effect of a combined high-intensity plyometric and speed training program on the running and jumping ability of male handball players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined program including sprint repetitions and drop jump training in the same session on male handball players. Twenty-two male handball players aged more than 20 years were assigned into 2 groups: experimental group [n=11] and control group [n=11]. Selection was based on variables "axis" and "lines", goalkeepers were not included. The experimental group was subjected to 2 testing periods [test and retest] separated by 12 weeks of an additional combined plyometric and running speed training program. The control group performed the usual handball training. The testing period comprised, at the first day, a medical checking, anthropometric measurements and an incremental exercise test called yo-yo intermittent recovery test. 2 days later, participants performed the Repeated Sprint Ability test [RSA], and performed the Jumping Performance using 3 different events: Squat jump [SJ], Countermovement jump without [CMJ] and with arms [CMJA], and Drop jump [DJ]. At the end of the training period, participants performed again the repeated sprint ability test, and the jumping performance. The conventional combined program improved the explosive force ability of handball players in CMJ [P=0.01], CMJA [P=0.01] and DJR [P=0.03]. The change was 2.78, 2.42 and 2.62% respectively. No significant changes were noted in performances of the experimental group at the squat jump test and the drop jump with the left leg test. The training intervention also improved the running speed ability of the experimental group [P=0.003]. No statistical differences were observed between lines or axes. Additional combined training program between sprint repetition and vertical jump in the same training session positively influence the jumping ability and the sprint ability of handball players

offensive efficiency of the high-level handball players of the front and the rear lines

The aim of this study was to investigat the offensive efficiency of the professional handball players forming the front and rear lines. Our investigation was carried out on four matches [final, semi-finals and classifying match] at the 19th male Handball World Championship "Tunisia 2005". Finalist teams were Tunisia, France, Croatia, and Spain. Matches were recorded using 5 digital camcorders [SONY, DCL, and TRY 130E]. Number of passes and the length of the attacks were determined by software [STUDIO 9]. Speed of the ball at the different shootings was calculated by REG A VI software, version 2.57, 2004. Work was dissociated according to 2 variables namely axes and lines. Players of lateral axes [A4] and front basis [LI] were shorter and thinner than those of the central axis [A3] and rear basis [L2]. No differences were observed between lines and axes in age. The analysis of the total shootings to the goal shows that the players of lines and axes present very close values in each team, excepting the Croatian L2 compared to the Tunisian L2. Players of the rear Croatian basis present also a number of attacks concluded by a non-successfully cadred shooting greater than all other groups. In the Spanish group, a significant difference among number of passes concluded by a non-successfully cadred shooting between lines, and front basis vs central axis was noted. No significant difference was found between lines and axes in the Croatian team. Regarding the velocity of shooting, excepting the Croatian team, no differences were found between lines and axes of the other teams. No differences were also noted in the attack duration between lines and axes in Croatian and Tunisian teams. In the Spanish team, duration of attacks concluded by a cadred shooting was most important when finished by an L2 or an A3 player. The present results demonstrate that finalist teams were found to be clearly characterized by L2 and A3 players taller and weightier than those of LI and A4. Organized attack was generally concluded by shooting done by an L2 or an A4 player and the shooting velocity did not significantly determine the offensive efficiency