The purpose of the master's thesis was to determine the differences in the variables of hip and trunk muscle strength and in the variables of different jumps among groups of handball players playing in different positions, for both the preferredand non-preferred leg. The study included handball players of the first Slovenian national handball league, in the 16-32 age range, who were divided into wing players, backcourt players, centre backcourt players, line or pivot players and goalkeepers. For the variables where differences occurred, we used the Post-Hoc testing to determine which playing positions differed from each other. Differences were found for both preferred and non-preferred leg. Wing players demonstrated the best jumping ability with the preferred leg, while centre back players were the most successful with the non-preferred leg. Backcourt players achieved good results in tests for the preferred leg, but had worse results for the non-preferred leg compared to wing players and centre back players. Pivot players, who are taller considering anthropometric characteristics and have greater body mass, achieved worse results in all measured variables. Goalkeepers achieved good results and differed negatively from wing players only in tests for the preferred leg. The study showed that it is crucial to adapt training to the specific demands of the playing position for optimal performance and injury prevention in handball players. Great emphasis is placed on the development of muscle laterality in the legs and appropriate hip muscle strength exercises for all playing positions, especially for backcourt players and pivot players. Jumps and landings must be trained evenly for both preferred and non-preferred leg to prevent injuries and improve motor skills.
|