[Portuguese Original] Efficiency of handball defensive systems in numerical equality and superiority: panorama of a European competition

Abstract

Actions taken during the defensive phase in handball can determine match results; therefore, analyzing this phase helps identify key aspects that can assist in team training and planning. The aim of this paper was to analyze the influence of numerical relations on closed and open defense systems in top level handball matches. Twelve matches of the European handball club championship were analyzed, which allowed us to identify the numerical relationship of the game (defensive superiority or equality) and quantify results (GO: goal; NG: non-goal; PP: loss of ball possession) and the sections of the court where offensive actions ended up. A chi-squared test was used for data analysis. Results showed similarities in terms of the attack’s conclusion in numerical equality situations, when defense used closed systems (GO = 47.3%; NG = 33.6%; PP = 19.1%) and open systems (GO = 46.0%; NG = 34.3%; PP = 19.7%). For this situation, using closed systems results in losing ball possession further from the goal (9m- = 56.9%; 9m+ = 43.1%), when compared to open systems (9m- = 64.5%; 9m+ = 35.5%). In defensive numerical superiority, using open systems (GO = 28.6%; NG = 53.6%; PP = 17.9%), compared to closed systems (GO = 49.3%; NG = 29.6%; PP = 21.1%) gives more efficient results. In addition, sequences end further from the goal when open systems were used (9m- = 42.9%; 9m+ = 57.1%), compared to closed systems (9m- = 68.3%; 9m+ = 31.7%). It was concluded that the selection of the defensive system should be based on the team’s game model and game relationships, especially in situations of numerical equality (more frequent). However, when in defensive numerical advantage, limiting the space and time for attackers to make decisions seems to be an effective strategy.