Cluster Method: Effects on Performance in Handball

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of six week traditional and cluster training method applied in female handball players on speed, strength and throwing power. 32 handball players participated in this study. 16 athletes were assigned in the Cluster Training Group (CTG), 16 athletes in the Traditional Training Group (TTG). The training continued for six weeks, three days a week, during the preparation period of the annual training program. Both groups practiced leg extension/flexion, pulldown, butterfly, bench press, deep squat. The CTG performed 80% of repetition maximum (1RM), 4 repetitions with a 20-second rest, total of 12 repetitions and 2 sets. The TTG, on the other hand, performed 80% of 1RM, 12 repetitions, 2-3-minute rest between sets, and again 2 sets. At the beginning and end of the training, 10 and 20 m speed, hand grip strength, standing long jump, vertical jump, throwing speed, squat and bench press performance measurements were recorded. A statistically significant difference was found in the performance values within the group (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between groups in the vertical jump and standing long jump (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of the other performances (p>0.05). As a result, it was seen that the cluster method was effective on the development of the jump force. Considering the difference between cluster and traditional training methods, we can say that the cluster method provides more advantages than the traditional method in branches that require explosive strength.