Game-based Training in Young Elite Handball Players

This study compared the e ect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) versus specifi c gamebased handball training (HBT) on handball performance parameters. Thirty-two highlytrained adolescents (15.5 ± 0.9 y) were assigned to either HIT (n = 17) or HBT (n = 15) groups, that performed either HIT or HBT twice per week for 10 weeks. The HIT consisted of 12 – 24 × 15 s runs at 95 % of the speed reached at the end of the 30 – 15 Intermittent Fitness Test (V IFT ) interspersed with 15 s passive recovery, while the HBT consisted of small-sided handball games performed over a similar time period. Before and after training, performance was assessed with a counter movement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint time (10 m), best (RSA best ) and mean (RSA mean ) times on a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, the V IFT and the intermittent endurance index (iEI). After training, RSA best ( i 3.5 ± 2.7 % ), RSA mean ( i 3.9 ± 2.2 % ) and V IFT ( + 6.3 ± 5.2 % ) were improved (P < 0.05), but there was no di erence between groups. In conclusion, both HIT and HBT were found to be e ective training modes for adolescent handball players. However, HBT should be considered as the preferred training method due to its higher game-based specifi city.