Development and Validation of an Observational Game Analysis Tool with Artificial Intelligence for Handball: Handball.ai.

Performance analysis based on artificial intelligence together with game-related statistical models aims to provide relevant information before, during and after a competition. Due to the evaluation of handball performance focusing mainly on the result and not on the analysis of the dynamics of the game pace through artificial intelligence, the aim of this study was to design and validate a specific handball instrument based on real-time observational methodology capable of identifying, quantifying, classifying and relating individual and collective tactical behaviours during the game. First, an instrument validation by an expert panel was performed. Ten experts answered a questionnaire regarding the relevance and appropriateness of each variable presented. Subsequently, data were validated by two observers (1.5 and 2 years of handball observational analysis experience) recruited to analyse a Champions League match. Instrument validity showed a high accordance degree among experts (Cohen's kappa index (k) = 0.889). For both automatic and manual variables, a very good intra- ((automatic: Cronbach's alpha (α) = 0.984; intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.970; k = 0.917) (manual: α = 0.959; ICC = 0.923; k = 0.858)) and inter-observer ((automatic: α = 0.976; ICC = 0.961; k = 0.874) (manual: α = 0.959; ICC = 0.923; k = 0.831) consistency and reliability was found. These results show a high degree of instrument validity, reliability and accuracy providing handball coaches, analysts, and researchers a novel tool to improve handball performance.

Worst-case scenario analysis of physical demands in elite men handball players by playing position through big data analytics.

The physical demands of intermittent sports require a preparation based, by definition, on high-intensity actions and variable recovery periods. Innovative local positioning systems make it possible to track players during matches and collect their distance, speed, and acceleration data. The purpose of this study was to describe the worst-case scenarios of high-performance handball players within 5-minute periods and per playing position. The sample was composed of 180 players (27 goalkeepers, 44 wings, 56 backs, 23 centre backs and 30 line players) belonging to the first eight highest ranked teams participating in the European Men's Handball Championship held in January 2022. They were followed during the 28 matches they played through a local positioning system worn on their upper bodies. Total and high-speed distance covered (m), pace (m/min), player load (a.u.) and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (n) were recorded for the twelve 5-min periods of each match. Data on full-time player average and peak demands were included in the analysis according to each playing position. A systematic three-phase analysis process was designed: 1) information capture of match activities and context through sensor networks, the LPS system, and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on big data analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. The descriptive cross-sectional study of worst-case scenarios revealed an ~17% increment in total distance covered and pace, with a distinct ~51% spike in high-intensity actions. Significant differences between playing positions were found, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (0.7-5.1). Line players, in particular, showed a lower running pace peak (~10 m/min) and wings ran longer distances at high speed (> 4.4 m/s) than the rest of the field players (~76 m). The worst-case scenario assessment of handball player locomotion demands will help handball coaches and physical trainers to design tasks that replicate these crucial match moments, thus improving performance based on a position-specific approach.

Global Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands in Small and Large-Sided Games with Floaters and Official Matches in the Process of Return to Play in High Level Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the physical demands in the return to play (RTP) process of high-level soccer players in the role of floater in different soccer sided games (SGs) formats (i.e., 4vs4 + 2 and 8vs8 + 1); and (ii) to analyze the differences in physical demands encountered by regular and floater players among the SGs formats and official matches by means of global positioning system technology (GPS APEX pod, North Ireland) was used. Twenty-six highly trained, male soccer players (U16 years) participated in this investigation. Players were classified into two groups: 23 regular and 3 floater players, a total of eight SGs were analyzed, which involved the recording of 80 observations of regular and floater players. Match-play players showed most likely-probable differences in distance covered at high-intensity per minute (D > 14.4/min), at high-speed running per minute (D > 21/min), and peak velocity (Vpeak) in comparison to floaters in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG (large-side-games), and presented most likely differences in accelerations >2/min in comparison to match-play players. Therefore, the use of floaters during the last phase of the RTP (return to play) seems to be a useful strategy for progressive reintroduction into specific training (1) floater in the 4vs4 + 2 SSG; (2) floater in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG; (3) regular player in the 4vs4 + 2 SSG; and (4) regular player in the 8vs8 + 1 LSG before starting full trainings and returning to competition.

