Decreasing number of distance shooting in handball – trend of nowadays male handball competition

Abstract Study aim The aim of this study was to analyze and compare performance data structure in two consecutive EHF Men's EURO competition in 2020 and 2022 in order to highline significance of differences in two-year cycle of European Championships. Material and methods Official game reported data of all 65 games of 24 teams participated in both tournaments was collected and analyzed in order to claim the tendencies in handball development. The data concerns number of attacks and shots regarding its context, on court location and efficiency, turnovers and goalkeeping efficiency. Mean Values (M), Standard Deviation (SD), minimal and maximal values (MIN, MAX) and percentage (%) were used in the analysis. The significance of differences related to the task was determined by the Mann-Whitney U Test. All the calculation and analysis were made using STATISTICA software. Results Significant decrease in the number of distance shots (9m) in EHF EURO 2022 in comparison to EHF EURO 2020 (−24.2%, p < 0.01) was revealed. The disparity within the performed actions of EHF EURO 2022 was found in greater number of shots taken from near distance center area (6 m Center) when compared to EHF EURO 2020 (+20%, p < 0.05). Higher number of breakthrough shots in 2022 than in 2020 (+19.6%) was noticed. Conclusions The analysis revealed changes developing in the characteristic of offensive structure, what should have impact on training routine in order to achieve high level of performance.