Comparing physical capacities and handball match data among elite back and front players in southern-republic of benin

The objective of this study was to compare the physical capacities and the match physiological data of back players with those of front players, belonging all to the handball elite of the Republic of Benin. The study sample included 17 players (23.52 ± 0.79 years) with 9.5 ± 0.5 years of competition handball practice. For an experimental match, they were randomly separated in two teams (A and B), each of which included back players (BP) and front players (FP). The main data were the playing positions (BP and FP) and the results of the following tests: 30 m isolated sprint (S30), repeated-sprint ability (RSA), squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), physiological match data, body mass index (BMI), as well as heart rate (HR). The results of BP were better than those of FP for RSA (p < 0.01) and the distance covered in match (p < 0.05). This study provides the first analysis as well on the physical and physiological parameters as on the match data in Beninese elite handball players, according to their playing position. The results suggest that the physical and anthropometric characteristics should be included in any testing process of young handball players in the Republic of Benin. This could be added to the data of the literature and contribute to talent identification and development.