The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness and selected anthropometric characteristics between selected (SP) and non-selected (NSP) for the Greek preliminary national team male (n=88) and female (n=73) young handball players. Results revealed that compared to SP players, male SP players presented higher values in ball velocity (p=.001) standing long jump (p=.016), 30-m sprint (p=.034) and estimated VO 2max (p=.018), while female SP players presented higher values only in ball velocity (p=.009) and standing long jump (p=.045). Male SP players were taller (p=.042) and had larger arm span (p=.031). Taking into account the different playing positions, significant differences (in favor of SP) were found between SP and NSP male backs in stature (p=.008), hand spread (p=.042), arm span (p=.019) and ball velocity (p=.005). Female SP revealed higher values in stature (p=.041) and arm span (p=.046). For wings, significant differences were found in ball velocity (p=.007), 30-m sprint (p=.039) and estimated VO 2max (p=.002) between SP and NSP male players (in favor of SP) and in estimated VO 2max (p=.019) between SP and NSP female players. For pivots, significant differences were found only in ball velocity (p=.001) between SP and NSP females (in favor of SP). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found between SP and NSP male and female goalkeepers. Current results suggest that physical and anthropometric characteristics should be included in any testing procedure of junior handball players.

Aim of this study was the investigation of the relationship between throwing ball velocity and specific anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of young female team handball players (n = 220, mean ± SD age 13.99 ± 1.06 yrs and playing experience 3.66 ± 1.66 yrs). Throwing velocity was assessed with a radar gun while body height, body mass, body mass index, arm span, hand length and spread, standing long jump, 30m sprint, sit and reach flexibility and estimated maximal oxygen uptake were also measured. The results showed that throwing performance is significantly (p<0.05) correlated with all variables calculated in this study except of the body mass index. This suggests that high performance requires advanced motor abilities and anthropometric features for these ages.

Profile of young handball players by playing position and determinants of ball throwing velocity This study defined the differences in physical qualities and anthropometric characteristics among playing positions in young male handball players, and investigated the relationship between ball throwing velocity and all measured parameters. 182 young male handball players, aged 14.3yrs, with playing experience of 4.5yrs, were classified as: back players, centre backs, pivots, wing players, and goalkeepers. Body height, body mass, BMI, arm span, hand length, standing long jump, 30m sprint, flexibility, VO2max and throwing velocity were measured. Significant differences were detected among individual positions for all measured variables, except for flexibility. Backs were tallest, while pivots showed the largest arm span and hand length. Wings were shortest, with the lowest weight and BMI. Backs and wings performed best in the standing long jump, 30m sprint, flexibility and VO2max. Goalkeepers underperformed in all motor abilities. Ball velocity significantly correlated to all variables except for BMI and flexibility. Anthropometric and physical differences exist among different positions in young male handball players. These parameters influence ball velocity. The findings suggest that a high performance level requires advanced physical qualities as well as anthropometric features for these ages, and coaches should apply specific training programs for each playing position.

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Objectives: The purpose of this study was to detect differences between selected and unselected young handball athletes following a talent selection program, and to identify those characteristics that could predict young athletes' selection in such programs. Methods: The sample consisted of 129 male young players all invited to train in youth pro-selection groups. Variables included height, body mass, body mass index, 30m running speed, standing long jump, hand grip strength, ball velocity, flexibility, agility with 5-0-5 test, and a shuttle run test. Statistics included a multivariate analysis of variance to investigate the mean differences on the dependent variables and a linear discriminant analysis (Wilks' lambda) for the determination of the main variables that distinguish successful sample (SP) from less successful sample (LSP) athletes. Results: MANOVA showed a significant effect of athletes' level, with mean values revealing the superiority of selected athletes on all variables measured. Linear discriminant analysis revealed ball throwing speed and body height as exhibiting the highest correlation that distinguish SP from LSP athletes, followed by standing jump and maximum oxygen intake variables. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences exist between SP and LSP athletes, in parameters that are considered basic and significant in team sports like handball.

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