The structuring of the defensive phase of beach handball

ABSTRACT

Abstract Aims: To analyze the structuring elements of the defensive phase of beach handball based on the coaches' speeches. Methods: Five coaches of adult male and/or female teams that played the Beach Handball championship of Sao Paulo State were interviewed. For the analysis of the speeches, the Collective Subject Discourse method was used. Results: The defensive phase is structured from hierarchical aspects numerical asymmetry (by the presence of the specialist player), defensive systems (influenced by the characteristics of the players of their own team and the opponents), and technical-tactical specific actions (defensive blocking, coverage, dissuading…). The numerical asymmetry and the defensive system are responsible for the choices of the technical-tactical actions. Conclusion: The defensive structuring elements are related in a hierarchical way, which provides a better understanding of beach handball by coaches and players.