Relationship between game-related statistics in elite men’s beach handball and the final result: a classification tree approach

Optimizing the transition from the indoor to the beach season improves motor performance in elite beach handball players

Beach handball athletes experience an overlap during their preparation phase for the beach and the indoor season for several weeks. This transition phase from playing on an indoor surface to a sand surface is crucial for players’ performance levels both on the sand and indoor surfaces, but coaches and athletes alike are concerned about possible performance impairments when training on a sand surface while still playing indoors. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a specific transition phase from the indoor to the beach season in elite beach handball athletes. With 29 elite athletes participating in the study, we evaluated their jumping (countermovement and drop jump) and sprinting (5–10–20 m) performances and conducted a handball-specific agility test on both rigid and sand surfaces. In addition, we evaluated a drop long jump on a sand surface. Vertical jumping performance was analyzed using a 3D marker-based system on both rigid and sand surfaces under standardized laboratory conditions. All tests took place directly before and after a 6-week intervention program. The results showed that athletes in the intervention group significantly improved their performance in jumping (countermovement and drop long jump) compared to the control group. Furthermore, performance on a rigid surface was not only maintained for all tests but also significantly increased for the countermovement jump. Therefore, the intervention program is effective at improving performance during the transition from indoor to beach seasons without impairing indoor performance.

Influence of Tactical and Situational Variables on Offensive Sequences During Elite European Handball Matches

The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite European handball matches. A sample of 55 games and 5.857 offensive sequences from the European Handball Federation Champions League, the selected teams were classified as the top eight teams in the league, were analyzed using X 2 and logistic regression analyses. Results indicated that positional attacks [odds ratio (OR) = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.28-0.42; p < 0.001] and fast attacks (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36-0.57; p < 0.001) decreased the probability of success for an offensive sequence by 66% and 54% when compared with counterattacks. Offensive sequences that start in the attacking zone seem to be less effective (~78%) than those that start from a situation of "ball in center." Additionally, offensive sequences that finished in the defensive zone of the observed team were 3.19 times more effective than those that ended before the 9 m zone. We concluded that compared with offensive sequences where the shot is performed from the 9 m zone, the chances of an offensive sequence ending successfully are 3.65, 3.60, and 2.21 times higher, for offensive sequences where the shot is performed from 9 m, 6 m, and the defensive zone, respectively. On the other hand, many variables seem to impact the performance of handball teams. Nevertheless, a significant challenge remains, and more research needs to be conducted to analyze the obstacles that teams need to overcome while attacking in the most effective way possible.

Do we need a more flexbible use of Team Timeout calling? Evidence from the Handball Bundesliga

Calling a Team Timeout (TTO) is one of the coaches' most important tools. Given the key competitive advantage to determine your own timing, it is crucial to make a good decision when to use a TTO. Existing research shows that teams can benefit in general from TTOs and that they are called at the end of the game and when trailing (Gomes et al., 2014; Gutiérrez-Aguilar et al., 2016; Prieto et al., 2016). However, to generate relevant findings, situational variables must be included (Fernandez-Navarro et al., 2020; Gómez, Lago-Peñas et al., 2015). By integrating situational variables like scoring streak and player difference and higher-order interactions, this study aims to identify specific game situations where TTOs are most effective. Based on 850 games of the German Handball Bundesliga, game situations are identified by Classification Tree Analysis and efficacies are evaluated. Findings indicate a strong impact of timing. Frequently used TTOs, e.g., at the end of periods, are beneficial to the teams. However, strongest effect occurs for TTOs taken at the early stages of the game and with a positive run. Results indicate that TTO is a powerful tactical tool and an application at uncommon timings may even enhance the success rate.