Throwing performance by playing positions of male handball players during the European Championship 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the throwing velocity and effectiveness of elite male handball players during the European Championship 2020. A local positioning system was used for the first time in a European Championship to collect 6568 throw events from 337 players of 24 national teams during 65 matches. ANOVA (F = 80.8, p 22 m/s) showed similar effectiveness (~60%), which were higher than the preceding slower category of 17–22 m/s (39.7%) (F = 175.1, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.074). Regarding court zones, throws from first-line zones (48%–60%), were more effective than from second line (38%–43%) (F = 13.1, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.016). With respect to the goal hit zone, effectiveness was higher in side (72%–77%) than in central zones (58%–64%) (F = 523.2, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.418). Coaches should improve the throwing velocity of players but also train at submaximal velocities (effective velocity) to save energy and reduce the potential risk of injury. Finally, training should be specialized according to the performance shown by players from different throwing zones, rather than from playing positions.This research was partially funded by Consejo Superior de Deportes, grant number 24/UPB/19