Factors Influencing Ball Throwing Velocity in Young Female Handball Players

Abstract

Aim of this study was the investigation of the relationship between throwing ball velocity and specific anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of young female team handball players (n = 220, mean +/- SD age 13.99 +/- 1.06 yrs and playing experience 3.66 +/- 1.66 yrs). Throwing velocity was assessed with a radar gun while body height, body mass, body mass index, arm span, hand length and spread, standing long jump, 30m sprint, sit and reach flexibility and estimated maximal oxygen uptake were also measured. The results showed that throwing performance is significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with all variables calculated in this study except of the body mass index. This suggests that high performance requires advanced motor abilities and anthropometric features for these ages.