No abstract

Beach handball is a young discipline that is characterized by numerous high-intensity actions. By following up on previous work, the objective was to perform in-depth analyses evaluating external load (e.g., distance traveled, velocity, changes in direction, etc.) in beach handball players. In cross-sectional analyses, data of 69 players belonging to the German national or prospective team were analyzed during official tournaments using a local positioning system (10 Hz) and inertial measurement units (100 Hz). Statistical analyses comprised the comparison of the first and second set and the effects of age and sex (female adolescents vs. male adolescents vs. male adults) and playing position (goalkeepers, defenders, wings, specialists, and pivots) on external load measures. We found evidence for reduced external workload during the second set of the matches (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.09), as indicated by a significantly lower player load per minute and number of changes in direction. Age/sex (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.22) and playing position (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.29) also had significant effects on external load. The present data comprehensively describe and analyze important external load measures in a sample of high-performing beach handball players, providing valuable information to practitioners and coaches aiming at improving athletic performance in this new sport.

Purpose 3 × 3 is a variation of classic basketball (BB) that imposes new demands on both athletes and coaches. The objective of this study was to comprehensively describe similarities and differences in load structures between 3 × 3 and BB. Method Between January 2020 and July 2021, internal and external load parameters of 90 elite BB and 3 × 3 athletes were monitored during 84 games using a local positioning system (10 Hz) and inertial movement sensors (100 Hz). Results Male BB games last about 90 min; female games are shorter (82 min). Game duration in 3 × 3 is about 16 min. Compared with BB, 3 × 3 athletes perform more medium- and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, explosive efforts, jumps, and changes of direction (CODs) per min. Average heart rates do not differ between the two disciplines, yet 3 × 3 games are rated as more exhausting than BB games. During a 3 × 3 tournament, no decrease in load characteristics is found in the final games. However, ratings of perceived exertion increase consecutively. Average possession duration in 3 × 3 is 5.4 s in which 1.4 passes are played. Most 2-point shots and turnovers occur in the last minutes (11 min – end) of the game. Conclusion The findings of this study will help 3 × 3 coaches and athletes to design more effective training programmes and improve athletic performance. They indicate a need to focus on high accelerations, transitions, COD skills, and shooting under pressure in 3 × 3.