A training proposal to improve multidirectional running technique in male and female handball players: A pilot study

Multidirectional running has been described as an important factor in team sports performance. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in T-test, 505 time, 10 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump right leg (CMJRL), and countermovement jump left leg (CMJLL) following exposure to 12 sessions over 4 weeks of a multidirectional running sprint training intervention in male and female handball players. A total of 31 handball players (15 male and 16 female) were recruited for this study and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Male EG players showed improvements in 505 Preferred Side (PS) (p = 0.05) or between male and female players. We found an improvement in handball players' agility and speed of movement following the intervention protocol, suggesting the need to introduce this program into our training sessions. It may also be necessary to select and develop more specific tests in order to evaluate multidirectional work in handball players