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  • Analysis of Game Variables and Influence on Defensive Success in Elite Handball

    Iván González-García1
    1. Universidad Isabel I , ES
    2025-06-29
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v3i2.340
    Published Online: 29 June 2025
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    page 77-95
    Abstract

    Background: The analysis of defensive game variables in handball is essential to increase the performance of a team.

    Objectives: This study aimed to analyse defensive success based on the game variables and situational variables that predict defensive efficiency in elite handball.

    Methods: The sample was composed of 1925 competition units in the defensive phase. Data from 16 matches of the XXIII Men's Handball World Championship of 2013 were analysed. The dependent variable was the defensive efficiency in each unit, and the independent variables were defensive actions, zones of field, location of the shot, numerical situation, and duration of the defense. Data were obtained from the HandballTAS tool (Handball Tactic Analysis System). The collected data were analysed quantitatively through inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) with the assistance of SPSS 22.0.

    Results: The defenses analysed in which an offensive foul, a ball recovery or steal, a throw block and a passive play action were recorded, achieved defensive success. In the analysis of field areas, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in shots from zone 1, with 60%, and from zone 2, with 54%. The highest percentages of goalkeeper effectiveness correspond to the middle zone, and the central zone. The greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in a warning of passive play situation with 70% and in numerical superiority situation with 67%. Finally, in the analysis of the duration, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in the half defenses (26 ≤ 50 seconds) with 60%.

    Conclusion: This study serves to demonstrate which defensive game variables have the greatest influence on defensive efficiency. This aspect will serve to help the coach make decisions during a handball match and increase the probability of success in each defense.

    APA Citation Style
    González-García, I. (2025). Analysis of Game Variables and Influence on Defensive Success in Elite Handball. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 77-95. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v3i2.340

  • Associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance in competitive pencak silat athletes

    Jery Setiawan1, Siti Baitul Mukarromah2
    1. State University of Semarang , ID
    2. State University of Semarang , ID
    2026-08-17
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.762
    Published Online: 17 August 2026
    |
    page 208-219
    Abstract

    Background: Crescent kick performance is an important technical component of competitive pencak silat and may be associated with physical capacities such as lower limb muscle strength and reaction time. However, evidence regarding the relationships of these physical characteristics with crescent kick performance remains limited.

    Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance among competitive pencak silat athletes.

    Methods: This quantitative correlational study involved 30 competitive pencak silat athletes (age: 19.8 ± 2.1 years; height: 168.4 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 61.7 ± 8.2 kg; body mass index: 21.7 ± 2.3 kg/m²) recruited using total sampling. Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using a leg dynamometer, body reaction time using a reaction timer, and crescent kick performance using a 10-second crescent kick test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple correlation analysis, with statistical significance set at p < .05.

    Results: Lower limb muscle strength was positively associated with crescent kick performance (r = 0.734, p < .001), whereas body reaction time was negatively associated with crescent kick performance (r = -0.739, p < .001), indicating that shorter reaction times were associated with better kick performance. Multiple correlation analysis showed a strong combined association of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance (R = 0.754, R² = 0.568, p < .001). Together, these variables accounted for 56.8% of the variance in crescent kick performance.

    Conclusions: Greater lower limb muscle strength and shorter body reaction time were associated with better crescent kick performance among competitive pencak silat athletes. These findings highlight the relevance of muscular strength and neuromuscular responsiveness to crescent kick performance and may inform physical conditioning programs for pencak silat athletes. Further studies with larger samples and additional biomechanical, physiological, and technical measures are needed to better understand the factors associated with crescent kick performance.

    APA Citation Style
    Setiawan, J. , & Mukarromah, S. B. (2026). Associations of lower limb muscle strength and body reaction time with crescent kick performance in competitive pencak silat athletes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 208-219. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.762
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