Decreasing number of distance shooting in handball – trend of nowadays male handball competition

Abstract

Study aim The aim of this study was to analyze and compare performance data structure in two consecutive EHF Men's EURO competition in 2020 and 2022 in order to highline significance of differences in two-year cycle of European Championships. Material and methods Official game reported data of all 65 games of 24 teams participated in both tournaments was collected and analyzed in order to claim the tendencies in handball development. The data concerns number of attacks and shots regarding its context, on court location and efficiency, turnovers and goalkeeping efficiency. Mean Values (M), Standard Deviation (SD), minimal and maximal values (MIN, MAX) and percentage (%) were used in the analysis. The significance of differences related to the task was determined by the Mann-Whitney U Test. All the calculation and analysis were made using STATISTICA software. Results Significant decrease in the number of distance shots (9m) in EHF EURO 2022 in comparison to EHF EURO 2020 (−24.2%, p < 0.01) was revealed. The disparity within the performed actions of EHF EURO 2022 was found in greater number of shots taken from near distance center area (6 m Center) when compared to EHF EURO 2020 (+20%, p < 0.05). Higher number of breakthrough shots in 2022 than in 2020 (+19.6%) was noticed. Conclusions The analysis revealed changes developing in the characteristic of offensive structure, what should have impact on training routine in order to achieve high level of performance.

Performance analysis in top handball matches in the seasons before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The results obtained indicating differences between the studied seasons in the first round of the season indicate a decrease in the abundance of FB and FBG during COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 in relation to Pre-COVID-19. The indicated decrease is consistent with previous studies in this area and indicates recent trends in handball (Smolarczyk, 2023). The lower abundance of FBs and FBGs in the COVID-19 season compared to Pre-COVID-19 may be related to several factors.…”

“…It should be added that the same differences were shown for the second round of play, with no differences registered in the first round (Table 3a). This indicates a general trend in handball over recent seasons, which is confirmed by other research results (Smolarczyk, 2023). It should also be added that in the second round sometimes the importance of the match is greater due to the clarification of the situation and the fight for the championship, medals, and retention in the league.…”

“…A decrease in the number of MissTh and 9mTh while an increase in 6mG and 6mTh may indicate that throws made from farther distances (>9 meters) are characterized by higher technical sophistication, in which precision and throwing power play a key role, while throws made from 6 meters offer greater goal-scoring opportunities (Pueo et al, 2022). This is supported by the results of previous studies indicating that throws from the 6th meter are more effective than those from the 9th (Pueo et al, 2022;Smolarczyk, 2023). Longitudinal studies also indicate a trend toward increased offensive efficiency including throwing (Pascual et al, 2023).…”

“…The reverse is true for 6mG and 6mTh. The demonstrated differences may indicate recent trends of the handball game in which the number of throws from 9 m is decreasing, while the number of throws from 6 m is increasing (Smolarczyk, 2023). A decrease in the number of MissTh and 9mTh while an increase in 6mG and 6mTh may indicate that throws made from farther distances (>9 meters) are characterized by higher technical sophistication, in which precision and throwing power play a key role, while throws made from 6 meters offer greater goal-scoring opportunities (Pueo et al, 2022).…”

“…Longitudinal studies also indicate a trend toward increased offensive efficiency including throwing (Pascual et al, 2023). Thus, it can be conjectured that the latest handball game is becoming more dynamic and relies on the skills of passing and penetrating the defensive zone to bring about a throw-in from close to the goal, which is more effective (Smolarczyk, 2023). It should be added, however, that despite the statistical significance shown for MissTh, 6mG, and 6mTh, the η 2 measure shows no effect, while for 9mTh it is small.…”