Characteristics of specific training in elite handball players specialized in goalkeeper position

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Elite handball goalkeepers undergo intensive training for reflexes and advanced techniques. They develop mental toughness to handle the pressure and responsibility at key moments of the game. Thus, they protect the goal of the team. This study aims to investigate and highlight the specific training characteristics of elite handball players specialized in the goalkeeper position. Material and Methods. The best 4 goalkeepers specialized in elite handball in Romania, aged between 22 and 33 years, were selected. Specific motor tests were used: Test 1 - Jumps 15 seconds; Test 2 – Reaction speed to visual stimulus; Test 3 – Execution speed. Technical tests were used: Test specific to goalkeeper, Triangle moving, The Ten Jump, Ball throwing, Standing long jump, Passes to a fixed point; The Cooper test. To improve specific training, there were applied strategies for training optimization which include stretching for mobility, segmental muscle strength, goalkeeping specific exercises and plyometrics. The nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between technical training and motor skills parameters. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Results. The performance of elite handball players specializing in goalkeeper position highlighted significant improvements in the Jumps 15 sec test. Contact time decreased by 0.13 seconds while the jump height increased by 0.55 cm, showing improved efficiency and power. In the Reaction speed to visual stimulus test, waiting time and reaction time decreased considerably, while the foot rising height increased. In the right and left leg Execution speed test, the differences observed reveal individual adaptations. The overall time is low in the right foot and there is a significant increase in the left foot. The nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis showed the relationship between the indices of technical fitness tests and the strength and speed motor skills. During Test 1 - Jumps 15 sec - 49 correlations were identified, of which 5.36% were statistically significant, highlighting strong connections between certain parameters. The analysis of Test 2 showed 56 correlations, but the lack of statistical significance reveals the absence of connections between the technical tests and the parameters of reaction speed manifestation. Regarding Test 3, a number of 28 correlations were identified. The lack of statistical significance suggests the absence of significant correlations between the technical tests and the execution speed. Conclusions. The performances of elite handball goalkeepers show significant improvements in motor and technical skills, highlighting the effectiveness of specific training and its adaptability. The progress in jumping and reaction speed indicates essential improvements for goalkeeping success, emphasizing the necessity for personalized and holistic training.