{
  "abstract": "Long-term, single-club datasets linking fitness and match performance are rare in women's handball. This retrospective study profiled fitness and game-quality indicators across 14 seasons (2010-2022, 2026; N = 45; 8-17 players/season). Anthropometric and specific-fitness values (height 173.90 ± 5.53 cm, body mass 68.28 ± 8.08 kg, jump-throw velocity 79.94 ± 6.83 km/h, countermovement jump 43.46 ± 4.84 cm, VO₂max 48.01 ± 3.61 mL/kg/min) were sub-elite. Shot efficiency (55.74 ± 6.00%) approached elite values (58.90 ± 7.60%). Backs were older, more experienced, and higher-scoring than Wings and Pivots. Universal players matched Backs' output despite being younger and less experienced. Experience correlated with goals per match (r = 0.51, p = 0.001), positive actions (r = 0.44, p = 0.005), and action balance (r = 0.47, p = 0.003). Throwing velocity and sprint/agility speed showed similar associations. Endurance, strength, and coordination/dribble deficit showed none. Fitness indicators improved across 2010-2022, but a single season after near-complete roster turnover departed markedly from this trend. Trends should not be extrapolated to a changed roster without retesting. A small set of trainable, sport-specific qualities, not general fitness, best predicts match performance. Findings provide normative benchmarks and training priorities for coaches.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Coaching Science, Lithuanian Sports University, LT44221 Kaunas, Lithuania."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 1,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Antanas Skarbalius"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/cymvehht3sgmg.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3390/sports14100469",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13709481",
  "id": "cymvehht3sgmg",
  "issns": [
    "2075-4663"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42931606",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "2732|Sports Performance and Training"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7204853384",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13709481?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13709481",
  "pmid": "42931606",
  "published": "2026-10-21",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/cymvehht3sgmg.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:22:01Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42931606",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42931606"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:2732|Sports Performance and Training",
      "subfield": "surgery"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Long-Term Fitness Profile and Performance-Related Indicators in Semi-Professional Female Handball Players.",
  "title_text": "Long-Term Fitness Profile and Performance-Related Indicators in Semi-Professional Female Handball Players.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:22:01Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/cymvehht3sgmg",
  "venue": "Sports (Basel, Switzerland)",
  "versions": []
}