance variables of national teams that competed in the Men's (Germany-Denmark 2019) and Women's (Germany 2017) senior handball World Cups, and to compare the spatial offensive performance indices of laterality and depth according to the gender of players, considering for this purpose the total number of throws made according to the finishing area. A documentary study was carried out based on the total number of throws made in 192 male and 154 female games of 48 national teams belonging to 33 countries, which participated in previous World Cups. The data were collected from the International Handball Federation (IHF) statistics. The results showed that the areas from which the highest number of shots were taken in both World Cups were the central and shallow areas of the field. Several gender differences were observed. More specifically, male teams made much more attempts from the left side area than female teams (data), who finished from the right side (data). The depth index reflected that, although the dominant execution by gender was from deep offensive zones, men's teams finished more often from the 1st offensive line, while female teams finished from the 2nd offensive line. This information will be useful for coaches in designing training tasks and for players in improving decision making.

Background: The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the mechanical parameters of the horizontal force–velocity profile (Hzt FV profile) and performance over two different change of direction (COD) protocols (505test and modified 505test [M505test]) to assess the influence of mechanical parameters of Hzt FV profile on COD deficit (CODD) in soccer players among different categories. Methods: Seventy-seven soccer players, divided into playing levels, participated in the following assessments: Hzt FV profile, 505test and M505test. Spearman correlation coefficient (r_s [p < 0.05]) and a linear regression model were used to determine the relationship between COD performance and mechanical parameters of sprint (maximum power output [P_max], maximum horizontal force production [F₀] and maximum velocity application [V₀]). Results: Results suggest that: (1) V0 is highly correlated with 505test [Professional (r_s = −0.682, p < 0.01); Amateurs (r_s = −0.721, p < 0.01); U18DH (r_s = −0.736, p < 0.01); U18LN (r_s = −0.569, p < 0.01)]; (2) F₀ is strongly correlated to M505test F₀—M505test [Professional (r_s = −0.468, p < 0.05); Amateurs (r_s = −0.690, p < 0.01); U18DH (r_s = −0.642, p < 0.01); U18LN (r_s = −0.658, p < 0.01)]; and (3) significant differences were observed in Professionals vs. U18LN comparison [505test (U = −37.7, p = 0.000); M505test (U = −26.9, p = 0.000)]. Conclusions: A significant relationship exists between strength levels and COD performance depending on task demands. Horizontal force (F₀) is crucial in statics COD, while high-speed force production (V₀) is decisive in dynamics COD. Finally, higher-level players demonstrate greater efficiency in COD.