HANDTAC: Validation of a sport‑specific small‑sided game (3v3 + goalkeepers) test for tactical assessment in U‑21 female handball players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.22.181Keywords:
handball, tactical assessment, content validity, reliability, small-sided gamesAbstract
The aim of this study was to validate HANDTAC, a sport-specific test designed to quantitatively assess tactical performance in handball. An instrument validation design was applied in three phases: (1) content validity analysis, (2) sensitivity to discriminate between players with different levels of experience, and (3) reliability through a test–retest approach. The protocol consisted of 3 vs. 3 situations plus goalkeepers in a 15 × 30 m court, played in two 3-minute periods. Thirty-six U-21 female players participated (19 with higher experience, 17 with lower experience). Content validity was excellent (CVC = 0.932). The test demonstrated high sensitivity, showing significant differences between groups in offensive and defensive tactical performance indices (p < 0.001; d = 1.89 and 1.41). Reliability was moderate in the more experienced group (ICC = 0.50–0.59) and variable in the less experienced group (ICC = 0.18–0.64), with Bland-Altman plots indicating moderate dispersion between repeated measures. In conclusion, HANDTAC is a valid and sensitive instrument for measuring tactical performance in handball. It provides coaches and researchers with an applied tool to optimize training methodologies and advance scientific evaluation of the game.
Downloads
References
Andrades-Ramírez, O. A., Alfaro-Castillo, B. S., Martínez-García, D., Cuevas-Aburto, J., Ulloa-Díaz, D. L., & Chirosa-Ríos, L. J. (2022). Fiabilidad y estabilidad del gesto de diferentes variantes de lanzamiento de balonmano. MHSalud, 19(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15359/mhs.19-2.5
Araújo, D., Davids, K., & Passos, P. (2007). Ecological Validity, Representative Design, and Correspondence Between Experimental Task Constraints and Behavioral Setting: Comment on Rogers, Kadar, and Costall (2005). Ecological Psychology, 19(1), 69–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/10407410709336951
Aróstica Villa, O., Hurtado Rodríguez, J., & Rafael Sebrango Rodríguez, C. (2016). Indicadores para el control y la evaluación de la preparación técnico-táctica en el balonmano. E-Balonmano.Com: Journal of Sport Science, 12.
Arslan, E., Orer, G. E., & Clemente, F. M. (2020). Running-based high-intensity interval training vs. small-sided game training programs: Effects on the physical performance, psychophysiological responses and technical skills in young soccer players. Biology of Sport, 37(2), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.5114/BIOLSPORT.2020.94237
Atkinson, G., & Nevill, A. M. (1998). Statistical Methods For Assessing Measurement Error (Reliability) in Variables Relevant to Sports Medicine. Sports Medicine, 26(4), 217–238. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199826040-00002
Bland, J. M., & Altman, D. G. (1986). Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet (London, England), 1(8476), 307–310.
Bland, J. M., & Altman, D. G. (1999). Measuring agreement in method comparison studies. Statistical Methods in Medical Research, 8(2), 135–160. https://doi.org/10.1177/096228029900800204
Caldas, I., Tavares, M., & Botelho, E. (2017). Aplicativo para avaliar o nivel de conhecimento tático declarativo no handebol. E-Balonmano: Revista de Ciencias Del Deporte, 13(2), 77–84.
Cassidy, T., & Rossi, T. (2006). Situating learning:(Re) examining the notion of apprenticeship in coach education. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1(3), 235–246. https://doi.org/10.1260/174795406778604591
Chacón-Moscoso, S., Anguera, M., Sanduvete-Chaves, S., Losada, J., Lozano-Lozano, J., & Portell, M. (2019). Methodological quality checklist for studies based on observational methodology (MQCOM). Psychothema, 31(4), 458–464. https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2019.116
Chow, J. Y., Davids, K., Button, C., & Renshaw, I. (2015). Nonlinear Pedagogy in Skill Acquisition. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315813042
Clemente, F., Sarmento, H., Aquino, R., Loureiro, M., Martins, F., & Mendes, R. (2021). Small-sided games as a methodological resource for team sports: umbrella review of systematic reviews. PLOS ONE, 16(2).
Costa, I. T., Garganta, J., Greco, P. J., Mesquita, I., & Maia, J. (2011). Motricidade Sistema de avaliação táctica no Futebol (FUT-SAT): Desenvolvimento e validação preliminar. Motricidade, 7(1), 69–84.
