Exploring the Relationship Between Anthropometry and Performance Accuracy in the Penalty Throw of Handball

Exploring the Relationship Between Anthropometry and Performance Accuracy in the Penalty Throw of Handball Kiran Damle Sushma Ghildiyal This study investigated the relationship between anthropometric characteristics, electromyographic (EMG) activity, and penalty throw performance in male handball players. Ten inter-university players from Banaras Hindu University, aged 18–27 years, participated. Anthropometric variables included height, weight, shoulder length, arm lengths, circumferences, and palm dimensions. EMG activity of nine upper limb muscles—biceps brachii, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, middle deltoid, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius—was recorded during three penalty throw trials. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were used for analysis. Results showed that players had balanced body structures suitable for overhead throwing. Significant correlations were found between weight, chest circumference, and biceps dimensions, reflecting muscular development. However, these variables were not always positively related to throwing accuracy. Performance declined progressively across trials, with Trial One averaging 3.0 points, Trial Two 2.4, and Trial Three 2.1, indicating that fatigue and coordination affected precision. EMG analysis revealed consistent activation of prime movers across trials, while stabilizer overactivation was linked with reduced accuracy. No significant differences in activation were observed across trials, suggesting stable neuromuscular strategies despite performance decline. The findings suggest that penalty throw success in handball relies on a combination of structural readiness, neuromuscular coordination, and endurance. Coaches and educators should emphasize not only physical conditioning but also technical reproducibility and stabilizer control to improve accuracy under repeated efforts.