Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercises in Young Elite Handball Players: Empirical Findings for Performance Improvement, Injury Prevention, and Practical Recommendations

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handball Sports Medicine

Abstract

Reactive strength exercises are characterized by muscle actions in the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) which is why reactive strength training is a specific form of SSC training. During the SSC, the pre-activated muscle is lengthened in the braking or plyometric phase (i.e., eccentric phase) followed by an immediate muscle shortening in the push off or myometric phase (i.e., concentric phase). However, it is to be assumed that 95% of sport-related movements are conducted in the SSC. Reactive strength training represents an effective mode of exercise to improve in particular throwing and jumping performances. It contributes positively to improved agility, speed of action, and other performance indicators in handball. Furthermore, reactive strength training supports positively the prevention of sport-related injuries, e.g., knee and ankle injuries, and helps to regain pre-injury performance level in athletes. A systematic and progressive training approach is presented during all stages of long-term athlete development to induce adaptive changes following reactive strength training and to increase the likelihood of transferring a talented young player into an elite athlete. The specific training variables of reactive strength training, such as exercise selection, training frequency, exercise order, training load and repetitions, and training volume as well as the technical correctness and movement quality of the exercise, have to be systematically controlled and gradually adjusted according to the development of the athletes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 229.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Michalsik LB, Aagaard P. Physical demands in elite team handball: comparisons between male and female players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2015;55:878–91.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Michalsik LB, Madsen K, Aagaard P. Physiological capacity and physical testing in male elite team handball. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2015;55:415–29.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Wagner H, Finkenzeller T, Würth S, von Duvillard SP. Individual and team performance in team-handball: a review. J Sports Sci Med. 2014;13:808–16.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Lloyd RS, Oliver JL, Faigenbaum AD, Howard R, De Ste Croix MBA, Williams CA, Best TM, Alvar BA, Micheli LJ, Thomas DP, Hatfield DL, Cronin JB, Myer GD. Long-term athletic development: part 1: a pathway for all youth. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29:1439–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Mirwald RL, Baxter-Jones ADG, Bailey DA, Beunen GP. An assessment of maturity from anthropometric measurements. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34:689–94.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sherar LB, Mirwald RL, Baxter-Jones ADG, Thomis M. Prediction of adult height using maturity-based cumulative height velocity curves. J Pediatr. 2005;147:508–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Asadi A, Arazi H, Young WB, Sáez de Villarreal E. The effects of plyometric training on change-of-direction ability: a meta-analysis. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2016;11:563–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Chelly MS, Hermassi S, Aouadi R, Shephard RJ. Effects of 8-week in-season plyometric training on upper and lower limb performance of elite adolescent handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28:1401–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Dello Iacono A, Martone D, Milic M, Padulo J. Vertical- vs. horizontal-oriented drop jump training: chronic effects on explosive performances of elite handball players. J Streng Cond Res. 2017;31:921–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Dello Iacono A, Martone D, Padulo J. Acute effects of drop-jump protocols on explosive performances of elite handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30:3122–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. McCormick BT, Hannon JC, Newton M, Shultz B, Detling N, Young WB. The effects of frontal- and sagittal-plane plyometrics on change-of-direction speed and power in adolescent female basketball players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2016;11:102–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Sheppard JM, Young WB. Agility literature review: classifications, training and testing. J Sports Sci. 2006;24:919–32.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Komi PV, Gollhofer A. Stretch reflexes can have an important role in force enhancement during SSC exercise. J Appl Biomech. 1997;13:451–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Komi PV. Stretch-shortening cycle. In: Komi PV, editor. Strength and power in sport. Oxford: Blackwell Science; 2003. p. 184–202.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  15. Booth MA, Orr R. Effects of plyometric training on sports performance. Strength Cond J. 2016;38:30–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Kyröläinen H, Avela J, McBride JM, Koskinen S, Andersen JL, Sipilä S, Takala TES, Komi PV. Effects of power training on mechanical efficiency in jumping. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2004;91:155–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Kyröläinen H, Avela J, McBride JM, Koskinen S, Andersen JL, Sipilä S, Takala TES, Komi PV. Effects of power training on muscle structure and neuromuscular performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2005;15:58–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Malisoux L, Francaux M, Nielens H, Theisen D. Stretch-shortening cycle exercises: an effective training paradigm to enhance power output of human single muscle fibers. J Appl Physiol. 