Effects of small-sided games and high-intensity interval training on physical performance in young female handball players

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of small-sided handball games in combination with handball training (SSG group) versus high-intensity interval training in combination with handball training (HIIT group) on physical performance of young female handball players during pre-competitive period. Twenty-four young female handball players, who have a 6.17 +/- 1.54 years training experience and competition in the national league participated in this study. SSG group (n = 12; age 16.06 +/- 0.80 years, body mass 61.27 +/- 3.68 kg, body height 1.64 +/- 4.7 m, body mass index 22.7 kg/m(2)) while HIIT group (n = 12; 16.20 +/- 1.28 years, body mass 62.46 +/- 7.86 kg, body height 1.68 +/- 6.8 m, body mass index 22 kg/m2). Both groups applied training programs twice- a-week for 8 weeks. Before and after the training programs physical performances were assessed: Countermovement jump (CMJ), Squat jump (SJ), Sprint on 0-10 m; Sprint on 0-20 m; Sprint on 0-30 m, Throwing medicine ball and total distance covered during the Yo-YoIRT1. After 8 weeks SSG and HIIT groups significantly improved CMJ, SJ, 0-20 m sprint, 0-30 m sprint, throwing medicine ball and Yo-YoIRT1 (p <= 0.05). However, significantly greater improvement was achieved in Yo-YoIRT1 (m) in HIIT group (28.40%) than SSG group (17.63%). These results indicate that SSG group and HIIT group equally improve of physical performances (jump, sprint and upper explosive strength) among young female handball players in pre-competitive period.