Improvement of Strength Training of Qualified Handball Players

Introduction. The problem of scientific grounds for the methodology of improvement of special strength abilities of qualified handball players in the preparatory period of training is still relevant. The subject is a method of special strength training of qualified handball players for force contact counteraction in defence. The aim is to develop a methodology for development of strength qualities of qualified handball players for force contact counteraction. Маterials and Methods. The study was conducted in 2020–2023, with participation of 32 athletes aged 18-24 — representatives of two teams of the Higher Handball League. To assess the level of athletes’ proficiency a test and a comparative pedagogical experiment were employed. The White T-criterion is used to compare test scores. Results and Discussion. The researchers developed a scheme reflecting the means used in handball players’ strength training. Each block of strength training means is represented by two sets of exercises: the first block includes two sets of exercises with weighting external objects and own body weight, the second block consists of two sets of exercises of contact force counteraction in pairs and groups. An option of using means, methods and measuring of load in the training process of men’s handball teams in the preparatory period is proposed. Conclusions. The effectiveness of the proposed method of strength training is confirmed by the results of the pedagogical experiment. The athletes of the experimental group, in 50% of the control tests, improved the strength training indicators at a reliable level, with 5% level of importance, as well as competitive activities in the series of games with other leading teams.