2006;100:771–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Myer GD, Ford KR, McLean SG, Hewett TE. The effects of plyometric versus dynamic stabilization and balance training on lower extremity biomechanics. Am J Sports Med. 2006;34:445–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Chmielewski TL, Myer GD, Kauffman D, Tillman SM. Plyometric exercise in the rehabilitation of athletes: physiological responses and clinical application. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36:308–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Faigenbaum AD, Chu DA. Plyometric training for children and adolescents. Indianapolis, IN: American College of Sports Medicine; 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Romero-Rodriguez D, Lloyd RS, Kushner A, Myer GD. Integrative neuromuscular training in youth athletes. Part II: strategies to prevent injuries and improve performance. Strength Cond J. 2016;38:9–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A, Romero-Rodriguez D, Montalvo AM, Kiefer AW, Lloyd RS, Myer GD. Integrative neuromuscular training and injury prevention in youth athletes. Part I: identifying risk factors. Strength Cond J. 2016;38:36–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Freiwald J, Baumgart C, Hoppe MW, Slomka M, Brexendorf B, Partenheimer A, Blume R. Return to Sport nach Verletzungen im Hochleistungsfußball – was ist dazu notwendig? Sports Orthopaed Traumatol. 2013;29:4–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Hübscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hänsel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42:413–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Ismail MM, Ibrahim MM, Youssef EF, El Shorbagy KM. Plyometric training versus resistive exercises after acute lateral ankle sprain. Foot Ankle Int. 2010;3:523–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Markovic G, Mikulic P. Neuro-musculoskeletal and performance adaptations to lower-extremity plyometric training. Sports Med. 2010;40:859–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Pezzullo DJ, Karas S, Irrgang JJ. Functional plyometric exercises for the throwing athlete. J Athl Train. 1995;30:22–6.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Van Lieshout KG, Anderson JG, Shelburne KB, Davidson BS. Intensity rankings of plyometric exercises using joint power absorption. Clin Biomech. 2014;29:918–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Seil R, Nürnberger C, Lion A, Gerich T, Hoffmann A, Pape D. Knieverletzungen im Handball. Sports Orthopaed Traumatol. 2016;32:154–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Güllich A, Schmidtbleicher D. Struktur der Kraftfähigkeiten und ihrer trainingsmethoden [structure of strength abilities and appropriate training programmes]. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin. 1999;50:223–34.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Behrens M, Mau-Moeller A, Mueller K, Heise S, Gube M, Beuster N, Herlyn PKE, Fischer D-C, Bruhn S. Plyometric training improves voluntary activation and strength during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19:170–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Carter AB, Kaminski TW, Douex AT Jr, Knight CA, Richards JG. Effects of high volume upper extremity plyometric training on throwing velocity and functional strength ratios of the shoulder rotators in collegiate baseball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2007;21:208–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Ignjatovic AM, Markovic ZM, Radovanovic DS. Effects of 12-week medicine ball training on muscle strength and power in young female handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26:2166–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Markovic G. Does plyometric training improve vertical jump height? A meta-analytical review. Br J Sports Med. 2007;41:349–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Matavulj D, Kukolj M, Ugarkovic D, Tihanyi J, Jaric S. Effects of plyometric training on jumping performance in junior basketball players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2001;41:159–64.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Park GD, Lee JC, Lee J. The effect of low extremity plyometric training on back muscle power of high school throwing event athletes. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26:161–4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Sáez de Villarreal E, Requena B, Newton RU. Does plyometric training improve strength performance? A meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2010;13:513–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Schulte-Edelmann JA, Davies GJ, Kernozek TW, Gerberding ED. The effects of plyometric training of the posterior shoulder and elbow. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19:129–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. van den Tillaar R, Waade L, Roaas T. Comparison of the effects of 6 weeks of squat training with a plyometric training programme upon different physical performance tests in adolescent team handball players. Acta Kinesiologiae Universitatis Tartuensis. 2015;21:75–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Vossen JF, Kramer JF, Burke DG, Vossen DP. Comparison of dynamic push-up training and plyometric push-up training on upper-body power and strength. J Strength Cond Res. 2000;14:248–53.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Wilk KE, Voight ML, Keirns MA, Gambetta V, Andrews JR, Dillman CJ. Stretch-shortening drills for the upper extremities: theory and clinical application. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1993;17:225–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Balyi I, Way R, Higgs C. Long-term athlete development. