Effects of timeout calling in team performance in handball as a function of game status

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyse the team timeout (TTO) effect in the collective performances indicators (defensive efficacy, offensive efficacy and difference in score) in order to the contextual factors (match location, game period and match status). Were analysed 286 TTO, called in 120 match of league ASOBAL, during the 2010/11 season. The performances indicators were registered in tree different moments; a) when TTO were called, b) in the third ball possession next and c) in the fifth ball possession next. The statistical test ANOVA of repeated measures were used to evaluate the TTO effects on the performance indicators in the different contexts. The results show a positive effect of the TTO in defensive efficacy as a main effect. The TTO has a positive effect in the offensive efficacy in order to the game period. The effect of the TTO in the difference in the score depends of the game period and the match status. The effect is positive in the second half of the game and significant during [51’-60’]. In the first half the effect is negative and significant between 21th and the 30th minutes.