Modification of Strength Training Programs in Handball Players and its Influence on Power During the Competitive Period

Abstract

A high level of muscle power is necessary for the effective use of technique during handball competitions. The presented research concentrated on comparing the effectiveness of two training modes directed towards the development of muscle power – plyometric and traditional strength training. Furthermore, we evaluated whether resistance training performed twice a week was sufficient to guarantee an increase in muscle power of handball players. We also investigated whether strength training designed according to the “waving” model (one training session per week oriented towards the development of maximal strength and one towards the development of power) was sufficient to increase muscle power in handball players. The study included 28 professional handball players who were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 subjected to additional strength training (8 individuals), Group 2 subjected to traditional plyometric training (8 individuals) and Group 3 following standard training (12 individuals). Research was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the 1st round of competitions and consisted of the following measurements: CMJ (countermovement jump) and SJ (squat jump), a 10-s trial on a cycle-ergometer and ball-throwing velocity. Analysis of the results showed that both the plyometric and strength training programs induced a statistically significant increase in jumping height and generated power during the CMJ. The group subjected to additional strength training achieved greater increases in CMJ power than the group carrying out plyometric training, which in case of the CMJ peak power turned out to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Different results were obtained when studying changes in the flight speed of the thrown ball; the group undergoing plyometric training registered minor increases (significant in the standing throw ), and there were decreases in the flight speed of the thrown ball (significant in the leaning back throw) in the group following the traditional strength training program.

Reliability of Throwing Velocity during Non-specific and Specific Handball Throwing Tests

“…However, this hypothesis was rejected since no significant differences in reliability were observed between the Aver3, Aver4, and MAX procedures. There is not consensus in the scientific literature on which procedure to use for selecting the final throwing velocity outcome with some researchers using the average velocity of several trials [2,[28][29][30], others researchers using the maximum value [3,11,31,32], and others researchers who do not even report the procedure followed to select the final test outcome [2,10,14,22,[33][34][35]. Of note is that this is the first study to compare the reliability of throwing velocity between different procedures commonly used in the scientific literature to select the final test outcome.…”

“…The diversity in the procedures used to select the final test outcome also compromises the comparison of throwing velocity between different studies. For example, some studies reported the average velocity value of the recorded trials [2,[28][29][30], others the maximum value [3,11,31,32], and others did not specify the procedure used to select the final test outcome [2,10,14,22,[33][34][35]. In relation to this, the average countermovement jump (CMJ) height of several trials has been recommended over the maximum value because it seems to be more sensitive for monitoring the neuromuscular status [36], but not similar analyses have been performed for throwing velocity.…”

Handball Research: State of the Art

“…Regarding the training programs, it has been found that programs targeted at the inspiratory muscles not only improve these muscles in particular, but also contribute to enhancing aerobic performance ( Hartz et al, 2018 ) and postural stability exercises implementing the biofeedback method on stabilo and dynamometric platforms are practical and justifiable in junior goalkeepers ( Wilczyński, 2018 ). Pre-season conditioning programs that include working on hamstring and quadriceps muscles are needed to reduce the risk of injury ( Spieszny and Zubik, 2018 ). Furthermore, proper planning of training in adolescents that allows them to improve their levels of strength and maximum power is necessary ( Górski et al, 2018 ).…”

Differences in Explosive Strength of Elite Female Handball Players During the Competition Season

“…Maintaining and even improving the levels of the muscle strength developed in the preparatory period of the season is the main task during the playing season. However, applying strength training during the playing season is also a demanding task since all the other motor abilities need to be maintained at high levels avoiding tiring out the players, which can lead to the state of their being overtrained (Spieszny & Zubik, 2018;Silvestre et al, 2006).…”

“…The basis of those activities are muscle strength, speed and endurance, which are crucial for the successful performance of all the technical and tactical tasks set for the players (Ohnjec et al, 2008;Granados, Izquierdo, Ibañez, Bonnabau, & Gorostiaga, 2007). The role and importance of explosive strength in handball have been the subject matter of a lot of research (Spieszny & Zubik, 2018;Mir & Bari, 2017;Marques, 2010;Gorostiaga, Izquierdo, Iturralde, Ruesta, & Ibanez, 1999;Hoff & Almasbakk, 1995). The explosive strength of the lower extremities is responsible for the realization of various types of jumps, running speed and acyclic handball-specific movements (Carvalho, Mourão, & Abade, 2014;Ĉavala et al, 2008).…”