Relationships between upper- and lower-limb strength and power with ball velocity in university handball players.

INTRODUCTION: Throwing velocity is a key determinant of offensive success in handball. While the relationship between muscle strength and ball velocity is well-documented, the effectiveness of practical functional indicators, such as the Ballistic Push-up (BPU), remains under-investigated in this sport. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between various upper- and lower-limb strength and power assessments and ball velocity in the standing throw (ST) and the jumping throw with progression (JT). METHODS: Twelve university athletes (6 males, 6 females; 22.8 ± 3.7 years) completed a testing battery across six sessions, including: maximal dynamic strength (1RM) in the bench press, bench press power at three intensities (30%, 60%, and 90% of 1RM), seated medicine ball (MB) throw, BPU variations (Standard, Kneeling, and Drop-fall), and the countermovement jump (CMJ). Ball velocity was quantified via 2D kinematic analysis (240 fps) using Kinovea software. RESULTS: Strong to very strong correlations were observed between bench press variables and throwing performance. The JT showed the most robust associations with 1RM (ρ = 0.842) and peak power at 60% of 1RM (ρ = 0.846). Conversely, the ST correlated more significantly with light-load variables at 30% of 1RM (mean acceleration: ρ = 0.748). The Standard Ballistic Push Up (BPU) and CMJ emerged as significant predictors specifically for the JT (ρ = 0.734 and ρ = 0.748, respectively). Unexpectedly, the seated MB throw showed negative correlations with ball velocity. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that JT performance depends on force production at moderate-to-high intensities, while ST is more closely associated with high-velocity, low-resistance capacities. The bench press and BPU are valid and practical functional indicators for monitoring and individualizing strength and power training in handball athletes.