Key features of beach handball self-organization: comparison between genders

Purpose. the aim of this study is to find the aspects that identify the self-organization cycle of beach handball and to compare these between genders. Methods. Overall, 13 elite matches of each gender were analysed. We observed each team during the game, considering the following variables: offensive phase, ball possession, and attack outcome. Results. A self-organization cycle was identified, characterized by a predominance of attack over defence. We found that ball possession changed constantly (> 84%) and the same behaviour occurred in both genders. the difference between genders was that male teams were more likely to throw (81% vs. 74%, p < 0.001) and score a spectacular goal (49% vs. 39%, p < 0.001) when compared with female teams. Conclusions. the self-organization cycle of beach handball involves a prevalence of attack over defence, with a higher probability of the offensive phase ending with a spectacular throw, and with a constant change of ball possession during the match (system attractors).