The association between physical performance and match-play activities of field and assistants soccer referees.

The aims of this study were to compare the external and internal match responses and fitness performance of national field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs), and to examine the relationships between these fitness measures and physical and physiological responses during match play. Forty-four national soccer match officials (e.g. FRs and ARs) participated in this study. The distance covered and the VO2max in Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test (YYIR1) and the 30 m sprint test correlated with high speed and high intensity activities during match play in FRs (r = -0.48-0.63, moderate to large, very likely to most likely, p < 0.05). In addition, YYIR1 performance was related to high accelerations (r = 0.41, moderate, likely, p < 0.05) and high decelerations (r = 0.44, moderate, very likely, p < 0.05) for FRs. Better sprint and cardiovascular fitness could be relevant to the performance of FRs during match play.

Effects of different strength and velocity training programs on physical performance in youth futsal players.

Futsal is a high intensity team sport with intermittent actions of short duration, so it is necessary to include different training strategies to improve explosive actions. There is a gap in the scientific literature regarding training programs that improve the performance of young futsal players. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different strength and velocity training programs on lower body physical performance in youth futsal players. Forty-two youth futsal players were divided into control group (CG, n = 14) and a strength intervention group (SG, n = 14), which included a weekly session for 8 weeks of eccentric strength training, plyometrics and core strengthening, and a velocity intervention group (VG, n = 14), which included a weekly session during 8 weeks of training with linear speed exercises and with change of direction, accelerations with resistance bands and core strengthening. SG significantly improved horizontal jump (HJ) (p:0.02), V-CUT (p:0.91) and change of direction deficit (CODD) (p:0.01). VG showed significant improvements in HJ (p:0.01), in 25 m sprint (p:0.01), in total repeated sprint ability time (p:0.01), in V-CUT (p:0.01) and in CODD (p:0.01). SG showed significant intergroup differences (p:0.01) in COD variables with respect to CG and VG. In conclusion, SG and VG showed significant improvements in lower body performance variables in youth futsal players. In addition, the SG has substantial changes in COD compared to the other two groups, so it has a greater effect.

Variations in cumulative workload and anaerobic power in adolescent elite male football players: associations with biological maturation.

BACKGROUND: It is considered that the maturity condition of young football players is related to their physical performance during short high-intensity efforts dependent on anaerobic power ability. Hence, the aim was to determine possible relationships between maturity status and training intensity by measuring the footballer´s peak height velocity (PHV), maturity offset and anaerobic power. METHODS: Seventeen youth male players of different playing positions participated in the study and performed tests at three different stages of the season (early-, mid- and end-season) All the anthropometric parameters and biomarkers related to maturation were controlled during the season. The training intensity and load was monitored and the anaerobic power of the players was assessed by a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST). RESULTS: The analysis of all the recorded data revealed a positive relationship between PHV and anaerobic power in the early- and end-season stages (p < 0.05). Maturity offset and anaerobic power (mean RAST) showed an absolute correlation in early- and end -season stages (r: - 0.39 to 0.91). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that min RAST was the best predictor for both PHV and maturity offset. The analysis of the training intensity and workloads showed a positive effect on the performance in the fitness test (p < 0.05). Additionally, players experienced less fatigue at the end-season stage than at the early-season. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that coaches might benefit from monitoring training loads and the maturity status of the players in order to enhance their physical performance during the season.

Horizontal jump asymmetries are associated with reduced range of motion and vertical jump performance in female soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Performance in jumping and change of direction tests are good proxies to reflect the skill level during soccer-specific actions. Greater inter-leg asymmetries have been identified as a risk factor for developing acute and overuse injuries and jeopardizing soccer performance. The aim of this study was to assess the association between asymmetry in the unilateral vertical and horizontal jump tests, ankle range of motion, linear velocity, and change of direction in a sample of highly trained adult female soccer players. METHODS: Thirty-eight highly trained female soccer players underwent a testing protocol including ankle dorsiflexion, single leg jumps for height (CMJ), distance (HJ), 40 m sprint and 180° change of direction tests. RESULTS: Within-session reliability was acceptable (CV ≤ 7.9%), and relative reliability showed good to excellent (ICC: 0.83 to 0.99). The one-way ANOVA reported higher inter-limb differences for change of direction deficit (10.9 ± 8.04%) and single leg CMJ (5.70 ± 5.22%). Pearson correlations highlighted significant relationships between horizontal jump asymmetries and ankle dorsiflexion (r = -0.41), CMJ (r = -0.36 to -0.49) and HJ (r = -0.28 to -0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing inter-limb asymmetries through different methods can help scientists understand the specificity of their detrimental effects on soccer performance. Practitioners should be aware of these specificities as well as the magnitude and direction of the asymmetries when aiming to improve specific on-field skills.

