Abstract
Demands for female handball players are not yet sufficiently specified, especially not with respect to position-specific performance. For optimal match preparation, individual training based on specific demands of each position is necessary. Consequently, the aim of the study was to gain insight into position-specific differences in female handball players in order to establish position-specific training recommendations. Data from 652 female players from German leagues of all levels were analyzed using a test-battery assessing handball-relevant physical performance factors. Players were tested during their usual training in their regular training locations for running, throwing speed, jumping height, reaction-speed, basic running endurance, arm and abdominal muscle strength and hamstrings and lower back flexibility. Significant differences between positions were found for several parameters, while the differences were pronounced variably at the different performance levels. For example, goalkeepers performed worst in the Half-Cooper test (p < 0.001) at elite level with wings displaying the best values. Halfbacks had the highest throwing speed (p < 0.001) and jumping heights (p < 0.002) at elite level. Goalkeepers were slowest for best and mean value out of five attempts (p < 0.001; p < 0.010) in 20 m sprint but, together with wings outperformed half and centre backs at elite level in 30 m sprint (best out of two attempts, p < 0.001). Goalkeepers also did fewer chin ups than wing and back players at elite level (p < 0.003). The present study demonstrated positional differences regarding physical performance parameters, thus suggesting the need to intensify position-specific training, especially for goalkeepers during preparation and in-season. Also, position-specific testing during selection-processes might be indicated.
Zusammenfassung
Die Anforderungen an Handballspielerinnen sind noch nicht genau genug definiert, insbesondere in Bezug auf die positionsspezifische Leistungsfähigkeit. Die optimale Vorbereitung auf ein Spiel erfordert individuelles Training, basierend auf den charakteristischen Anforderungen an jede einzelne Position. Ziel dieser Studie war daher die Ermittlung positionsspezifischer Unterschiede zwischen Handballspielerinnen, um positionsspezifische Trainingsempfehlungen formulieren zu können. Daten von 652 Spielerinnen aus deutschen Ligen aller Leistungsniveaus wurden mit einer Testbatterie für handballrelevante körperliche Leistungsfaktoren analysiert. Die Spielerinnen wurden im normalen Trainingsbetrieb und am gewohnten Trainingsort getestet. Untersucht wurden Laufen, Wurfgeschwindigkeit, Sprunghöhe, Reaktionsschnelligkeit, Grundlagenausdauer, Kraft der Arm- und Bauchmuskulatur sowie Flexibilität der ischiokruralen Muskulatur und des unteren Rückens. Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Positionen fanden sich in mehreren Parametern, wobei die Unterschiede auf den verschiedenen Leistungsniveaus mehr oder weniger stark ausgeprägt waren. So schnitten Torhüterinnen im Spitzensport beim Half-Cooper-Test (p < 0,001) am schlechtesten ab, während Außenspielerinnen die besten Werte aufwiesen. Spielerinnen auf Rückraumlinks und Rückraumrechts auf Spitzenniveau zeigten die höchste Wurfgeschwindigkeit (p < 0,001) und Sprunghöhe (p < 0,002). Torhüterinnen waren beim 20-m-Sprint in den Best- und Mittelwerten nach 5 Versuchen am langsamsten (p < 0,001; p < 0,010), waren aber zusammen mit den Außenspielerinnen sowie den Spielerinnen aller Rückraumpositionen beim 30-m-Sprint im Spitzensport überlegen (bester von 2 Versuchen, p < 0,001). Torhüterinnen schafften auch weniger Klimmzüge als Außen- und Rückraumspielerinnen auf Spitzenniveau (p < 0,003). Die vorliegende Studie zeigt positionsbezogene Unterschiede in Parametern der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit und legt damit eine Intensivierung des positionsspezifischen Trainings nahe, insbesondere für Torhüterinnen in der Vorbereitung und während der Saison. Zudem könnten positionsspezifische Tests in Auswahlverfahren angebracht sein.
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J. Weber, M. Wegner and H. Wagner declare that they have no competing interests.
All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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Weber, J., Wegner, M. & Wagner, H. Physical performance in female handball players according to playing position. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 48, 498–507 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0541-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0541-0