Analysis of load and players’ effort in 4 vs 4 small-sided handball games in relation to court dimensions

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyse load to which players were exposed to and effort they invested in 4vs4 small-sided handball games in relation to various court dimensions. Eight male amateur handball players participated in three eight-minute 4vs4 (plus goalkeepers) small-sided handball games. The three court dimensions were 12×24 m, 30×15 m and 32×16 m. Using Global Positioning System devices (SPI pro elite 15hz, GPSports), time-motion video analysis, and Borg’s scale for rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the following performance, physiological and psychological parameters were recorded: cyclic movements for distance covered, acyclic movements for the number of technical actions executed, heart rate, and RPE. Total distance travelled increased with the increase in court size (948.1±64.5, 1087.2±92.0 and 1079.8±90.6 on the 24×12 m, 30×15 m and 32×16 m court, respectively; p<.05). Distance covered by the players in four speed zones revealed the substantial difference between the games played on the 24×12 and 30×15m court in the first and third (p<.05; moderate ES) speed zone. On the 24×12 m court players covered more distance while moving in the first speed zone, but less distance when moving in the third speed zone (p<.05; moderate ES). On the 32×16 m court the players covered less distance while moving in the first speed zone, but they covered more distance by moving in the third speed zone (p<.05; moderate ES). There were no substantial differences found for the second and fourth speed zone cyclic movements and distances covered on all the three experimental court sizes. No statistical differences between the games played on various court dimensions were found in acyclic movements. No statistical differences were found in the analysis of heart rate. Further analysis of players’ self-evaluated effort confirmed the trend of heart rate values, showing no statistical differences in the RPE values among the three different court dimensions. Our findings indicate that changing court dimensions during 4vs4 small-sided handball games could influence load imposed on the players and their exertion.

Playerloadtm and Heart Rate Response to Small-Sided Games Specialized to Additional Field Player Rule in Handball

“…Also, HR max % results of all playing positions were almost equivalent regardless of aero-bic endurance, physical and body composition divergent of the players' positions conflicting with the previous study which measured lowest heart rate response in the goalkeepers [16]. Different from the findings presented here Corvino et al, showed that higher HR response by performing 4vs4 SSGs in different court sizes [6]. The observed increase in HR could be attributed to players have to be active in a vigorous place than their originally played space.…”

“…Previous studies have provided important information on the relation between SSGs and PlayerLoad in handball. It has been reported that different court sizes affect the PlayerLoad by increased distance covered in the larger playground during SSGs [5]. The study investigated that contact and non-contact SSGs, Iacono et al, have been demonstrated that both designed SSGs resulted in similar heart rate responses however non-contact SSG enables sprint and higher running pace than contact SSG [8].…”

“…The study investigated that contact and non-contact SSGs, Iacono et al, have been demonstrated that both designed SSGs resulted in similar heart rate responses however non-contact SSG enables sprint and higher running pace than contact SSG [8]. As a training regimen, it was found SSGs have beneficial inseason physical improvements on agility and standing throwing velocity [5]. Buchheit et al, has found similar positive effects of handball specific games and repeated sprint training to the physical performance [3].…”

“…PlayerLoad TM split into four bands as 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 as given defaulted in manufacturer software (OpenField, Catapult Sports, Australia). Achieved highest heart rate (HR) during the repeated high-intensity activity considered maximal heart rate (HR max ) and HR zones have taken as < 50 %, 50-70 %, 70-90 % and > 90 % of HR max regarding the previous studies [5].…”

“…Usage of small-sided games is an important training concept that co-vered requirements of high physical and technical demands of playing handball. Previous studies have considered to implements of handball specific small-sided games (SSGs) with different court size [5,6], contact or non-contact playing rules [7,8], and playing variations such as 3 vs 3 and 6 vs 6 [15]. Following a serial change of rules by International Handball Federation [10], the attacking team can play with an additional field player after taking the goalkeeper bench which resulted in an empty goalie.…”