Playing 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal: Is it really an option for coaches? A comparative analysis between Portugal and the other teams during the Men’s European Handball Championship 2020

Abstract

The dynamic of changes in the rules in team games materialize from research and debate between experts and coaches before being implemented by the International Federations. In Handball, the last changes occurred in 2016, and one of them was to substitute the goalkeeper with an additional field player allowing teams to play “empty goal” while using the additional field player.This study aimed to analyze and characterize the use of the 7 vs. 6 strategical-tactical option for the attack in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. We also analyzed whether the game time and partial score influenced the use of 7 vs. 6 and its efficiency. Observational methodology and a mixed ad hoc instrument combining field format and category systems validated by experts were used. Data were taken from 28 matches involving teams in the first 12 positions in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. The total number of offensive sequences in an organized attack method in 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal (n = 123) were analyzed. Sequential analysis techniques with lags, prospective and retrospective, and polar coordinate analysis were used. The results showed that (a) these solutions had poor efficiency, except for the Portuguese National Team; (b) teams using the 7 vs. 6 tactic option had no negative consequences or increased risk with the opponent response; (c) partial score influenced the decision to use 7 vs. 6 strategic option, and (d) game time was associated with 7 vs. 6 play options and detected patterns.

Evolution of attack in handball when playing 7 vs. 6 with empty goal between 2020 and 2023: coaches’ perception vs. observational results

“…In the last 7 years, several studies have been carried out on the 7 vs. 6 with an “empty goal” (7 vs. 6 EG) game. The results obtained, varied and even contradictory among them, are in line with the controversy that arose when the regulatory change allowing 7 vs. 6 situations was approved ( 7 , 15 – 24 ). Regarding 7 vs. 6 EG, it is important to note that the majority of some studies found and analyzed observational procedures; regarding 7 vs. 6 EG, it is important to note that most of the studies found follow observational procedures.…”

“…A descriptive analysis of the data (absolute and relative frequencies) was initially carried out, which allowed decisions to be made regarding subsequent analyses, both lag sequential analysis and polar coordinate analysis, as recommended by Anguera ( 49 ) and previously carried out and justified by Prudente et al ( 7 ). A total of 4,236 events were recorded at the 391 offensive sequences registered using 7 vs. 6 EG strategy during the 132 games played by teams ranked 1–12 at four major tournaments between 2020 and 2023 (Euro 2020 and 2022, and WCh 2021 and 2023).…”

“…This technique allows us to determine the angles and quadrants in which the vector is located, as well as its length, establishing the type of relationship between the focal conduct (given) and the conditioned conducts defined for each analysis. As mentioned by Prudente et al ( 7 ), the length of the vector expresses the quantitative relationship between the focal conduct (given) and the conditioned conducts (the longer the vector, the stronger the intensity of the relationship between the conducts). The quadrant where the vector is placed expresses the qualitative relationship between these behaviors as follows ( 6 , 54 , 55 ): Quadrant I (+ +): mutually excitatory given conduct and matching conduct.…”

“…Data from games were collected using an ad hoc observation instrument built and validated for this purpose; (ii) the application of a questionnaire on the coaches’ perception of this new rule and its influence on the game, which was constructed and validated using the Delphi method. Regarding the observational instrument, the one used by Prudente et al ( 7 ), in their study of the use of 7 vs. 6 EG during the 2020 EHF Men's Euro, was applied to collect data from games. Moreover, coaches’ opinion and perception were registered via a questionnaire compiled using Google Forms.…”

“…They are characterized as being interactive, with players interacting with each other, both teammates and opponents, and with context, whether at the location of the game, in the area of the field where the action takes place, in the elapsed game time, in the partial result, or in the numerical relationship ( 1 – 3 ). Players’ behaviors are generally emergent, deriving from individual characteristics, as well as from the possibilities that the context offers and from the characteristics of the tasks performed by the players ( 4 – 7 ). Handball is a complex system, as defined by Balagué et al ( 8 ), in which strategic tactical behavior is crucial ( 9 – 12 ) and performance is the result of interaction between different factors and variables, including the numerical relationship.…”