Positional Differences in Physical Requirements

We have talked a lot about the various physiological qualities required to develop in handball, as well as the general movement patterns requiring stability – strength – power and speed.

 

But a question we get often on here is ‘but what about positional differences?’

 

We have previously outlined some of the positional differences in locomotion (distances covered, top speeds attained, etc), however not touched on some of the differences in what to target from a strength and power focus point of view.

 

So here is a very brief overview.

 

It has to be said first and foremost, that there is still a lot of overlap – all players are still playing the same game, with similar pressures, overlapping physiological requirements and similar movement abilities and potential injury mechanisms. It is merely that the degree to which certain requirements are targeted as priorities.

 

A further point, as it is a common question too, we tend to leave the goal-keeper specifics out of discussion both in articles and in the books, simply because the art of goal-keeping is very much a specific skill-dominant position, based on reading/perception and reacting to game moments and opposition actions. In other words, the physiological adaptions (which is of course our primary focus on this site) are much less of a specific priority for this position. Of course goal-keepers can still benefit from the general strength and general power work of their teammates, however there is very little in the way of ‘goal-keeper specific’ work in these areas, without a perception/reaction component to training.

 

 

So with those in mind, this is what these requirements mean in terms of priorities when it comes to physical development. Note – everything is still important to a certain degree for all positions, just the extent to which they are prioritised and targeted differs.

 

 

And then even more specifically, what this translates to with a few key examples;

 

 

Once again, all the key principles we cover elsewhere apply to all players – it is merely the degree to which they are targeted through prioritisation.

 

But hopefully this gives you a good overall general picture, when it comes to adjusting and prioritising your key areas based on your own personal position and match demands.

Fitness Coach