Effects of a neuromuscular training program on physical performance and asymmetries in female soccer.

Introduction: Women's football require optimal neuromuscular system development for injury prevention and performance optimization. Standardized neuromuscular training programs have shown promising results in reducing injuries and functional asymmetries, but evidence on their impact on performance is limited. Methods: This research examined the effects of a 10-week neuromuscular training program on physical performance and asymmetries in female football players. Thirty-eight female players from two Spanish Second Division women's football teams participated in the study. The physical performance tests used were: ankle dorsiflexion, bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump, bilateral and unilateral vertical countermovement jump, 40 m sprint including partial times at 10, 20 and 30 m and the 505 test for change of direction evaluation. For 10 weeks, players in the experimental group performed three weekly 24-min neuromuscular training sessions. Participants in the control group completed their normal 24-min strength and conditioning program. Results: The main results were that maximal linear velocity and change of direction skills showed the most notable improvements [effect size (ES), 0.46 to 0.59] after implementation of the training program, ankle dorsiflexion and jumping skills, also improved although, to a lesser extent (ES, <0.35) while asymmetries between limbs were reduced. Maximal running speed improved in the intervention group (p < 0.001) with a mean ES -0.59. Discussion: We conclude that a 10-week neuromuscular training program can be a sufficient stimulus to improve football-specific performance variables in high-level female football players. Therefore, female players and coaches should be aware that weekly inclusion of strength, power and dynamic balance exercises following a neuromuscular paradigm is helpful for football-specific performance improvement.

Relative Individual Sprint in Most Demanding Passages of Play in Spanish Professional Soccer Matches.

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (-0.03/-0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered.

Evaluation of 10-Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Body Composition of Elite Female Soccer Players.

(1) Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a 10-week neuromuscular training program (NMT) on the sum of six skinfolds (Σ6S) and body composition variables in elite female soccer players. (2) Methods: Forty-four Spanish elite female soccer players (age: 24.0 ± 4.2 years; height: 164.3 ± 5.5 cm; body mass: 60.4 ± 5.5 kg; body mass index (BMI): 22.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or to an experimental group (EG). Participants in the EG completed a specific NMT program of 24 min, three times per week, which included exercises from six different categories (mobility, dynamic stability, anterior chain strength, lumbopelvic control, posterior chain strength, and change of direction). The CG followed their normal strength and conditioning program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometric measurements (weight, height, limb circumferences, and bone breadths), and subsequently, body composition factors BMI, Σ6S, body mass, muscle mass, and lean body mass were calculated. Nutrition was standardized by a nutritionist and also load monitored. (3) Results: A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group × time) revealed that there was a significant (p ≤ 0.001) group × time interaction between body mass, fat mass, and Σ6S in favor of NMT. A significant interaction was also observed for body skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass favoring NMT. (4) Conclusions: The application of an NMT program seems to be a useful strategy to improve body composition in elite female soccer players.

The Influence of Stud Characteristics of Football Boots Regarding Player Injuries.

