Combined effects of home advantage and match result on interactions performed by Brazilian handball players

Abstract

This study verified the combined effects of game result and match location on centrality measures based on the interactions of Brazilian handball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 3435 interactions performed by 15 players during 7 official Brazilian Regional Championship matches. Social network analysis was applied to investigate the following network properties: degree of centrality, closeness centrality, degree of prestige, proximity prestige, and network density. Results: Results revealed that playing at home increases closeness centrality (η 2 = 0.99; p = 0.01), and network density (η 2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). When the handball team lost the game, an increment in the network density in relation to the draw and win scenario was observed (η 2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). It was observed that closeness centrality and network density increased when the team had lost and played at home, while when the team was playing away from home and losing, closeness centrality decreased (η 2 = 0.99; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, contextual variables impact the way that handball players interact during a match.