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Who Shoots Better: Are Left-Handers at an Advantage?
Antonela Karmen Ivišić1, Nikola Foretić1,2, Dario Vrdoljak1
1Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Handedness influences handball performance, with left-handed players showing higher scoring rates but right-handed players exhibiting greater shooting velocity and distance. This asymmetry impacts game geometry.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Handball Performance Analysis
Background:
- Handedness is a key factor influencing tactical elements in handball.
- Player asymmetry in shooting velocity and distance is observable.
- Differences between scored and missed shots require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze shooting velocity and distance asymmetry in left- vs. right-handed handball players.
- To determine if shot outcomes (scored vs. missed) differ based on handedness and shot parameters.
- To understand how player handedness affects handball match geometry.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 5710 shots from 238 players (112 left-handed, 126 right-handed) at the EHF European Championship 2024.
- Comparison of shooting velocity and distance between left- and right-handed players.
- Statistical analysis of shot outcomes (scored vs. missed) in relation to handedness, velocity, and distance.
Main Results:
- Left-handed players achieved a higher score percentage (63.08%) than right-handed players (57.86%).
- Right-handed players demonstrated significantly higher shooting velocity (101.38 km/h) and shot distance (7.61 m) compared to left-handed players (99.36 km/h, 7.42 m).
- Shot distance significantly differed between scored and missed shots for both player groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant asymmetry exists between left- and right-handed handball players regarding shooting velocity and distance.
- The observed performance differences may contribute to tactical asymmetry in handball match play.
- Understanding handedness-based asymmetries can inform team strategies and player development.
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