Analysis of offensive performance during exclusions in female senior handball

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyse offensive performance during exclusions in an elite female handball tournament concerning the different numerical inequality contexts. All exclusions sanctioned (n = 319) during all matches from 2018 Female Euro (n = 47) were studied using an observational methodology. Teams´ performance variables were analysed via nominal regression test and correspondence analysis. Superiority, playing inferiority with Goalkeeper at goal (GK at goal), or Empty Net (EN) were the numerical contexts of players on the court studied. Results showed that teams tend to use 1st, 2nd, and 3er waves; to end with shots and to use a 3:3 (2 pivots) offensive system when playing during superiority. Teams performing inferiority context tend to end with a shot (but not score) when playing GK at goal and in turnovers when playing EN. Teams using the EN strategy tend to receive counterattacks after finalising their attacks. It can be concluded that teams showed a tendency of increasing the use of playing with EN during inferiority contexts. The coaches’ decision of changing the GK for a court player during inferiority needs to be trained to reduce the turnovers, and then the counterattacks received as a consequence.