Measurement of Talent in Team Handball: The Questionable Use of Motor and Physical Tests

Abstract

Testing for selection is one of the most important fundamentals in any multistep sport program. In most ball games, coaches assess motor, physical, and technical skills on a regular basis in early stages of talent identification and development. However, selection processes are complex, are often unstructured, and lack clear-cut theory-based knowledge. For example, little is known about the relevance of the testing process to the final selection of the young prospects. The purpose of this study was to identify motor, physical, and skill variables that could provide coaches with relevant information in the selection process of young team handball players. In total, 405 players (12-13 years of age at the beginning of the testing period) were recommended by their coaches to undergo a battery of tests prior to selection to the Junior National Team. This number is the sum of all players participating in the different phases of the program. However, not all of them took part in each testing phase. The battery included physical measurements (height and weight), a 4 x 10-m running test, explosive power tests (medicine ball throw and standing long jump), speed tests (a 20-m sprint from a standing position and a 20-m sprint with a flying start), and a slalom dribbling test. Comparisons between those players eventually selected to the Junior National Team 2-3 years later with those not selected demonstrated that only the skill test served as a good indicator. In all other measurements, a wide overlap could be seen between the results of the selected and nonselected players. It is suggested that future studies investigate the usefulness of tests reflecting more specific physical ability and cognitive characteristics.

A multidisciplinary approach of success in team-handball

“…These results agree partially with the results observed (i) in elite female team-handball players 9 ; and (ii) in young team-handball players. 3 In fact, it seems that in youth teamhandball players, the skill test could be a good indicator to provide coaches with relevant information in the selection process. Nevertheless, we observed that (in adult male team-handball athletes) the determinants of success are multidisciplinary.…”

“…Items are measured on a 3-point scale, from ''Hardly Ever'' 1 to ''Often''. 3 Scores range from 10 to 30, and higher scores indicate higher competitive trait anxiety. Sample items include, e.g.…”

“…1 Nevertheless, in team sports, performance is not simple to measure 2 and selection is known to be as a complex process (often unstructured). 3 In fact, the literature relations to sports expertise, has tended to be mono-disciplinary.…”

“…10 These findings suggested that the team-handballspecific skill evaluation could be useful as a selection indicator. 3 In addition, the sport psychology literature, based on the idea that psychological attributes can contribute to athletic success, has incorporated since its inception, a great interest in the study of excellence. 11 It seems that motivation, 12 anxiety management and coping skills 13 may play an important role in athletic development, but it is still difficult to determine strong psychological differences between elite athletes and their less successful counterparts.…”

Take-off efficiency: transformation of mechanical work into kinetic energy during the Bosco test

“…The bosco repeated vertical jump test is often applied during an athlete's annual training cycle [3][4][5], when performance is dependent on anaerobic capability. The test is also recommended as a diagnostic search tool for talented individuals involved in anaerobic activities [4,6,7].…”