In this research, we aimed to (1) describe the differences in internal and external load between playing positions and (2) characterize the training demands of the days before competitive events for professional handball players. Fifteen players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 4 backs, and 2 pivots)...

The objective of this study is to automate and analyse the quantification of external load during an elite men’s handball match. This study was carried out using data from a local positioning system and inertial measurement units. The literature review leads us to assume that physical demands are different depending on position, player specialty and phases of the game. In order to do this analysis, raw data was used from professional competitors of a Spanish club during National and European competition matches. First, a game phase algorithm was designed to automate phase recognition. Then, a descriptive evaluation of the means and standard deviation was performed with the following variables: total distance, total time, total Accel’Rate, the percentages of distance and time per speed and displacement direction. A Kruskal Wallis test was applied to normalized distance and normalized Accel’Rate. Defensive play showed the highest values on covered distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m). However, normalized distance showed significant differences (p<0.05) across all phases with defensive play (558.8 ± 53.9 m/10min) lower than offensive play (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min), offensive transition (1671.3 ± 242.0 m/10min) or defensive transition (1604.5 ± 242.0 m/10min). Regarding position, wing players covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at the second highest intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min) after offensive back players (1105.0 ± 84.9 m/10min). Significant difference in normalized requirements were found between each playing position: goalkeepers, wings, versatile backs, versatile line players, offensive backs and defensive backs (p<0.05), so a separation between offensive or defensive specialists is plausible and necessary. In conclusion, as physical demands differ for each game phase, activity profile among players is modulated by their playing position and their specialty (offense, defense or none). This study may help to create individual training programs according to precise on-court demands.

In today’s elite handball, coaching staff seek to know as much as possible about all the details of their sport to gain an advantage by adapting their model of play or by looking for the opponent’s weak points. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse which variables can influence success in each phase of the match with polar coordinates. Observational methodology was used to analyse success or failure within the nature of handball by means of an ad hoc observation instrument designed and validated for this research. A total of 14 elite men’s handball matches from the 2019–2020 season were analysed. The relationships between success and failure of all behaviours were performed with polar coordinates. The results show that one of the keys to achieving victory in matches is centred on a high level of success in the defensive phase that allows the team to recover the ball and to be able to go on the counterattack to obtain a clear option for a goal. This research allows us to see how we can achieve success in the different phases of the game and improve team performance with these indicators. These results suggest that it is necessary for teams to train at a high pace of play, linking the different phases of the game in order to recover the ball in the defensive phase and attack in the shortest possible time against an unstructured defence to achieve success in the match and the final victory.

The study aimed to analyse the quality of rest of elite handball players during a half-season and to examine the differences between home and away rest. Adequate rest is key to recovery and performance, but the high density of matches and travel may affect sleep quality and duration. A...

Introduction: Wheelchair sports, such as wheelchair rugby (WR), are intermittent in nature, combining high- and low-intensity actions. Although some data exists on the effects of caffeine intake in WR players, further research using specific physical tests related to the demands of WR gameplay is necessary. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effect of caffeine supplementation on neuromuscular performance and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in WR players. Methodology: A total of four WR players participated in this study. Participants ingested 4 mg/kg of anhydrous caffeine dissolved with saccharin in 200 mL of water (CAF) and 200 mL of plain water with saccharin (PLA) 45 minutes before warming up. The following tests were performed: rotator cuff maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test, initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) test, 10-m sprint test and RSA test (12 x 5 m). Results: CAF resulted in increased strength and power values in the MVIC and IMPRP tests (≈14.0–18.0%). Also, the CAF group reported a shorter sprint time at 3 (≈5.0%), 5 (≈3.0%), and 10 meters (≈2.0%). Discussion: Improvements in distance in the IMPRP as well as in a 20m sprint test have previously been reported in WR players after ingesting 4 mg/kg caffeine. Conclusions: The intake of 4 mg/kg of caffeine 45 minutes before warming up could be slightly enhance performance, especially in neuromuscular actions, in WR players.

The quantification of physical demands placed upon handball players, segmented by their specific roles and duration of play, is crucial for sustaining high performance and minimizing the risk of injury. Leveraging advanced inertial measurement units, this investigation captured and analyzed the...