Kinematic descriptions of the handball jump throw are scarce, and the influence of proximal kinematics on peak shoulder internal rotation (IR) angular velocity during a jump throw is not well understood. Positional kinematic differences related to on-field demands also remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study analyzed jump throws (n = 41; central/back players = 20, wing/pivot players = 21) using 3D motion capture. The proximal-to-distal sequence was evaluated by comparing the timing of peak angular velocities across joints and segments (paired t tests). Peak angular velocity and joint range of motion excursion were compared between central/back and wing/pivot players (independent t test). Correlation coefficients assessed associations between proximal and distal variables, and significant variables were entered into a hierarchical regression to determine their contribution to shoulder IR angular velocity. Results revealed a proximal-to-distal sequence pattern. Central/back players demonstrated higher peak angular velocities in most segments, along with increased range of motion in the hip, pelvis, and thorax. Hip and pelvis kinematics explained 44% of the variance in peak shoulder IR angular velocity (R2 = .44, P = .001). This is the first study to highlight the substantial influence of proximal kinematics on shoulder IR angular velocity in the jump throw. Observed positional differences underscore the need for position-specific strength and power training strategies in handball.
Árnason et al. (Thu,) studied this question.