Position-dependent morning-to-evening variability in physical performances in elite male handball players

TThis study aims to assess: (i) the morning -to- evening variability in body temperature, ball throwing velocity (BTV), shooting address, explosive lower-body power, strength power, and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) among male handball players; and (ii) the diurnal variations according to players’ positions. Twenty-two participants assigned in players of thefront line (FL; N=11) and rear line (RL; N=11) completed assessments at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on two occasions dispersed throughout one week. Diurnal variations in BTV (p < 0.001), 1-RM Back Half Squat test (p < 0.001), and the counter movement jump (CMJ) test (p < 0.01) were recorded in the whole population. Specifically, morning -to- evening variabilities in BTV were noted in the FL (p < 0.05) and RL players (p < 0.001), with greater values observed in RL (p < 0.001). Significant variations were also observed in the 1-RM back half squat at RL (p < 0.01), and in CMJ (p < 0,01) and RSA (p < 0.05) at FL players. In conclusion, diurnal variations were higher in the evening compared to morning hours in players of RL in BTV and the explosive lower-body power, and in players of FL in CMJ and RSA performances.