Top Level Handball Tendencies impact on the training

Top Level Handball Tendencies – impact on the training of talented youth and junior players Alexandru Acsinte – EHF Lecturer

According to Vincent Lafko, Milan Mikuš, František Urban, who analize the 8 TH MEN'S 20 EUROPEAN HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, we can appreciate the followings: ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF PLAYERS Body height The average height of the players (256 players) was 188. 98 ± 2. 21 cm. The biggest difference in height (8. 69 cm) was found between the players of Finland (183. 81 cm) and the players of Germany (192. 5 cm). Body height over 2 meters was recorded in 9 players. The highest player of the tournament H. Pekeler (GER) was presented the best pivot award. The player with lowest body height at the championship was M. Troelsen (DEN) (174 cm). Among players with lower height were some of the best scoring players G. Marguc (SLO) (180 cm) a K. Mahe (FRA) (181 cm), who was presented the MVP award. The average body height of the All-Stars Team players was 193. 71 ± 6. 47 cm (180. 0 203. 0 cm).

Body weight The average body weight of championship players was 86. 74 ± 3. 29 kg, whereas the body weight of All-Star Team Players averaged 91. 66 ± 4. 93 kg (85. 0 - 97. 5 kg). The most significant difference (10. 75 kg) in body weight was found between the players of Czech Republic (81. 19 kg) and Romania (91. 94 kg). Percentage of body (subcutaneous) fat Average percentage of body fat was 9. 14 ± 0. 88 %, when the highest fat percentage of 10. 71 % was found in Romanian players. Players from Russia averaged the lowest body fat percentage of 7. 53 %, being the only team with average value less than 8 %. The All-Star Team players averaged 8. 49 ± 1. 97 % (5. 1 -11. 8 %) of body fat. The lowest body fat percentage was observed in Russian left wing player I. Soroka and the highest one in Slovak goalkeeper Töviš (22. 2 %).

Team characteristics

Somatotype In the endomorphic component of the somatotype, the lowest average value was found in Russian players (1. 36). Only the players from Iceland Slovakia had average value of endomorphy over 2. The values higher than two indicate relative slenderness and low fat storage. The highest level of mesomorphy was observed in Croatian players (5. 24). In most teams the average value of the mesomorhic component was around 5, which is indicative of well-developed musculature. In the ectomorphic component of the somatotype, the biggest difference was recorded between the Russian players (3. 06) and Danish players (1. 94). Higher values of ectomorphy indicate relative length of extremities and large body surface

The average anthropometric values demonstrate the following: -the last three teams (Czech Republic, Israel, Finland) were characterized by the lowest body height average among the championship teams, which shows that body height still should be considered one of the most significant, but not the most important performance factors, - all All-Star Team players, except the wing player G. Marguc, were taller than 193 cm, -low average values of body fat percentage in all teams demonstrate good physical preparedness, which results from the demands of offensive and fast play in handball, - the average somatotype values show that 8 teams fall into the category: balanced mesomorph and at the same time 8 teams into the category: ectomorphic mesomorph. -overall, average somatotype of the players was classified as ectomorphic mesomorph, - all teams shared a similar somatotype characteristic with higher values in mesomorphy and ectomorphy compared to endomorphy, which shows that players were muscular, tall and had low fat percentage, which is in line with fast and dynamic play of contemporary handball.

All-Star Team characteristic

Brief characteristics of top teams DENMARK - the players of Denmark became European champions despite losing against the finalist Portugal by a goal in the quarterfinal group. In the championship final Denmark won convincingly 30: 24. The team used an aggressive defensive system 6 -0 or 5 -1. The players attempted to prevent their opponent from shooting, creating any space for shooting or 1 -1 situation by use of consistent shifting and switching. During power plays the team used the 5+1 defensive system – close guarding of the most dangerous player of the opposing team. A defensive specialist always substituted the center back. The offense was based on a single pivot play, the counter attack (fast break) was used classically – using wing players, the second wave attacks included mainly center players.

After receiving a goal, the team played fast throw-off, which they were effective at especially in the group matches. The players demonstrated variety of shooting mainly from the center position. The team's play was characterized by frequent changes of positions in the center zone using crossing and subsequently very efficient 1: 1 play with breaking the center or wing player free. A technically proficient team showed mastery in one-handed ball catching also over the goalkeeper area, which contributed to the shooting efficiency.

PORTUGAL – was the biggest surprise of the championship. Their success was based on excellent cooperation of players and their discipline in executing the defensive drills and high quality centers. The line players and pivots committed few technical faults. The team used the 5 -1 defensive system with an active player in an extended position. The center backs controlled the defense especially during switching. The offense was based on the use of a single pivot. During the execution of fast breaks and fast throw-offs the players always looked for options to shoot. The offensive play was mainly based on cutting of wing players into the area of the second pivot while breaking free the right back, who was efficient in shooting from a 9 -10 m range.

