Abstract
This 2023 study by Chirosa-Ríos et al., published in Sensors, investigated how specific physical tests differentiate between elite and sub-elite handball players. Using throwing velocity tests and functional dynamometric strength tests (FDST) on an FEMD, the study found significant differences in throwing, sprinting, and power output during specialized 'two-step' tests. The combination of these specific performance and functional strength tests is an effective tool for talent identification.
Elite players show significantly higher performance in throwing and sprinting splits. Coaches should use these specific functional tests, which measure explosive power in sport-relevant movements, to better identify and select top-tier talent.