Introduction: The current handball performance, both nationally and internationally, has obvious progress in terms of the dynamics of the game in all phases of its development in attack and defense, characterized by the speed and complexity of development throughout the game. Anthropometric parameters and physical tests have been identified as fundamental to determining the success of handball performance. Examining fitness profiles could be of great importance for the optimal preparation of training plans and the orthopedic care of high-performance handball players. Materials and methods: Seven athletes from the handball club SCM Politehnica Timișoara, aged between 21 and 35, participated in this study. The tests conducted were aimed at evaluating the following parameters: body composition, strength of the lower and upper limbs and speed endurance. Results: The results obtained in body composition show an average value for weight of 90.14 ± 8.35kg, for BF 15.55 ± 2.79% and for BMI 25.32 ± 0.98 kg/m2. In dynamometric tests, the mean values were obtained for VJ height of 27.85 ± 6.02 cm, for CMJ height the value of 28.07 ± 2.74 cm and for SJ height the value of 27.42 ± 2.67 cm. The mean value for the maximum oxygen consumption VO2max was 49.32 ± 2.32 ml / kg / min, and for the total distance traveled was obtained, 1714.28 ± 208.7 m. Conclusions: Analyzing the data obtained and by comparison with international average reference values, it can be concluded that a specific physical training regime based on the level and position of the player on the field is needed to improve the technical procedures during the match and prevent injuries.

Introduction: In handball, the time for physical training is limited, because the focus is placed on the technical-tactical and mental aspects. The introduction of specific physical training is crucial in increasing the sports performance. Even though handball is a team sport, match analysis has shown that physical training in modern handball should be pointed towards the specific playing position and individual physical ability of the players. Materials and methods: The subjects who participated in this are from two groups: the control group consisting of 16 junior I athletes aged 16-18 years, from the CSM Resita handball club, and the experimental group represented by 16 junior I athletes aged between 16-18 years old, from the handball club SCM Politehnica Timișoara. On the experimental group, it was applied in addition to the specific training program, an additional strength training program to increase strength and endurance. The tests aimed to evaluate the following parameters: specific power and specific energy of lower and upper limbs or aerobic fitness. Results and discussions: For both dynamometric and endurance tests, statistically significant differences for all parameters have been registered only for the experimental group. The results showed an important improvement in the variables of the experimental group after training. Conclusions: The objective to improve the physical training of junior handball players by applying a complementary training program was achieved.