The Effect of Cross-Training on Lactic Acid Concentration, the Development of Explosive Strength and Strength Endurance of the Arms, and Shooting Accuracy in Young Handball Players

Abstract

The research includes the introduction and significance of the requirements of handball performance and its training method based on cross-training, and the extent of its impact on the development of explosive strength and strength endurance of the arms, lactic acid concentration, and shooting accuracy while jumping among the sample participants. The study also aims to improve the performance level of this skill. The researcher sought to utilize a new training method in handball—cross-training—and to identify its effect on developing explosive strength and strength endurance of the arms. Therefore, the researcher decided to diversify the use of modern technologies, tools, equipment, and various exercises in training, due to the connection between the physical and functional variables under investigation and the concentration of lactic acid in the blood, which is linked to the accuracy of jump shooting among the participants.

The researcher used the experimental method with a two-group design (control and experimental). The sample consisted of 16 players, with 2 excluded for a pilot study and 2 as goalkeepers, resulting in 12 players. These were divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 6 players in each group, selected from youth handball clubs in Baghdad. The cross-training exercises targeting jump shot accuracy in handball were applied over a training program lasting 8 weeks, with 2 training sessions per week (on Sundays and Wednesdays), and each session lasting 40 to 60 minutes.

The results indicated significant improvement in the tests measuring arm strength among the handball players and in the lactic acid concentration linked to the accuracy of jump shots in the sample group. The researcher recommends the use of cross-training due to its positive impact on developing explosive strength, strength endurance of the arms, and physiological variables related to lactic acid concentration in young handball players.