Author(s): SAAVEDRA, J., ÞORGEIRSSON, S., SAAVEDRA, Y., SIGURGEIRSSON, O., Institution: REYKJAVIK UNIVERSITY, Country: ICELAND, Abstract-ID: 1624

INTRODUCTION:
Performance analysis in youth handball provides objective indicators associated with competitive success and supports evidence-based decision-making in training processes. The objective of this study was to examine differences in match-related statistics between winning and losing teams in youth categories, also considering the influence of competitive level and sex.
METHODS:
A total of 1,873 matches from the Icelandic U16 and U18 leagues, including both male and female competitions during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons, were analyzed. The variables considered included goals scored, goalkeeper saves, two-minute exclusions, and disciplinary sanctions. Basic statistical descriptors (mean and standard deviation) were calculated for each game-related statistic by match outcome (winning and losing teams) and by category and sex. Since normality was not met for any of the analyzed variables, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was applied.
RESULTS:
The findings showed that winning teams consistently recorded higher values in performance indicators directly related to offensive and defensive effectiveness, particularly goals scored and goalkeeper saves. These differences were observed in the overall sample as well as when analyses were conducted separately by category and sex. In contrast, disciplinary indicators were not clearly associated with match outcomes, suggesting that rule-based sanctions play a limited role in determining the result in developmental categories. Comparisons between age groups revealed that older players demonstrated higher values in most of the analyzed statistics, which may reflect the progressive development of technical and tactical skills as well as increased competitive experience. Furthermore, systematic differences between male and female competitions were identified, with higher values in goals, saves, and sanctioned actions in male matches.
CONCLUSION:
The conclusions of this study were as follows: the determinants of competitive success in youth handball are comparable to those observed in senior categories, with offensive efficiency and goalkeeper performance emerging as key factors influencing match outcomes. In addition, the results provide practical implications for coaches and sport development practitioners by identifying priority areas for intervention in training programs and in the design of performance-oriented development strategies. This study has been funded by the Icelandic Research Office (RANNÍS – Íþróttasjóður – reference number 233051-2501).