How German Handball's S&C Coach Used Data to Cut Knee Injuries by Almost 20%
Dr. Simon Overkamp, the head of strength and conditioning for the German Handball Federation, employs a data-driven strategy that not only keeps his players rested but also reduces knee injuries. And the Olympic Games play a crucial role in his approach.

Dr. Simon Overkamp oversees strength and conditioning for all the German Handball Federation men’s and women’s teams. One thing he noticed is the struggle coaches face when it comes to resting players. It’s a catch-22.
The handball season is a grind, and players often play for multiple teams simultaneously. During a game, especially a close one, coaches want to use their best players as much as possible.
Dr. Overkamp notes that statistics reveal a spike in joint-related injuries in February, following the International Tournament, which coincides with either the European Championship or World Championship in January. In Olympic years, a similar spike occurs in September.
To tackle this issue, he devised a load management plan using data from an IMU player tracking system. The results are promising, with knee injuries among his European Championship Team members already reduced by nearly 20%.
Curious about his secret? Download the case study to learn more about his plan and its execution by clicking the link below.