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2013. p. 286.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Behm DG, Faigenbaum AD, Falk B, Klentrou P. Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology position paper: resistance training in children and adolescents. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008;33:547–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Granacher U, Lesinski M, Büsch D, Muehlbauer T, Prieske O, Puta C, Gollhofer A, Behm DG. Effects of resistance training in youth athletes on muscular fitness and athletic performance: a conceptual model for long-term athlete development. Front Physiol. 2016;7:164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Faigenbaum AD, McFarland JE. Resistance training for kids. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2016;20:16–22.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Bompa TO, Carrera M. Conditioning young athletes. Champaign: Human Kinetics; 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Chaouachi A, Hammami R, Kaabi S, Chamari K, Drinkwater EJ, Behm DG. Olympic weightlifting and plyometric training with children provides similar or greater performance improvements than traditional resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28:1483–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Horn A, Behringer M, Beneke R, Förster H, Gruber W, Hartmann U, Hebestreit H, Hohmann A, Jöllenbeck T, Mester J, Niessen M, Platen P, Schmitt H. Wissenschaftliche Standortbestimmung zum Krafttraining im Nachwuchsleistungssport. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin. 2012;63:1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Lloyd RS, Oliver JL, Meyers RW. The natural development and trainability of plyometric ability during childhood. Strength Cond J. 2011;33:23–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Chu DA, Meyer GD. Plyometrics. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Khlifa R, Aouadi R, Hermassi S, Chelly MS, Jlid MC, Hbacha H, Castagna C. Effects of a plyometric training program with and without added load on jumping ability in basketball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24:2955–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Makaruk H, Winchester JB, Sadowski J, Czaplicki A, Sacewicz T. Effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on power and jumping ability in women. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25:3311–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Mersmann F, Bohm S, Schroll A, Marzilger R, Arampatzis A. Athletic training affects the uniformity of muscle and tendon adaptation during adolescence. J Appl Physiol. 2016;121:893–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Sahrom SB, Cronin JB, Harris NK. Understanding stretch shortening cycle ability in youth. Strength Cond J. 2013;35:77–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Sáez de Villarreal E, Kellis E, Kraemer WJ, Izquierdo M. Determining variables of plyometric training for improving vertical jump height performance: a meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23:495–506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Bompa TO, Buzzichelli CA. Periodization: training for sports. 3rd ed. Champaign: Human Kinetics; 2015. p. 239.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Gollhofer A, Bruhn S. The biomechanics of jumping. In: Reeser JC, Bahr R, editors. Handbook of sports medicine and science—volleyball. Malden, MA: Blackwell Science; 2003. p. 18–28.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Schmidtbleicher D. Training for power events. In: Komi PV, editor. Strength and power in sport. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific; 1992. p. 381–95.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Büsch D, Pabst J, Mühlbauer T, Ehrhardt P, Granacher U. Effekte plyometrischen Trainings unter Verwendung instabiler Untergründe auf sportmotorische Sprung- und Schnelligkeitsleistungen von Nachwuchsleistungshandballern. Sports Orthopaed Traumatol. 2015;31:299–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Granacher U, Muehlbauer T, Doerflinger B, Strohmeier R, Gollhofer A. Promoting strength and balance in adolescents during physical education: effects of a short-term resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;25:940.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Granacher U, Prieske O, Majewski M, Büsch D, Muehlbauer T. The role of instability with plyometric training in sub-elite adolescent soccer players. Int J Sports Med. 2015;36:386–94.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Chaouachi A, Othman AB, Hammami R, Drinkwater E, Behm DG. The combination of plyometric and balance training improves sprint and shuttle run performances more often than plyometric-only training with children. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28:401–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Bruhn S, Kullmann N, Gollhofer A. Combinatory effects of high-intensity-strength training and sensorimotor training on muscle strength. Int J Sports Med. 2006;27:401–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Chaouachi M, Granacher U, Makhlouf I, Hammami R, Behm DG, Chaouachi A. Within session sequence of balance and plyometric exercises does not affect training adaptations with youth soccer athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2017;16:125–36.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  66. Lesinski M, Prieske O, Granacher U. Effects and dose-response relationships of resistance training on physical performance in youth athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50:781–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Behm DG, Young JD, Whitten JHD, Reid JC, Quigley PJ, Low J, Li Y, Lima CD, Hodgson DD, Chaouachi A, Prieske O, Granacher U. Effectiveness of traditional strength vs. power training on muscle strength, power and speed with youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2017;8:423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Legerlotz K, Marzilger R, Bohm S, Arampatzis A. Physiological adaptations following resistance training in youth athletes—a narrative review. