Differences in performance analysis between won and lost teams in the top handball matches in the seasons before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The study aimed to try to determine whether there are differences in performance analysis in handball matches won and lost, in Pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and Post-COVID-19 seasons, taking into account the venue of the match.

Methods: The material was the official statistics of 493 men's handball matches of PGNiG Superliga Ltd. For comparisons between independent variables, the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test were used. A Chi-square Test was used to determine the distribution of the number of games won and lost.

Results: The analyses conducted indicate higher values in matches won than in matches lost (P=0.00) for the variables: numbers of goals scored, accurate throws, 6 meters goals, fast breaks, fast break goals, and throwing efficiency: all throws, 9 meters, 6 meters, and goalkeeper efficiency. In losing matches teams lost have a higher number of goals defeated (P=0.00) and executed a higher number of missed throws (P=0.00) than in winning matches Effect size of the differences is large. The results show a higher number of matches won in home matches than away in the Pre-COVID-19 season (P=0.0001).

Conclusions: During the three seasons, the number of throws and goals from 9 meters decreases, while the number of goals from 6 meters increases. In sports training, measures should be taken to improve and increase the effectiveness of actions that affect winning the match. The results indicate the need to shape defensive actions that prevent goals from being scored in situations that differentiate the match's outcome.