The effect of training schedule and playing positions on training loads and game demands in professional handball players

Roger Font; Claude Karcher; Eduard Loscos-Fàbregas; Albert Altarriba-Bartés; Javier Peña; Jordi Vicens-Bordas; Jose Mesas; Alfredo Irurtia

doi:10.5114/biolsport.2023.121323

eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X

Biology of Sport

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3/2023
vol. 40

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abstract:

Original paper

The effect of training schedule and playing positions on training loads and game demands in professional handball players

Roger Font

^{1, 2, 3}

,

Claude Karcher

^{4, 5}

,

Eduard Loscos-Fàbregas

⁶

,

Albert Altarriba-Bartés

^{6, 7}

,

Javier Peña

^{6, 7}

,

Jordi Vicens-Bordas

^{6, 7}

,

Jose Antonio Mesas

¹

,

Alfredo Irurtia

^{8, 9}

Sport Performance Area FC Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
School of Health Sciences, Tecnocampus, Pompeu Fabra University, Mataró, Spain
University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Medicine, Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and Muscular Protection laboratory (EA 3072), Strasbourg, France
University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Sport Sciences, European Centre for Education, Research and Innovation in Exercise Physiology (CEERIPE), Strasbourg, France
Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre (CEEAF), University of Vic- Central University of Catalonia (UVic- UCC), Barcelona, Spain
Sport Performance Analysis Research Group (SPARG), University of Vic- Central University of Catalonia (UVic- UCC), Barcelona, Spain
INEFC-Barcelona Sport Sciences Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
Catalan School of Kinanthropometry, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain

Biol Sport. 2023;40(3):857–866

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.121323

Online publish date: 2022/12/13

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In this research, we aimed to (1) describe the differences in internal and external load between playing positions and (2) characterize the training demands of the days before competitive events for professional handball players. Fifteen players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 4 backs, and 2 pivots) were equipped with a local positioning system device during training and 11 official matches. External (total distance, high-speed running, player load) and internal loads (rating of perceived exertion) were computed. Substantial differences were recorded between the external load variables depending on each playing position and depending on whether it was a training day (high-speed running: effect size (ES) ≥ 2.07; player load: ES ≥ 1.89) or a match (total distance: ES ≥ 1.27; high-speed running: ES ≥ 1.42; player load: ES ≥ 1.33). Differences in internal load were not substantial. The rating of perceived exertion, at this competitive level, does not seem to discriminate the differences registered in the external load, probably due to the degree of adaptation to the specific effort of these players. The large differences observed in external load variables should be used to tailor practices and better adjust the training demands in professional handball settings.

keywords:

The effect of training schedule and playing positions on training loads and game demands in professional handball players

Roger Font 1, 2, 3 , Claude Karcher 4, 5 , Eduard Loscos-Fàbregas 6 , Albert Altarriba-Bartés 6, 7 , Javier Peña 6, 7 , Jordi Vicens-Bordas 6, 7 , Jose Antonio Mesas 1 , Alfredo Irurtia 8, 9

external load, team sports, IMUs, internal load, RPE

Roger Font

^{1, 2, 3}

,

Claude Karcher

^{4, 5}

,

Eduard Loscos-Fàbregas

⁶

,

Albert Altarriba-Bartés

^{6, 7}

,

Javier Peña

^{6, 7}

,

Jordi Vicens-Bordas

^{6, 7}

,

Jose Antonio Mesas

¹

,

Alfredo Irurtia

^{8, 9}