BACKGROUND: the main aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between sole pattern parameters of football boots with the frequency of injuries that occur in semiprofessional and amateur footballers. METHODS: The study sample was composed of 77 male football players. All were at least 18 years old, played at least 10 h per week, gave signed informed consent to take part and properly completed the Visual Analogue Scale. This study analysed data from each player's medical history, including age, injuries, years of practice, field type and surface condition information. RESULTS: The visual analogic score in semiprofessional players was higher (2.05 ± 2.43) than in amateur players (1.00 ± 1.1). A total of 141 lesions were collected, equivalent to 1.81 injuries for each football player studied (n = 77). The result of the ROC curve indicated that the player's years of practice could predict significantly (p < 0.05) the presence of lower limb injuries, with an area under the curve of 0.714. CONCLUSIONS: This study described the predictive capacity of sole pattern characteristics concerning lower limb injuries in amateur and semiprofessional footballers. Football boot variables associated with the number of studs were associated with foot and ankle overload injuries.

The Influence of Playing Formation on Physical Demands and Technical-Tactical Actions According to Playing Positions in an Elite Soccer Team.

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the physical demands and technical-tactical actions encountered by soccer players between two playing formations (1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-4-2) for each playing position. Twenty-three professional male soccer players who played 31 official matches participated in this study. Players were classified according to their playing position: central defenders (CD), wide defenders (WD), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM), offensive midfielders (OM) and forwards (FW). The physical demands were collected as total distance (TD), distance covered in different speed thresholds, and number of accelerations and decelerations. Also, the technical-tactical variables were recorded. The results showed that the 1-4-2-3-1 playing formation demanded decelerations between 2-4 m·s2 (p = 0.027; ES = 0.26) in comparison with 1-4-4-2 for all players. Likewise, forwards (FW) and central midfielders (CM) registered higher physical demands playing with the 1-4-2-3-1 compared to the 1-4-4-2 formation. Regarding the technical-tactical actions, they showed differences between the playing positions of the two playing formations. The findings suggest coaches prescribe specific training programs based on the influence of the playing formation and playing position on the physical demands and technical-tactical actions encountered by players during official match-play.

Age-related differences in linear sprint in adolescent female soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have observed the contribution of chronological age, biological maturation, and anthropometric characteristics to sprinting performance in young soccer players. Nevertheless, there are no studies that have analysed the contribution of these characteristics to running speed qualities in adolescent female soccer players. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated age-related differences in sprint performance in adolescent female soccer players. Also, it examined the possible influence of anthropometry [body mass and body mass index (BMI)] and biological maturation [age at peak height velocity (APHV)] in sprint performance. METHODS: Eighty adolescent female soccer players [under (U) 14, n = 20; U16, n = 37; U18, n = 23] participated in this study. Players were tested for 40 m sprint (each 10 m split times). RESULTS: Posthoc analysis revealed better performance in all split sprint times of older soccer players (U18 and U16) compared with younger category (F: 3.380 to 6.169; p < 0.05; ES: 0.64 to 1.33). On the contrary in all split sprint times, there were no significant changes between U16 and U18 (p < 0.05; ES: 0.03 to 0.17). ANCOVA revealed differences in all parameters between groups, controlled for APHV (p < 0.05). In contrast, all between-group differences disappeared after body mass and BMI adjustment (p > 0.05). Finally, the results indicate that BMI and body mass were significantly correlated with 40 m sprint (p < 0.05; r: -0.31) and 20 m flying (p < 0.01; r: 0.38), respectively. CONCLUSION: In the present players' sample, body mass and BMI had a significant impact on running speed qualities.

The influence of physical fitness attributes on external demands during simulated basketball matches in youth players according to age category.

This study aimed to: 1) compare physical fitness attributes and the external demands encountered during simulated matches in youth basketball players between age categories (under 14 years [U14], under 16 years [U16], and under 18 years [U18]), and 2) examine the relationships between physical fitness attributes and external demands during simulated matches in each age category. Thirty young basketball players categorized according to age (U14, n = 10; U16, n = 10; and U18, n = 10) completed a fitness test battery consisting of linear sprint, change-of-direction speed, repeated-change-of-direction speed, and jump assessments, and simulated matches monitored using local positioning system technology one week later. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc tests, as well as Cohen's effect sizes were used to compare physical fitness attributes and external match demands between age categories. Pearson's correlations and linear regression analyses were performed to quantify the relationships and shared variance between physical fitness attributes and external match demands in each age category. U14 players possessed lower (p <0.05, large-very large effects) physical fitness across all tests and performed less (p <0.05, large-very large effects) high-speed running (18.1-24.0 km•h - 1) during simulated matches than U16 and U18 players. Physical fitness attributes were significantly associated with external variables during simulated matches in each category, particularly in U14 players. These findings suggest coaches should implement training strategies targeting specific fitness attributes according to age in youth basketball players.