GERMANY - ranks among one of the most stabile teams of the European Championships. This time again, the German team won both the basic and the semi-final group convincingly. The team unfortunately did not advance to the finals and lost the 3 rd place match in extra time. The team made use of 6 -0 defense with extension to 9 meters, the center of defense was efficient by assuming appropriate blocking positions. The players transferred from high-quality defense to successful fast breaks using wing players, or to gradual attacks by shooting from center positions and attempted to play fast throw-off as well. The team of Germany demonstrated one of the most effective offensive combinations against set-up defense.

SWEDEN - the representative of the "school of defense" applied a very aggressive and flexible 6 -0 defensive system. The center players double-teamed the offensive players, who switched positions to prevent the pivot from breaking free near the goal area. Good defense and offense-oriented goalkeeper throw (initiation of fast breaks) enabled them to carry out fast breaks, which involved also center players with final execution from the center position. In the offensive phase of the match, the team used center backs, who directed the offense and crossing, with the 2 nd pivot cutting from both the center and wing positions. The center players substituted frequently due to fast play. After receiving a goal the team preferred attack based on fast throw-off.

FRANCE - the team started matches using the 5 -1 defensive system, or sometimes the 4 -2 system. Efficient play of center players in 1 -1 situations with guarding the whole goal area was their main attribute. However, the team lacked shooting efficiency from 10 -11 meters. In offense, the players used drilled combinations based on getting the left back open in cooperation with wing players. They used every opportunity to begin a fast break, after receiving a goal the players tried to play fast throw-off, but technical faults and inaccurate shooting prevented them from achieving better placing.

SPAIN - alternated 6 -0 “offensive defense” with less common 5 -1 and 3 -2 -1 defensive system. There was lack of cooperation and team work; therefore, the team used the substitution of one or two defensive specialists. In the attack with one pivot the players made use of drilled cooperation in twos or threes resulting in players breaking free individually at the goal area, however, with less efficient shooting execution. The team tried to initiate a fast break, during the gradual attack the wing players cut into the area of the second pivot and switched positions with center players using crossing. The fast throw-off was used by the team to a lesser extent.

ICELAND - the team presented simple and technically proficient handball, so typical for Scandinavian countries. When defending, the team made use of 6 -0, 5 -1, even 3 -2 -1 system or their alternation in short time span. During power play, the players used 3 -3 system in effort to get the ball. Their offensive system was stereotypical, but effective. The team relied on the center back's control of play. The center back was dangerous when shooting and showed his efficiency promoted by cooperation with pivot in 1 -1 situations. The team executed fast breaks, which involved the activity of center back and pivot, along the right side of the court. As long as the players had enough strength, they executed fast throw-offs, which became seldom in the matches to come.

DEFENSIVE PLAY All the teams participating in the championship manifested play based on simplicity, directness and highly-developed technical proficiency with respect to their level of individual skills. The most frequent defensive system the teams used was the 6 -0 system with active extending and 3 -2 -1 and 5 -1 defense formations. The defensive players permanently tried to interrupt the opponent's play during the preparatory phase of their offense. The attempt to interrupt the play led to turnovers and initiation of fast breaks. Each team used one basic and at least one defensive system during power play also when being outnumbered. The defensive play was characterized by frequent and successful defensive blocking

• Despite intense activity and aggressiveness in defense and frequent body contact with offensive players, the matches did not lack the spirit of fair play. Among the fairest teams were teams of Serbia and Spain. • The highest number of players with 2 -minute suspension was recorded in teams of SLO – 42, GER and SR – 33. The referees immediately penalized flagrant and rough play and markedly contributed to high quality of championship. • During 112 matches played, the referees gave only 5 red cards, but as much as 443 two-minute suspensions, which means that on average 4 players on each team were suspended per match (most suspended players were Ch. Dissinger – GER, O. Ysander – SWE, B. Vaksman – ISR a J. Brezovic – CRO).

• An important attribute of play was the use of both spatial and man-toman defense (POR, SLO, FRA, ISL). These changes disabled the opponents to create space for shooting forcing them to shoot from unprepared positions. • • In the final stages of certain matches, it was the teams that were losing by a close margin. They used man-to-man defense on the whole team in an effort to reverse the score. • Top eight teams demonstrated efficient transition to defensive positions after a shot on goal, or a turnover in offense and this way the players defended against a fast break or fast throw-off. • The lowest number of received goals was recorded in teams of DEN – 180 (25. 7 goals per match), SLO – 183 (26. 1 goals per match), GER – 195 (27. 9 goals per match) and POR – 213 (30. 4 goals per match), which is consistent with their placement in the top four. • During power play, the teams made use of the 5 -1 defensive system, sometimes also the 3 -3 system with extremely extended players putting the pressure through attempting to steal the ball or by delaying the play, making the opponent pass inaccurately or commit technical faults.

