Biology of Sport

Abstract

3/2023 vol. 40
Original paper

The effect of training schedule and playing positions on training loads and game demands in professional handball players

  1. Sport Performance Area FC Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
  2. National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
  3. School of Health Sciences, Tecnocampus, Pompeu Fabra University, Mataró, Spain
  4. University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection laboratory (EA 3072), Strasbourg, France
  5. University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, European Centre for Education, Research and Innovation in Exercise Physiology (CEERIPE), Strasbourg, France
  6. Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre (CEEAF), University of Vic- Central University of Catalonia (UVic- UCC), Barcelona, Spain
  7. Sport Performance Analysis Research Group (SPARG), University of Vic- Central University of Catalonia (UVic- UCC), Barcelona, Spain
  8. INEFC-Barcelona Sport Sciences Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
  9. Catalan School of Kinanthropometry, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
Biol Sport. 2023;40(3):857–866
Online publish date: 2022/12/13
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In this research, we aimed to (1) describe the differences in internal and external load between playing positions and (2) characterize the training demands of the days before competitive events for professional handball players. Fifteen players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 4 backs, and 2 pivots) were equipped with a local positioning system device during training and 11 official matches. External (total distance, high-speed running, player load) and internal loads (rating of perceived exertion) were computed. Substantial differences were recorded between the external load variables depending on each playing position and depending on whether it was a training day (high-speed running: effect size (ES) ≥ 2.07; player load: ES ≥ 1.89) or a match (total distance: ES ≥ 1.27; high-speed running: ES ≥ 1.42; player load: ES ≥ 1.33). Differences in internal load were not substantial. The rating of perceived exertion, at this competitive level, does not seem to discriminate the differences registered in the external load, probably due to the degree of adaptation to the specific effort of these players. The large differences observed in external load variables should be used to tailor practices and better adjust the training demands in professional handball settings.
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