Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine relationships between shoulder
extension-flexion and internal-external rotation strength of professional male
handball players with throwing velocity, and the hip extension-flexion strength
with horizontal and vertical reactive strength index. Fifteen professional male
handball players participating in 1st League matches took part in the
study. The results showed that isometric shoulder flexion and extension strength
significantly predicted stable throwing velocity (r2=between
0.27–0.73) and dynamic throwing velocity (r2=between 0.30–0.62). In
addition, isometric internal and external rotation strength significantly
predicted stable throwing velocity (r2=between 0.32–0.54) and dynamic
throwing velocity (r2=between 0.31–0.44). Moreover, isometric hip
extension and flexion strength significantly predicted vertical reactive
strength index (r2=between 0.31–0.45) and horizontal reactive
strength index (r2=between 0.26–0.42). In conclusion, it was observed
that shoulder strength has an enhancing effect on handball players'
throwing velocity, while hip strength is a determining factor for the reactive
strength index. In this context, it is assumed that shoulder weakness during
throwing will affect the accuracy and velocity of throwing by disrupting the
angular momentum, while weakness in the hip during the jump phase of the
throwing motion will negatively affect the explosive power by limiting
stabilization during landing.
Keywords
explosive power - physiological performance - strength