Relationships between upper- and lower-limb strength and power with ball velocity in university handball players

Abstract

Throwing velocity is a key determinant of offensive success in handball. While the relationship between muscle strength and ball velocity is well-documented, the effectiveness of practical functional indicators, such as the Ballistic Push-up (BPU), remains under-investigated in this sport. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between various upper- and lower-limb strength and power assessments and ball velocity in the standing throw (ST) and the jumping throw with progression (JT). Twelve university athletes (6 males, 6 females; 22.8 ± 3.7 years) completed a testing battery across six sessions, including: maximal dynamic strength (1RM) in the bench press, bench press power at three intensities (30%, 60%, and 90% of 1RM), seated medicine ball (MB) throw, BPU variations (Standard, Kneeling, and Drop-fall), and the countermovement jump (CMJ). Ball velocity was quantified via 2D kinematic analysis (240 fps) using Kinovea software. Strong to very strong correlations were observed between bench press variables and throwing performance. The JT showed the most robust associations with 1RM ( ρ  = 0.842) and peak power at 60% of 1RM ( ρ  = 0.846). Conversely, the ST correlated more significantly with light-load variables at 30% of 1RM (mean acceleration: ρ  = 0.748). The Standard Ballistic Push Up (BPU) and CMJ emerged as significant predictors specifically for the JT ( ρ  = 0.734 and ρ  = 0.748, respectively). Unexpectedly, the seated MB throw showed negative correlations with ball velocity. The findings suggest that JT performance depends on force production at moderate-to-high intensities, while ST is more closely associated with high-velocity, low-resistance capacities. The bench press and BPU are valid and practical functional indicators for monitoring and individualizing strength and power training in handball athletes.