Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 96; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Madruga-Parera, Marc, Esteves, Pedro T., Fernandes, John F. T., Beltrán-Garrido, Vicente, Bird, Stephen, Leite, Nuno, Romero-Rodriguez, Daniel, Arede, Jorge
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 02.01.2025
• Subjects: Adolescent; Athletic Performance - physiology; Cutting; eccentric-overload training; Humans; jumping; Male; Motor Skills - physiology; Resistance Training - methods; specificity; Sports - physiology; strength; specificity; Cutting; jumping; strength; eccentric-overload training
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2359603

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79-2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180 ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of "specificity" and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.