Kinematic throwing stability during a simulated handball game

Authors

Bayios Ioannis, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens
Gouvali Marina, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens
Hatziharistos Dimitris, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens
Zapartidis Ilias, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Athens

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of a simulated handball game activity on throwing performance (ball velocity and accuracy) and the movement pattern of the throwing arm. Six experienced female handball players performed 3 static throws before and after every ten minutes of a simulation cycle (2 halves x 30 min) reproducing the most common handball activities. An analysis of variance with repeated measures yielded a significant effect of time on ball deviation only (F_6,30 = 3.18, p < 0.05), demonstrating a progressive decrease towards the end of each half, while the greatest decrease occurred at the last 10 min period (46.2 ± 14.6 cm). Ball velocity did not alter among trials. Movement pattern showed an alteration regarding the timing of maximum velocities. After the last 10min period of the first half, t_Vmax of the shoulder gradually approached that of the elbow. During the last 10min period of the simulated game, t_Vmax of the elbow preceded t_Vmax of the shoulder. The t_Vmax of the wrist remained stable throughout the simulated game. This is assumed to be attributed to the effort to maintain a stable performance.

Keywords

Throwing kinematics, team handball, ball velocity, aiming accuracy, overarm throwing

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