METHODOLOGY OF IMPROVING TECHNICAL PREPAREDNESS OF HANDBALL PLAYERS IN THE ANNUAL TRAINING CYCLE: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Abstract

This study examines the development and implementation of a methodology for improving the technical preparedness of 15–17-year-old handball players during the annual training cycle. A pedagogical experiment was conducted over the 2023–2024 academic year involving control (n=10) and experimental (n=10) groups drawn from the educational-training stage of a sports school. Baseline anthropometric and physical fitness indicators showed no statistically significant intergroup differences (p>0.05), confirming the validity of the experimental design. Functional states of athletes were monitored using the "First Beat" technology, providing real-time heart-rate and energy expenditure data. A three-block specialised exercise complex was developed for goalkeeper technical training, covering ball-catching, lateral diving, footwork, penalty-shot repulsion, and decision-making under time pressure. In addition, an annual periodisation plan encompassing preparatory, competitive, and transition periods was constructed and applied. The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all technical performance indicators compared to the control group by the conclusion of the study cycle. The findings confirm that structured, periodised technical training integrated with functional monitoring yields superior outcomes in youth handball goalkeeper development.

Keywords

handball, technical preparedness, goalkeeper training, annual training cycle, pedagogical experiment, physical fitness, functional monitoring, specialised exercise complex, periodisation, youth sports.