COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MALE AND FEMALE HANDBALL: PHYSIOLOGICAL, TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The present study focuses on the identification and analysis of selected gender-related differences in handball, emphasizing physiological capacities, technical execution, and tactical organization during competitive activity. The research is based on a qualitative synthesis of specialized scientific literature combined with systematic observation of male and female handball matches at national and international level.
Methodology: The applied methodology aims to identify characteristic features and trends specific to each gender. The research applies a qualitative analytical approach based on several complementary methods. The collected information is subjected to comparative analysis focusing on physical demands, technical execution, and tactical organization of play. The methodological framework does not seek to establish performance superiority but rather to identify characteristic features specific to male and female handball.
Results: The analysis outlines clear distinctions in the manifestation of physical abilities, game intensity, and technical behavior which are largely influenced by biological and physiological characteristics. Men's handball is usually associated with higher physical demands, explosive actions and rapid transitions between phases of the game. In contrast, women's handball demonstrates a stronger orientation towards technical precision, structured tactical patterns and collective coordination. Psychological demands in handball are high and span from the motivation to achieve the goals, to the activation in the implementation of actions, the focus on the game play, the player's self-confidence the cohesion of the collective team game and the ability to make the right decision at the right time.
Conclusion: The identified characteristics highlight the importance of differentiated training models and competition strategies adapted to the specific requirements of each gender. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific approaches in the design of training and competition preparation. From a practical point of view, the recognition of these differences can contribute to improved training efficiency, optimized results and sustainable development of handball as a modern team sport. The conclusions obtained can be useful in planning the teaching and training process and the development of handball as an elite sport.