Davids, K., Araújo, D., Vilar, L., Renshaw, I., & Pinder, R. (2013). An Ecological Dynamics Approach to Skill Acquisition: Implications for Development of Talent in Sport Theoretical Principles of Ecological Dynamics. In An Ecological Dynamics Approach to Skill Acquisition 21 Talent Development & Excellence (Vol. 5, Issue 1). http://www.iratde.org
de Vet, H. C. W., Terwee, C. B., Mokkink, L. B., & Knol, D. L. (2011). Measurement in Medicine. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511996214
Dello Iacono, A., Vigotsky, A. D., Laver, L., & Halperin, I. (2021). Beneficial Effects of Small-Sided Games as a Conclusive Part of Warm-up Routines in Young Elite Handball Players. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 35(6), 1724–1731. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002983
Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
Fernández-Espínola, C., Robles, M. T. A., & Fuentes-Guerra, F. J. G. (2020). Small-sided games as a methodological resource for team sports teaching: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061884
Ferrari, W. R., Sarmento, H., & Vaz, V. (2019). Match Analysis in Handball: A Systematic Review. Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 8(2), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.26773/mjssm.190909
Feu Molina, S., Godoy Ibáñez, S., Lorenzo Calvo, A., Jiménez Saiz, S., & Cañadas Alonso, M. (2012). El conocimiento profesional adquirido por el entrenador de balonmano: experiencias y formación. Revista de Psicología Del Deporte, 21(1), 107–115. http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=235124455014
Gabbett, T. J., Nassis, G. P., Oetter, E., Pretorius, J., Johnston, N., Medina, D., Rodas, G., Myslinski, T., Howells, D., Beard, A., & Ryan, A. (2017). The athlete monitoring cycle: a practical guide to interpreting and applying training monitoring data. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(20), 1451–1452. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097298
Gaviria Alzate, S. J. O., Valencia Sánchez, W., & Arias Arias, E. A. (2025). Evaluating the Tactical Critical Thinking Program (TPCT) in elite underwater rugby: Effects on tactical efficiency index and critical thinking skills. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 20(5), 1958–1971. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541251362146
Gaviria-Alzate, S., & Ramírez-González, A. (2023). Validación de un test para evaluar la táctica en rugby subacuático. Viref: Revista de Educación Física, 12(3).
González-Víllora, S., García-López, L. M., & Contreras-Jordán, O. R. (2015). Decision making and skill development in youth football players. International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport, 15(59). https://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2015.59.005
Greco, P. J., Pérez Morales, J. C., Aburachid, L. M. C., & Silva, S. R. da. (2015). Evidência de validade do teste de conhecimento tático processual para orientação esportiva - TCTP: OE. Revista Brasileira de Educação Física e Esporte, 29(2), 313–324. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-55092015000200313
Gréhaigne, J. F., Wallian, N., & Godbout, P. (2005). Tactical-decision learning model and students’ practices. Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 10(3), 255–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408980500340869
Haynes, S., Richard, D., & Kubany, E. (1995). Content validity in psychological assessment: A functional approach to concepts and methods. Psychological Assessment, 7(3), 238–247.
Hernández, R., Fernández, C., & Baptista, M. (2014). Metodología de la investigación (6ta ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Hernández-Nieto, R. A. (2002). Contributions to Statistical Analysis. Universidad de Los Andes.
Hopkins, W. (2000). Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science. Sports Medicine, 30(1), 1–15.
Ibáñez, S. J., & Feu, S. (2026). Research designs in Sports Science. E-Balonmano Com, 22(1), 1–44. https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.22.1
International Handball Federation (IHF). (2025). Reglas de Juego. Real Federación Española de Balonmano.
Koo, T. K., & Li, M. Y. (2016). A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for Reliability Research. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 15(2), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.02.012
Laguna, M. (2021). Curso Integral de Balonmano. . Asociación de Entrenadores de Balonmano de la República Argentina (AEBRA).
Lebed, F., & Bar-Eli, M. (2013). Complexity and Control in Team Sports. Dialectics in Contesting Human Systems (First). Routledge.
Liljequist, D., Elfving, B., & Skavberg Roaldsen, K. (2019). Intraclass correlation – A discussion and demonstration of basic features. PLOS ONE, 14(7), e0219854. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219854
McKay, A. K. A., Stellingwerff, T., Smith, E. S., Martin, D. T., Mujika, I., Goosey-Tolfrey, V. L., Sheppard, J., & Burke, L. M. (2022). Defining Training and Performance Caliber: A Participant Classification Framework. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(2), 317–331. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2021-0451
Mokkink, L. B., Terwee, C. B., Patrick, D. L., Alonso, J., Stratford, P. W., Knol, D. L., Bouter, L. M., & de Vet, H. C. W. (2010). The COSMIN checklist for assessing the methodological quality of studies on measurement properties of health status measurement instruments: an international Delphi study. Quality of Life Research, 19(4), 539–549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9606-8
Morales, J., Greco, P., & Andrade, R. (2012). Validade de Conteúdo do Instrumento para Avaliação do Conhecimento Tático Processual no Basquetebol. Cuadernos de Psicología Del Deporte, 12, 31–36. http://revistas.um.es/cpd
O’Donoghue, P. (2009). Research Methods for Sports Performance Analysis. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203878309
Parlebas, P. (1988). Elementos de sociología del deporte. Unisport.
