Which Handball Position Covers the Most Ground During a Match?
Researchers haven’t really used Metabolic Power (MP) to understand how much physical effort handball players put out during elite matches. But a recent study found that one position covers more ground per minute running than the other player roles.
So, the goal of this study was to compare MP with speed zones, to assess player load, based on their roles. Researchers from the German Sport University in Cologne looked at data from 77 games in the German Handball Bundesliga. The idea was to see how player loads differ across various roles on the team.
In simpler terms: They wanted to figure out if metabolic power or speed zones are better at telling us how hard handball players work during games, especially considering their different positions on the field.
How The Data Was Collected
Researchers at the Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne collected position data during handball matches using the KINEXON PERFORM LPS system.
- The system recorded data 20 times per second (that’s what “20 Hz” means).
- The system’s accuracy is as follows:
- For position, the error is around 0.1 meters.
- For speed, it’s about 0.15 meters per second.
- And for acceleration, it’s around 0.2 meters per second squared.
The players wore sensors between their shoulders, and the system was set up and calibrated by KINEXON Sports for all the matches.
During game stoppages (like fouls), a trained operator paused the data recording. So, the data only represents the actual playing time on the field.
Which Handball Position Ran The Most?
The study’s findings turned out to be quite interesting.
During the game, all player roles covered the largest distances in the low-intensity zones. But when it came to high intensity running and sprinting, only the wings really stood out.
The figure below is from the study and illustrates how much time players spent in different speed zones, considering the total time they played.
When researchers adjusted for playing time, Backs covered more distance while walking and jogging.
However, wings also covered greater distances per minute running, high intensity running, and sprinting.
What the Findings Mean for Handball Coaches
The study suggests that when analyzing dynamic team sports like handball, it’s important to consider more than just the distances players cover.
- Merged MP Model: A reliable method involves using a merged model that integrates both player accelerations and decelerations. This approach provides deeper insights into player movement patterns.
- Advancements in Tracking Technology: Thanks to improvements in player tracking technology, collecting position data during training and games has become easier. This opens exciting opportunities for future research.
- Examining Player Load: Researchers can now explore player load across different leagues and competitions. However, recent studies have mostly looked at overall player load during competitions.
Going forward, it’s recommended that researchers use experimental approaches. For instance, they can study how different team formations impact player load.
Understanding player movement in team sports goes beyond simple distances, and the merged MP model offers valuable insights. With better data collection methods, we can delve deeper into player performance across various contexts.
If you’d like to learn more about how KINEXON Sports can help you track handball players, contact us at any time.
Or find out about some of the player metrics you can track by downloading our free guide: “Three Performance Metrics to Get Started with in Professional Handball”
More stories
5 Facts That (Probably) Nobody Knew About KINEXON Sports Teams
Ten years ago, KINEXON Sports embarked on a journey to revolutionize the game. What began as a bold idea in Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena has evolved into a global success story, empowering over 500 elite sports teams worldwide.
As we reflect on this incredible decade, here are five surprising facts about KINEXON Sports that showcase how far we’ve come — and where we’re headed next.
Influence of the Menstrual Cycle in Team Sports – What Sports Need Now
Professionalization also brings with it more performance, more strain, and more pressure. For female athletes, this still means an increased risk of injury. The reason: individualized training and workload management must take the hormonal cycle into account. Studies on this are accumulating, but a challenge remains.
Inside Stony Brook Athletics: The Benefits of a Multi-Sport Data Analytics Provider
Stony Brook University, known for research excellence, has upgraded its athlete performance monitoring and player safety efforts with KINEXON technology. We spoke with George Greene (Senior Associate Athletic Director of High Performance) and his team about their work to optimize training and enhance sports performance insights.
Load Management in Basketball: When Does Player Tracking Become Financially Beneficial?
Player load tracking in basketball: How does data-based injury prevention, like reducing Jumper’s Knee, become financially beneficial for clubs?
GPS Data Boosts Player Performance, Motivation and Coaches' Confidence in SD Eibar Women's Club
To better manage player load, the SD Eibar’s women’s football team switched to a data-driven strategy powered by GPS. It’s a move that their physical trainer, Ismel Mazola says, led to more confident coaching decisions and motivated his players.
How Basketball Data Helps Guide Texas A&M Women's Team to Early Conference Wins
After the holidays, many teams struggle to get back on track. But not Texas A&M Women’s Basketball. Their Strength and Conditioning coach uses data and analytics to avoid a slump and start fast in conference play.
Study Reveals the Importance of an Injury Prevention Plan in European Handball
The competitive pressures and dense schedules in professional handball make injuries common among players. The results of a 6‑year study not only highlight the need for an injury prevention plan but also suggest ways coaches can develop one.
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.
Appalachian State’s Coaches Use GPS Football Technology to Manage Player Loads in Real-Time
Live GPS football data helps keep players fresh for game day. Just ask the Director of Performance for the Appalachian State Football team, Matt Greenhalgh. He shares what he thinks are some of the most critical load management metrics in the game.
Why Basketball Agility Drills Should Focus on Improving Vertical Jump Height
New research is shedding light on the importance of improving vertical jump height in basketball. Backed by data, these findings are an eye-opener for coaches because researchers say jump height can positively affect other facets of a player’s game.
How LPS Data Helps Handball Coaches Find Quality Scorers with New Insights
Researchers used LPS data and machine learning to create a new model for predicting goals in handball. It’s now helping coaches identify their quality scorers and develop better strategies. Here’s how.
Innovative Strategy Boosts Player’s 3-Point Accuracy to 60% in Conference Games
Do you have players struggling with contested 3‑point shots? Get to know a college coach with a proven method to boost shooting efficiency for high-intensity shots in as little as four weeks.
Research Exposes What Puts College Football Players at Risk for Hamstring Strains
Hamstring strains are common among male college American football players. Researchers have been investigating potential risk factors to better understand and prevent these injuries, and they believe they have identified three that all coaches should track.
Former Handball Pro Shares His Personal Must-Know Metric for Coaches
Call it inside information, but a former pro handball player, who is now a strength and conditioning coach, says one metric seems to stand out when it comes to load management in handball.
How Volleyball Metrics Helped Power Arizona State University to a Record-Setting Season
The Arizona State University Women’s Volleyball team used data to determine their optimal practice length, and it culminated in one of their best seasons in school history.