The effect of combined core training intervention on ball throwing velocity and jump performance in competitive young female handball players

Background and Study Aim. Handball is a dynamic team sport that requires a combination of technical, tactical, and physical abilities. Among the key physical components, throwing velocity and vertical jump performance are essential for successful gameplay. These skills rely not only on upper and lower limb strength but also on core muscle function. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a combined core training intervention on ball throwing velocity and vertical jump performance in young competitive female handball players. Material and Methods. A total of 28 young female handball players (X̄ = 17.21 ± 0.74 years, 169 ± 5 cm body height, 62.07 ± 7.43 kg body weight) participated in the study. They were divided into an experimental group (EG = 14) and a control group (CG = 14). Both groups underwent a pretest to assess ball throwing velocity and vertical jump performance. After the initial measurements, the CG followed a standard training regimen. The EG completed an intervention program comprising six combined core exercises, performed three times per week for eight weeks. The same measurements were repeated after the program. A 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences between EG and CG. The main effects of time (pretest and posttest), group, and the time*group interaction were evaluated. Results. No changes were observed in the ball throwing velocity or jump performance of the CG between pretest and posttest. However, significant improvements were found in the EG for both ball throwing velocity and vertical jump performance (F = 47.467, p < .001, η² = .646). Conclusions. Designing core training programs in a sport-specific manner plays a significant role in developing athletes who require both general and specialized training.