Long-Term Fitness Profile and Performance-Related Indicators in Semi-Professional Female Handball Players.
- 1Department of Coaching Science, Lithuanian Sports University, LT44221 Kaunas, Lithuania.
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.
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BibTeX
@article{skarbalius2026longterm,
title = {{Long-Term Fitness Profile and Performance-Related Indicators in Semi-Professional Female Handball Players.}},
author = {Antanas Skarbalius},
journal = {Sports (Basel, Switzerland)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/sports14100469},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42931606},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Long-Term Fitness Profile and Performance-Related Indicators in Semi-Professional Female Handball Players.
AU - Antanas Skarbalius
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
DO - 10.3390/sports14100469
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42931606
AB - 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.
SN - 2075-4663
ER -