Technical Differences between Female Handball Players on Different Playing Positions

Abstract:

This study analyzes the technical demands in female Team Handball on different playing positions. The position-related differences in the technical requirements for team handball are still not yet sufficiently specified. There is a discrepancy between training-recommendations and empiric data. Line players (LP) and goalkeepers (GK) are sometimes shunted to their position to keep young and inexperienced players away from the more important positions in the middle of the court like Pivots (P), Center Backs (CB) and Halfbacks (HB). Further, female team handball is underrepresented in literature. To really make use of the full potential of all players, position-specific training should be applied. This study investigates handball-relevant technical basic factors and their position specific development. 654 female handball players from all German leagues were tested cross-sectional concerning technics and other factors. The handball-specific expertise of the players was used as independent variable. The performance-differences between the positions are seen as dependent variable. After statistic calculation it occurs that the chosen factors significantly differ between the positions. Line players and Halfbacks do display high technical performance and specialization. Specialization is therefore a relevant factor in female team handball. Differentiated technical profiles for the positions were created, the differences were documented and the differences’ relevance for the performance in female team handball has been accounted for.

Author Name : Dr. Johanna Weber

Keywords: Handball, Positions, Technical Factors.