The aims of this study were: (1) to examine the influence of game location and team quality on performance indicators in elite handball and (2) to analyze the home advantage effect in different game contexts according to the ability of both teams (strong, intermediate and/or weak). The sample included all 240 matches from the Spanish Professional Handball League (ASOBAL League) during the 2012/13 season. The home advantage was 63.10%, but this effect depends on the particular context of the game. Results identified those critical game-related statistics that are affected by playing at home or away (6m Goal Effectiveness, 9m Goal Effectiveness, Fast Break Goals, Field Total Shots, Steals, 6m Goalkeeper Effectiveness, 9m Goalkeeper Effectiveness and Total Goalkeeper Effectiveness, p<0.01 and Turnovers, p<0.05) and how the value of these variables depends on the particular context of the game. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the situational variables determinants of elite handball performances, helping the coaches to prepare the players accordingly.

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 analysis of defensive game variables in handball is essential to increase the performance of a team. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse defensive success based on the game variables and situational variables that predict defensive efficiency in elite handball. Methods: The sample was composed of 1925 competition units in the defensive phase. Data from 16 matches of the XXIII Men's Handball World Championship of 2013 were analysed. The dependent variable was the defensive efficiency in each unit, and the independent variables were defensive actions, zones of field, location of the shot, numerical situation, and duration of the defense. Data were obtained from the HandballTAS tool (Handball Tactic Analysis System). The collected data were analysed quantitatively through inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) with the assistance of SPSS 22.0. Results: The defenses analysed in which an offensive foul, a ball recovery or steal, a throw block and a passive play action were recorded, achieved defensive success. In the analysis of field areas, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in shots from zone 1, with 60%, and from zone 2, with 54%. The highest percentages of goalkeeper effectiveness correspond to the middle zone, and the central zone. The greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in a warning of passive play situation with 70% and in numerical superiority situation with 67%. Finally, in the analysis of the duration, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in the half defenses (26 ≤ 50 seconds) with 60%. Conclusion: This study serves to demonstrate which defensive game variables have the greatest influence on defensive efficiency. This aspect will serve to help the coach make decisions during a handball match and increase the probability of success in each defense.

Article: An evaluation of the association between anthropometric measurements and cardiorespiratory fitness using the forest service step and the Ruffier-Dickson Test - Medicina dello Sport 2022 September;75(3):391-403 - Minerva Medica - Journals

This study aims to examine whether fair play behaviour is associated with competitive performance. An additional objective is to analyse gender differences in Fair Play in the Handball World Championships between 2007 and 2023. A total of 464 games were reviewed to analyse the team's fair play statistics. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine any differences between the men's and women's teams on the variables analysed in the study. Statistical power analysis, G*Power 3.1, was used to determine the power statistical analysis and the effect size of the model. According to the team rankings, significant differences were observed between men and women in all variables analysed, except for yellow cards. The findings indicate that teams achieving higher final rankings generally demonstrated more disciplined conduct. These results support the idea that fair play is positively associated with athletic performance, reinforcing the notion that ethical and disciplined behaviour is compatible with competitive success.