Anthropometric analysis and performance characteristics to predict selection in young male and female handball players

Abstract

The aim of this study was twofold. The first aim was to determine if there were any anthropometric and physical performance differences (controlling for maturation) between male and female handball players selected in training categories as well as the relation of these differences with the performance level achieved. The second aim was to identify the discriminatory variables between the performance levels achieved. A total of 216 young handball players (125 men and 91 women) participated in the study. The data were classified by selection level (regional n=154; national n=62), gender (men; women) and age category (under-15; under-17). The use of MANCOVA analyses, controlling for maturation, identified how gender could determine variables related to handball players' future competitive levels. The results revealed that anthropometric variables such as height, arm span, trochanter height, thigh girth, and leg girth were more influential in men than in women. In addition, the physical performance tests of vertical jump (squat jump and counter movement jump with/without arm) and 10x5 m shuttle run were determinants in both gender. Discriminatory analysis predicted that a combination of five variables (counter movement jump with arm, body mass, 10x5 m shuttle run, dominant hand length and trochanter height) would successfully distinguish between regional and national players, with a predictive accuracy of 81.9% for all players.

Selection of Talents in Handball: Anthropometric and Performance Analysis

“…The present research intends to go one step further and will endeavor to determine which of the variables identified as important to reach top levels in sport (body composition, anthropometric and conditional) correspond with those which are employed at the time of selecting male and female handball players, on the basis of previous findings 2,5,9,12,13 . This work arises from the idea of joining both proposals: top level handball player profiles as well as the role of maturation.…”

Differences in the Biomechanics of the Vertical Jumps in Young Adult Handball Players: Effect of the Countermovement and the Arm Swing

“…For example, no differences were found in junior elite male and female handball players [15]. On the opposite, young male players seem to jump higher than female players [9], [25], [27].…”

Speed, Change of Direction Speed, and Lower Body Power in Young Athletes and Nonathletes According to Maturity Stage

“…This interaction indicated increasing differences between boys and girls from early periods towards later phases of biological maturity. Although the changes in power, strength, and speed that occur under the impact of body growth are expected [ 2 ], the impact of physical activity on physical performance should be expected, since the advantage related to superior test results represents a decisive variable of success in both genders [ 34 , 35 , 36 ], and the difference in the trend of physical performance development should normally be expected in athletes in comparison to nonathletes.…”