OFFENSIVE PLAY The teams displayed a high-quality game. Most goals were scored following simple, yet quickly executed actions. There was prevalence of combinations based both on control of the play by center backs and crossing with back players and wings and their variability in the final phase in an effort to create the best shooting position possible. The ability to improvise before shooting was supported by high level of technical mastery in terms of individual skills. The offensive play was based on both dynamic and accurate passes and their one-hand reception in a variety of situations. Perpendicular running against defending players after receiving the pass in an attempt to break free in 1 -1 situation and after possible double teaming pass the ball to another teammate, who by cutting-in completed the offensive play by shooting or broke the wing free for shooting. Top eight teams demonstrated high shooting efficiency (POR – 61. 0 %, SLO – 61. 0 %, FRA – 61. 0 %).

Shooting efficiency of teams in the 1 st – 8 th place at the U 20 EHCh The teams were physically well-prepared and frequently used the fast break (first wave) to complete offensive play through ball interception. Most frequent were fast breaks after 1 to 3 passes as 2 nd wave attacks completed from the wing or center positions. After shooting, the players responded to quick transition from offensive to defensive play – i. e. opponent's counter attack. Each team attempted to execute the fast throw-off and used the tactical and strategic possibilities allowed by the rules. From the standpoint of the goals scored, the highest number of goals was scored by players of ISL – 240, SWE – 227 and GER – 223.

GOALKEEPERS During the championship the teams had the right to use three goalkeepers, however, only teams of GER and ISL used such option. The first goalkeeper was a basic line-up player, but in case of low goalkeeping (saving) efficiency in the match, was replaced by the second goalkeeper. A surprising finding was that from the viewpoint of efficiency, the Portuguese goalkeeper and one goalkeeper from SWE, FRA and DEN did not get into the top twenty. The first ten included 4 goalkeepers from 8 teams – SLO, ISL and ESP. The goalkeepers from the „weaker“ group, which placed 9 th to 16 th, were great support for their teams.

The lowest number of received goals was recorded in teams DEN – 180, SLO – 183, GER – 195 and POR – 207. The highest number of goals was scored into the bottom corners of the goal – 227, into the top corners of the goal – 162. The highest number of goals (from the goalkeeper's position) was scored into the bottom right hand corner – 150, the lowest number into the top left hand corner – 84. The goalkeepers of all teams were a great support for their teams and several goalkeepers contributed to the success and good placement of their teams representing goalkeeping hopes for the senior national teams.

Best scorers of the Men's U 20 European Handball Championship

Defensive phase of the game - trends -All teams of the "TOP 8", except Portugal, which used the 5 -1 defense, used the 6 -0 defensive system. -Throughout the matches, the teams made use of one or alternated two defensive systems 3 -2 -1 with transition up to 3 -3 system with active movement towards the ball. - 5 -1 defensive system with lead player as far as 10 -15 meters or with individual defense of the best scorer. The use of the center back during power play. Other players played offensively according to appropriate tactics. - When being outnumbered, all teams defended against 5 -0 system and moved towards the player with the ball. - The defending players tried to be active in the 1: 2 situations in the outer area, but also in the 1: 1 situations. They attempted to restrict the area, where a ball could be passed, to make the offensive player passive. - Each defensive system was based on the effort to steal the ball and initiate a fast break. - Each team had a specialist player, who most frequently substituted into the center of defense.

Offensive phase of the game – trends -After stealing the ball due to a missed shot or a save, technical fault in the offense, passive play, etc. the observed teams tried to direct their play towards fast break initiation. • Offensive systems were based on the use of a single pivot. The wing players or center players moved to the 2 nd pivot area by passing the ball, which was followed by crossing of center players or their cutting-in from a run-up into the center. • The center players lined up along the free-throw line and the wing players in the corners of the court. -The decisive factor in terms of offensive efficiency was cooperation of two up to three players within restricted space by breaking free individually near the goal area or by passing the ball into the pivot area despite the fact that physical contact could be used only in line with the rules. - Shooting efficiency, which averaged 59. 5 %, was similar in all teams. The team with most effective shooting was ISL – 62 % (240 goals – 385 shots) followed by POR, SLO and FRA – 61 %.

• Taller players were more efficient from the center area as they were able to break free aggressively at both sides of defending players and execute swift shots. • Shooting from a double-legged jump was recorded as well. Shooting efficiency ranged from 37. 2 (ESP) to the highest rate of efficiency – 50 % (160 shots and 80 goals). • In general, pivots frequently used one-hand ball catching followed by jump shots or dive shots. • Pivots had to pay attention to breaking free after dynamic screening in order to use well-timed movement into the free area

Players with highest percentage of time on court Number of players with lowest number of minutes on court Men's 20 European Handball Championship was characterized by speed and quickness in each phase of the game. The matches included dynamic and attractive play, which was abundant in 1: 1, or 2: 2 situations both with and without the ball. Referees also played an important role as they explained passive play, penalized dangerous play, assessed charging and enabled the teams to make use of advantage rule included in the rules.

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