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2016;28:501–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Gisslèn K, Gyulai C, Söderman K, Alfredson H. High prevalence of jumper’s knee and sonographic changes in Swedish elite junior volleyball players compared to matched controls. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:298–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Mersmann F, Bohm S, Schroll A, Boeth H, Duda G, Arampatzis A. Evidence of imbalanced adaptation between muscle and tendon in adolescent athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2014;24:283–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Bohm S, Mersmann F, Arampatzis A. Human tendon adaptation in response to mechanical loading: a systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise intervention studies on healthy adults. Sports Med Open. 2015:1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Wiesinger H-P, Kösters A, Müller E, Seynnes OR. Effects of increased loading on in vivo tendon properties. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015;47:1885–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Smith JW. Blood supply of tendons. Am J Surg. 1965;109:272–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Laitinen O. The metabolism of collagen and its hormonal control in the rat with special emphasis on the interactions of collagen and calcium in the bones. Acta Endocrinol. 1967;56:1–86.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Mersmann F, Bohm S, Arampatzis A. Dysbalancen der Muskel- und Sehnenadaptation. Leistungssport. 2016;46:11–4.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Gabriel H, Puta C, Arampatzis A, Granacher U. Fazit und Ausblick der KINGS-Studie. Leistungssport. 2016;46:37–9.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Myklebust G, Holm I, Mæhlum S, Engebretsen L, Bahr R. Clinical, functional, and radiologic outcome in team handball players 6 to 11 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury: a follow-up study. Am J Sports Med. 2003;31:981–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Myklebust G, Engebretsen L, Brækken IH, Skjølberg A, Olsen O-E, Bahr R. Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female team handball players: a prospective intervention study over three seasons. Clin J Sport Med. 2003;13:71–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Johnson BA, Salzberg CL, Stevenson DA. A systematic review of plyometric training programs for young children. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25:2623–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Lephart SM, Abt JP, Ferris CM, Sell TC, Nagai T, Myers JB, Irrgang JJ. Neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristic changes in high school athletes: a plyometric versus basic resistance program. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:932–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Bedoya AA, Miltenberger MR, Lopez RM. Plyometric training effects on athletic performance in youth soccer athletes: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29:2351–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Lesinski M, Prieske O, Beurskens R, Behm DG, Granacher U. Effects of drop height and surface instability on neuromuscular activation during drop jumps. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  83. Büsch D, Marschall F, Goebel R, Kromer A, Granacher U. Differenziertes Reaktivkrafttraining für Handballer. Teil 1. Handballtraining. 2016;38:38–43.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Büsch D, Marschall F, Goebel R, Kromer A, Granacher U. Differenziertes Reaktivkrafttraining für Handballer. Teil 2. Handballtraining. 2017;39:6–19.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

    Urs Granacher

  2. Deutscher Schwimm-Verband e.V., Kassel, Germany

    Ruben Goebel

  3. School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada

    David G. Behm

  4. Department Sport and Training Science, Faculty IV, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany

    Dirk Büsch

Authors
  1. Urs Granacher
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ruben Goebel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David G. Behm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Dirk Büsch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Urs Granacher .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom

    Lior Laver

  2. Department of Surgery, Aspetar - Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar

    Philippe Landreau

  3. Clinique d’Eich, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg Clinique d’Eich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

    Romain Seil

  4. Aspetar - Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar

    Nebojsa Popovic

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 ESSKA

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Granacher, U., Goebel, R., Behm, D.G., Büsch, D. (2018). Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercises in Young Elite Handball Players: Empirical Findings for Performance Improvement, Injury Prevention, and Practical Recommendations. In: Laver, L., Landreau, P., Seil, R., Popovic, N. (eds) Handball Sports Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-55892-8_37

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-55892-8_37

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-55891-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-55892-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation