Test to evaluate the specific speed in female handball goalkeepers of the Cuban national preselection/Test para evaluar la rapidez específica en porteras de balonmano de la preselección nacional cubana

Abstract

Introduction: The handball goalkeeper must have an excellent physical condition to overcome the multiple current demands of the game. In the offensive game, there is an increase in the speed of the actions, strength and endurance of the players and a high technical-tactical background, among others, so the goalkeepers need to highlight the specific speed in their position in which are the defensive movements before the shots on goal.
Objective: The present study aimed to design a test for the evaluation and control of the specific speed of the goalkeepers of the Cuban national handball team. The three goalkeepers of the Cuban national handball team who were preparing for the 2012-2016 Olympic cycle, and who later attended the Pan American Championship in Havana, 2015, participated in the research.
Materials and methods: Theoretical and empirical methods were used, such as functional structural systemic, direct observation and measurement.
Results: The results of the analyses carried out in the study were presented. According to the observations made during the training sessions, it was found that there was no instrument to evaluate and control the specific speed of the goalkeepers' position, they were included in the control and evaluation of the field players; therefore, there was no assessment of the state of this essential capacity in this position in handball.
Conclusions: After the application of the test and the evaluation of the specialists and the members of the national handball commission, the Test was incorporated into the Comprehensive Preparation Program for the Athlete of the discipline due to the results achieved in an ascending manner by the goalkeepers during the preparation and competition.