Pasquali, L. (2010). Testes referentes a construto: teoria e modelo de construção. Instrumentação Psicológica: Fundamentos e Práticas, 167–198.
Pedrosa, I., Suárez-Álvarez, J., & García-Cueto, E. (2014). Evidencias sobre la Validez de Contenido: Avances Teóricos y Métodos para su Estimación. Acción Psicológica, 10(2), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.5944/ap.10.2.11820
Pinder, R. A., Davids, K., Renshaw, I., & Araújo, D. (2011). Representative Learning Design and Functionality of Research and Practice in Sport. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 33(1), 146–155. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.33.1.146
Portell, M., Anguera, M., Chacón-Moscoso, S., & Sanduvete-Chaves, S. (2015). Guidelines for reporting evaluations based on observational methodology. Psychothema, 27(3), 283–289. https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2014.276
Prinsen, C. A. C., Mokkink, L. B., Bouter, L. M., Alonso, J., Patrick, D. L., de Vet, H. C. W., & Terwee, C. B. (2018). COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures. Quality of Life Research, 27(5), 1147–1157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-018-1798-3
Quiñones, Y., Morillo, J., Reigal, R., Morales, V., Vásquez, J., & Hernández, A. (2019). El ataque posicional en balonmano: validación de un sistema de observación. Cuadernos de Psicología Del Deporte, 19(3), 114–124. http://revistas.um.es/cpd
Reigal, R. E., Delgado‑García, G., Melero‑Cañas, D., Rishenko, A., & Gamboa‑Morales, A. (2023). The effect of the small‑sided games based on handball on attention and perceived effort in adolescent students. Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte, 23(2), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.6018/cpd.563001
Renshaw, I., Davids, K., O’Sullivan, M., Maloney, M. A., Crowther, R., & McCosker, C. (2022). An ecological dynamics approach to motor learning in practice: Reframing the learning and performing relationship in high performance sport. Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsep.2022.04.003
Ribeiro, L., Praça, G., Figueiredo, L., Bredt, S., Torres, J., & Greco, P. (2023). Effects of an implicit-explicit hybrid learning model on handball tactical knowledge. Human Movement, 24(2), 25–34. https://doi.org/10.5114/hm.2023.114911
Román, J. (2008). Táctica colectiva grupal en ataque: los modelos en el balonmano español. E-Balonmano.Com: Revista de Ciencias Del Deporte, 4(2), 29–51.
Sánchez Sánchez, R. (2021). El tema de validez de contenido en la educación y la propuesta de Hernández-Nieto. Am. J. Phys. Educ, 15(3). http://www.lajpe.org
Sánchez-López, R., Echeazarra, I., & Castellano, J. (2021). Validation of a football competence observation system (Focos), linked to procedural tactical knowledge. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126780
Sarmento, H., Clemente, F. M., Afonso, J., Araújo, D., Fachada, M., Nobre, P., & Davids, K. (2022). Match Analysis in Team Ball Sports: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Sports Medicine - Open, 8(1), 66. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00454-7
Saw, A. E., Main, L. C., & Gastin, P. B. (2016). Monitoring the athlete training response: subjective self-reported measures trump commonly used objective measures: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094758
Serra-Olivares, J., & García-López, L. M. (2016). DISEÑO Y VALIDACIÓN DEL TEST DE CONOCIMIENTO TÁCTICO OFENSIVO EN FÚTBOL (TCTOF). Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de La Actividad Fisica y Del Deporte, 16(63), 521–536. https://doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2016.63.008
Soto‑García, D., & Oliver, J. F. (2022). Aplicación del conocimiento neurocientífico a un modelo sistémico de entrenamiento en balonmano. Una aproximación metodológica. E‑Balonmano.com: Revista de Ciencias del Deporte, 18(3), 201–210.
Travassos, B., Duarte, R., Vilar, L., Davids, K., & Araújo, D. (2012). Practice task design in team sports: Representativeness enhanced by increasing opportunities for action. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(13), 1447–1454. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2012.712716
Vandenbroucke, J. P., von Elm, E., Altman, D. G., Gøtzsche, P. C., Mulrow, C. D., Pocock, S. J., Poole, C., Schlesselman, J. J., & Egger, M. (2014). Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and elaboration. International Journal of Surgery, 12(12), 1500–1524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.014
Viru, A., & Viru, M. (2003). Análisis y control del rendimiento deportivo (1ra ed.). Paidotribo.
World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053
Zapardiel, J. C., Rodríguez-Hernández, M. L., González-Moreno, P. M., & Sánchez-Sánchez, F. (2025). Development of an instrument for the observation of collective tactical procedures of positional attack in beach handball. E-Balonmano Com, 21(4), 495–514. https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.21.495
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 E-balonmano com, Journal of Sports Science
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
