Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Handball Players: The Influence of Playing Position

Background: Handball is a dynamic team game that combines movements that are explosive in nature. The aim of the current study was to evaluate anthropometrical characteristics and physiological attributes of elite handball players and to quantify differences, if any, according to player position.

Methods: The sample of subjects consisted of 35 handball players from the Israel Junior (U20) and national team (mean age 20.79+1.36yrs). All participants performed a battery of motor and physical tests reflecting handball physiological demands. The array of tests included anthropometric measures (height, body mass, %fat), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5m and 20m sprint, 3000m run, 1RM squat, 1RM bench press and LESS test. The results were compared based on playing position and to the Norwegian National Team and 1^st division players.

Results: Wings players presented better performance abilities in 5m and 20m sprint, CMJ and 3000m run compared to other player positions. Relative strength of squat was better in the wings position compared to pivots, goalkeepers and backs. The same trend was presented in 1RM relative strength of the bench press, as wings performed better than other playing positions. When the results were compared to the Norwegian National Team and 1^st division players, Israel`s National Team athletes (U20) presented lower results and physical abilities across all playing positions.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrated the varying on-court demands and the different physiological characteristics reflecting each playing position. Physical training of handball players should therefore be individualized based on player position, current ability and the game`s demands.