Throwing performance by playing positions of male handball players during the European Championship 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the throwing velocity and effectiveness of elite male handball players during the European Championship 2020. A local positioning system was used for the first time in a European Championship to collect 6568 throw events from 337 players of 24 national teams during 65 matches. ANOVA (F = 80.8, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.058) revealed that back players throws were significantly faster (24.3-26.5 m/s) than the rest of the players (22.2-22.5 m/s). Similarly, throws made from the central zone showed the highest speed values of 28.0 m/s (F = 43.2, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.050). In regard to the goal hit zone, higher speeds were shown for throws in side zones (24.9-26.8 m/s) compared to central zones (23.0-23.8 m/s) (F = 49.0, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.063). Effectiveness was higher in wing players (62%-64%) than the rest (45%-56%) (F = 30.9, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.023). Interestingly, the two higher velocity categories (>22 m/s) showed similar effectiveness (similar to 60%), which were higher than the preceding slower category of 17-22 m/s (39.7%) (F = 175.1, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.074). Regarding court zones, throws from first-line zones (48%-60%), were more effective than from second line (38%-43%) (F = 13.1, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.016). With respect to the goal hit zone, effectiveness was higher in side (72%-77%) than in central zones (58%-64%) (F = 523.2, p < 0.01, eta(2) = 0.418). Coaches should improve the throwing velocity of players but also train at submaximal velocities (effective velocity) to save energy and reduce the potential risk of injury. Finally, training should be specialized according to the performance shown by players from different throwing zones, rather than from playing positions.