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Velocity, agility, and flexibility performance after handball training versus physical education program for
N Oxyzoglou1, A Kanioglou, G Ore
1Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres, Greece. oxyzoglou@sch.gr
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|September 4, 2009
Summary
Specific handball training significantly improved preadolescent physical performance in velocity, agility, and flexibility compared to general physical education. This highlights handball
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical activity is crucial for preadolescent development.
- Optimizing physical education programs can enhance motor skill acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of specific handball training versus mainstream physical education on preadolescents' physical performance.
- To determine if handball training offers superior benefits for velocity, agility, and flexibility.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of preadolescents participated: one in specific handball training (n=51) and another in mainstream physical education (n=70).
- Training involved 3 weekly 60-minute sessions for six months, including sport-specific drills.
- Performance metrics assessed included velocity, agility, and flexibility.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were found between the groups.
- The handball training group demonstrated superior improvements in velocity, agility, and flexibility.
- These improvements favored the handball training group over the physical education group.
Conclusions:
- Specific handball training significantly enhances preadolescents' physical performance.
- Handball training is a more effective method than general physical education for improving key physical attributes in this age group.
- These findings support the integration of sport-specific training into youth physical activity programs.
