Kinematic variables of elite handball players during throwing from upward jumps

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse kinematic variables of motor action in throwing from upward jumps by first- and second-line players in an elite handball team. Threedimensional kinematic variables were analysed using the Statokin 3D Video Analysis system. The study sample (n=15) consisted of eight second-line players. The results showed statistically significant differences between players of the second and firstline in the length of the last stride (η2 =0.87, p<0.001), horizontal velocity on the Yaxis (η² =0.51, p=0.003), average take-off velocity (η² =0.62, p=0.001), maximal horizontal and vertical velocities (Y and Z-axes) of the knee joint of the swinging leg (η²
=0.53, p=0.002; η² =0.40, p=0.016), maximal angular velocities of the hip and knee joints of the take-off leg (η² =0.38, p=0.023; η²
=0.23, p=0.050), angular velocity of the knee joint of the swinging leg (η² = 0.61, p < 0.001), maximal extension angle of the elbow during backswing (η² =0.41, p=0.042), and average speed at which the ball was released (η² =0.71, р<0.001). The kinematic variables of the motor action of the body joints differed between players from the second- and first-line during throwing from upward jumps.

Keywords: 3D-kinematics; Ball release speed; Jump throw; Handball