Jakten på det perfekta handbollsskottet: Analys av avstämt handbollsskott

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the running shot in handball. A selection of 90 players were set to perform a running shot from seven meters, aiming for a 30cm×30cm target, five times each. All shots were filmed to be analyzed in Python and MATLAB in order to convert visual appearence regarding the players techniques into measurable values. Another point of interest was to explore the chain of muscle activaton during the shooting sequence. This study was performed on two players of different age and sex with the aid of electromyography. There were no concrete statistical correlation between the speed of the shot and accuracy for any age group. Pertaining the correlation between player length, weight, arm length and shot speed, weak to moderate connections on the mens side were found. Furthermore the connections between shot speed and player experience were continually increasing with age on the mens side. On the womens side the connection between hand circumference and player experience had a moderate connection to shot speed for the younger age groups. Using video analysis, it was found that the older players use the rotation in the hip to create torque in combination with folding the upper body to maximize the length of the lever-like motion with the arm. A higher positioning of the shooting arm’s shoulder means that the arm is stretched higher up and results in a longer lever that helps to throw the ball at a higher speed. Furthermore, it was stated that the magnitude of the force in the flick movement of the hand affects the speed of the shots. A higher flick force resulted in a faster shot. Younger players mainly took advantage of their running speed to shoot faster shots, but did not use the flick motion. From the study of muscle activation, it could be stated that the two players activated their muscles in different segments during the shooting sequence. The younger player used the biceps muscle at the moment of shooting, unlike the older players who mainly used the forearm. Furthermore, the use of the triceps muscle differs. The older player only activated the muscle before the shot and during braking, while the younger one used the muscle during the complete shooting sequence and braking. The trapezius muscle was used similarly between the players. It was stated by the muscle activation of the brachioradialis muscle that the older player used the flick significantly more than the younger player. The difference in activity for the brachioradialis muscle is referred partly to the use of resin for the older player and partly to the fact that the electrodes on the younger player may have come loose during the test.