Associations between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Jump and Change of Direction Speed Tests and Physical Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players.

The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * -1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: -0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players' individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI-0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES -0.66 (95% CI-2.03, -0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES -0.36 (95% CI-0.68, -0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12-0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

The Effect of Weekly Training Load across a Competitive Microcycle on Contextual Variables in Professional Soccer.

Analysis of the key performance variables in soccer is one of the most continuous and attractive research topics. Using global positioning devices (GPS), the primary aim of this study was to highlight the physiological response of a professional soccer team across competitive microcycles in-season according to the most influential contextual performance variables. Determining the training load (TL), a work ratio was established between all recorded data within the training sessions and the competitive profile (CP). Each microcycle was classified in accordance with the contextual variables: opponent level (high, medium, low), match location (home and away) and score (win, draw, lose). Results revealed that the team were significantly more successful (games won) in competitive games against high-level opponents and when played at home. Cumulative microcycle/weekly training load (WTL) was significantly lower when the team won. In addition to the opponent level and the match location, WTL could condition the athlete's performance in the competition. Competitive performance responses are the main source of information for the planning of training programs. The results of this study could be used as a reference to structure TL and WTL according to contextual variables in the competition. This study, which is the first of its kind, revealed that WTL effects the performance of the players in the competition.

Influence of contextual factors on physical demands and technical-tactical actions regarding playing position in professional soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the physical demands and technical-tactical actions for each playing position according to game location and final outcome in professional soccer players. METHODS: A convenience sample was obtained from twenty-one professional male soccer players, belonged to same soccer team of the Spanish Second Division. Players' physical demands were monitored during each match using a portable 18 Hz GPS unit and 600 Hz triaxial accelerometer. These analysed demands were total distance, moderate speed running distance (>14.4 km·h-1), high-speed running distance (>19.8. km·h-1), sprint distance (>25.0 km·h-1), number of accelerations between 2 and 4 m·s-2 and above 4 m·s-2, and number of decelerations between 2 and 4 m·s-2 and above 4 m·s-2. The data related to technical-tactical actions were obtained from WyScout®, a computerized multiple-camera tracking system based on the OPTA® track analysis tool. The obtained indicators were general, defensive and offensive. RESULTS: For all players, higher total distance (p = 0.045; effect size [ES] = 0.24, small effect) was covered and greater deceleration 2-4 m·ss-2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.68, medium effect) was performed when the team plays at home and lose and for all players, playing at home and winning demanded higher defensive volume (p =0.014; ES = - 1.49, large effect) and nº interceptions (p =0.031; ES = - 1.40, large effect) in comparison to playing at home and losing. CONCLUSIONS: The physical demands and technical-tactical actions vary when contextual game factors (i.e., match location and final outcome) are considered. We can confirm that, although the training of physical demands does not influence the final result of the match, the training of technical tactical actions could help to achieve an optimal performance of the team to win matches.

Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Throwing Speed in Amateur Male Handball Players at Different Ages.

The objectives of this study were: (i) to analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed from seven meters in amateur male handball players of different ages; (ii) to know the relationship between anthropometric parameters and throwing. One hundred seventy-six male handball players (16.5 ± 5.1 years old) participated in the study, classified according to their age: senior (n = 35), U18 (n = 30), U16 (n = 37), U14 (n = 50) and U12 (n = 24). All participants were evaluated by anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index, arm span, hand width) and throwing speed from 7 m standing. A one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to establish the differences between teams. Pearson's simple correlation coefficients were calculated between analyse anthropometric parameters and throwing speed. Multiple linear regression was used to predict the throwing speed. Only BMI was related with throwing speed in all age groups (0.506 > r < 0.813, p < 0.05). Throwing speed was predicted (24-72%) with only one or two variables in each model. The selected variables were: BMI, arm span in U16 model and height U14 model, and the BMI, arm span and height are proved to be good predictors of TS in male handball players.