Match Performance and Physiological Capacity of Female Elite Team Handball Players

Abstract

The present study evaluated the physical demands imposed on female elite team handball players in relation to playing position. Female elite team handball field players were examined during match-play over a 5-year period using video based computerized locomotion analysis of tournament matches. In addition, physiological measurements during match-play and in separate physical tests were carried out. A total distance of 4002±551 m (group means±SD) was covered per match with a total effective playing time of 50:42±5:50 min:s, while full-time players covered 4693±333 m. On average, each player (n=83) performed 663.8±99.7 activity changes per match, and the mean speed was 5.31±0.33 km · h(-1). High-intensity running constituted 0.8±0.5% of total effective playing time per match corresponding to 2.5±1.8% of the total distance covered. The amount of high-intensity running was reduced (p<0.05) 21.9% in the second half (44.9±16.8 m) compared to the first (57.5±21.3 m). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2-max) was 3.49±0.37 l O2 · min(-1) corresponding to 49.6±4.8 ml O2 · min(-1) · kg(-1). Mean relative workload during match-play was 79.4±6.4% of VO2-max. Mean total running distance in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1) was 1436±222 m, which was greater in wing players (1516±172 m, p<0.05) than pivots (1360±118 m) and backcourt players (1352±148 m). In conclusion, modern female elite team handball is a physically demanding intermittent team sport, where players are exposed to high relative workloads with substantial estimated aerobic energy expenditure interspersed by short periods of dominant anaerobic energy production as reflected by the limited amount of high-intensity running. Indications of fatigue and a resulting decline in physical performance were identified, since the amount of high-intensity running and the relative workload levels decreased in the second half. Positional differences were observed, with wing players covering a greater total distance than backcourt players, performing more high-intensity running and demonstrating a better intermittent recovery capacity (Yo-Yo test outcome) compared to both backcourt players and pivots.

High-Intensity Events in International Women’s Team Handball Matches

“…In male handball, backs and pivots are shown to have higher mean heart rate, compared to wings 6 . However, in female team handball players 11,23 , its reported no difference between playing positions 23 , or that pivots have higher mean heart rate than both backs and wings 11 . The small differences in Player Load™·min -1 between wings and backs in this study is, thus, not supported by heart rate measurements.…”

“…Heart rate measurements from team handball match play show some difference between playing positions 6,11,23 . Goalkeepers show lower values than all other positions 23 , which is in line with the lower Player Load™·min -1 shown in this study.…”

“…Female team handball players are reported to cover a greater total distance per match when compared to male players, with an average running pace of 77.8 -79.6 mmin -1 10 . Low-intensity activities, such as standing still and walking, constitutes the highest portion of playing time (34 -81% of total playing time) in team handball 5,7,[10][11][12] . It has also been shown that team handball players spend a low percentage of total playing time in high velocity locomotive actions.…”

“…It has also been shown that team handball players spend a low percentage of total playing time in high velocity locomotive actions. It has been reported that female players only spend 0.8% of total match duration in fast running and sprinting combined 10,11 . High intensity movements reported in the team handball literature typically refer to high running velocities, and thereby do not take into account all accelerations or high intensity actions that occur at low speed.…”

Comparison of different sprint training sessions with assisted and resisted running: effects on performance and kinematics in 20-m sprints

“…They occur several times during matches and are most often associated with critical match-related skills like the fast-break in team handball [2]. commonly, to enhance sprint performance in athletics, soccer, and other sports, resisted and assisted running is applied.…”