A multivariate analysis of physical fitness and competitive performance in young handball players

Abstract

Handball as a team sport requires certain attributes of physical fitness. Higher upper and lower body power values must be developed throughout the entire player training process. The aim of the present study was to characterise the jumping and throw kinetics of nine young talented handball players during three sport seasons (Season 1: 14.1 ± 0.9 age; 70.6 ± 5.9 kg; 171.6 ± 10 cm; Season 2: 15.1 ± 0.9 age; 74.7 ± 6.5 kg; 177.7 ± 8.2 cm; Season 3: 16.1 ± 0.9 age; 78.3 ± 6.7 kg; 179.9 ± 6.7 cm) and assess possible relationships with competitive performance. The physical fitness tests performed were the squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ), the Abalakov test (ABK) and the 3-kg medicine ball throw, analysing jump heights and throwing distance. [...]