Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to compare physical and physiological characteristics of professional male and female handball players in terms of game positions that they play. Thirty men and 30 women, who play for Turkish National Handball Teams were used as subjects. Flexibility data were collected by using sit and reach test and trunk flexibility test. Ten and 30 m dash performance were measured by optic recorder. Anaerobic capacity measured by Bosco ergojump. Grip strength measurement was done by handgrip dynometer. According to statistical analyses, there were statistically significant differences in percent body fat of the handball players by favoring the goalkeepers (p<0.05). On the other hand, no significant difference was found in terms of percent body fat between pivots and goalkeepers. There were no statistically significant differences in flexibility measurements of male and female handball players according to their game positions. In Ergo Jump measurements (squat jump, active jump, explosive power, and average vertical jump) no statistical significance were found. Moreover, the power that was generated during the multiple jumps by goalkeepers and middle play makers were statistically higher than that of the rest of the players (p<0.01). The average jump count of women handball players showed differences among the positions played (p<0.01). No statistically differences was found in the analyze of grip strength measurement of handball players. As a conclusion, because of goalkeepers' lower percent body fat, lower power generated during multiple jumps and higher numbers of consecutive jumps, it could have been comprehend that goalkeepers are treated as a second class players in the handball training and also in talent identification.

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