A Comparative Study of Selected Handball Techniques

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of the two most commonly used handball arm-hand actions in relation to (a) handball velocity, (b) time required to execute each stroke and (c) distance the striking hand travels during the propulsive phase of each stroke. Handball velocity was measured with the Hale Reaction-Performance Timer. The data for the remaining variables were obtained through cinematographical analysis. Eleven experienced handball players at Springfield College were selected as subjects. Velocity results indicated that significant differences existed between the flexion-extension and straight arm techniques. Differences between the two stroking techniques for execution time and hand distance traveled were found, although the data for these two variables were not scrutinized statistically.