Applications of the force-velocity model in handball

Abstract

Velocity of throwing is considered to be of much importance in elite level. As the assessment of individual force-velocity relationships seems to be useful to understand performance in ballistic movements we decided to apply it to handball throwing. In order to do this, we organized this thesis in two experimental and exploratory studies. The first study with the aim to develop a new and more specific methodology that could evaluate the force-velocity relationship in overarm throwing of handball players. For this, we used a set of four ball with different weights (from 433g to 747g). Nineteen handball players (Portuguese first division) performed two or three throws, replicating a 7-metre throw. Velocity was measured with a radar. From the data collected, force-velocity and power-velocity relationships were computed and individual profiles were traced. The second study aimed to explore information provided by the assessment of standard bench press throw performance through different loading magnitudes (40%,60%,70%,80%,90%), namely to determine which variables might be more informative about individual power capabilities and F-v relationships. Four handball players, playing in the Portuguese first division, performed the assessments. The developed apparatus and methodology for the first study appear to be relatively simple to use and ecologically valid to assess force-velocity and power-velocity capabilities in handball throwing, but still needs to be improved and tested with a larger sample and a wider range of balls' weight. Our results with the bench press throw showed that, when using heavy loads, there is a change of the pattern in the force-velocity relationship that demands further investigation. The different slopes obtained with bench press throws and overarm handball throwing exposed the complexity of the problematic and opens up future questions for research. Although bench press throws may be useful to assess force-velocity capabilities of the upper limbs, it seems that it doesn't really represent what happens in such a complex movement as handball throwing. This reinforces the importance of the specific and ecological methodology developed in the first study.