Using technology to automatically estimate the external load of handball players in competition.

What is it about?

This study automates and analyzes physical demands in elite men's handball matches using advanced tracking technology. Players' positions, roles, and game phases influence their physical efforts. Data from professional Spanish club players during national and European matches was employed. A program was designed to recognize game phases, and statistics were gathered for variables like total distance covered, time spent, and intensity. Comparing different phases and player positions revealed that defensive play covered the most distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m), while offensive play required more effort per time (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min). Players in wing positions covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at a high intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min). Substantial differences were found among player positions, suggesting tailored training programs for offensive and defensive specialists. The study highlights the importance of considering game phases and player roles in designing effective training regimes.

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Photo by Miguel Puig on Unsplash

Photo by Miguel Puig on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The findings hold practical value, aiding the head coach and strength and conditioning coach in gprecisely auging individual players' physical demands. This precise understanding aids in determining optimal recovery periods, crucial for effective load management across the season. This minimizes injury risk and boosts performance in crucial matches. Moreover, it assists teams in planning rotations during games, particularly significant given handball's unlimited substitution opportunities.

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