Effect of Handball Specific Repeated – Sprint Training On Aerobic Capacity of Male Handball Players

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of handball specific repeated – sprint training on aerobic capacity of male handball players. To achieve the purpose of the study thirty male handball players were selected randomly from Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu. The selected subjects were assigned into 2 groups: handball specific repeated - sprint training group (n=15) and control group (n=15). The selected subjects mean age: 23.15±3.00 years; weight: 68.74±7.25 kg and height: 176.37±7.67 cm. The criterion variable selected in this study was aerobic capacity which was measured by multistage fitness test. The handball specific repeated - sprint training group underwent eight weeks of training. Pre and post aerobic capacity was measured on the indoor. The data was analysed using Analysis of co- variance (ANCOVA). The result of the study showed post test (F = 20.13) and adjusted post test mean (F = 10.68) showed significant (p < 0.05) difference among repeated – sprint training group and control group on aerobic capacity. It is concluded that handball specific repeated sprint training for eight weeks is more effective in increasing aerobic capacity of men handball players. The training load adopted in repeated – sprint training which resulted in 11.79% of changes in aerobic capacity.