Author(s): UMEZAKI, S., TANOUE, K., MATSUKI, U., Institution: TENRI UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1580

In this study, we analyzed the visual search behavior of 14 male handball players ( 7 skilled players and 7 unskilled players ) focusing on 3 vs 2 situations from the initiation of the center players pass to the completion of the return pass. The results indicated that both in "passing" and "penetrating" situations, skilled players exhibited a higher proportion of visual fixations on "Defender 2," who plays a role in pressuring the subjects, compared to unskilled players. Additionally, in "penetrating" situations, the proportion of visual fixations on "Offense A," the teammate, was lower. Furthermore, skilled players demonstrated a higher proportion of visual fixations on "Defender 2" in "penetrating" situations compared to "passing," suggesting that they adjust their gaze according to various defensive formations. Skilled handball players spent more time gathering essential information, such as the movements of defensive players pressuring the subjects, compared to less essential information like the position of Offense A, in order to accurately evade the defense and create numerical advantages without wasting time. These findings suggest that appropriately collecting information about defensive movements is crucial for creating numerical advantages in handball.