Introduction: In handball, the time for physical training is limited, because the focus is placed on the technical-tactical and mental aspects. The introduction of specific physical training is crucial in increasing the sports performance. Even though handball is a team sport, match analysis has shown that physical training in modern handball should be pointed towards the specific playing position and individual physical ability of the players.
Materials and methods: The subjects who participated in this are from two groups: the control group consisting of 16 junior I athletes aged 16-18 years, from the CSM Resita handball club, and the experimental group represented by 16 junior I athletes aged between 16-18 years old, from the handball club SCM Politehnica Timișoara. On the experimental group, it was applied in addition to the specific training program, an additional strength training program to increase strength and endurance. The tests aimed to evaluate the following parameters: specific power and specific energy of lower and upper limbs or aerobic fitness.
Results and discussions: For both dynamometric and endurance tests, statistically significant differences for all parameters have been registered only for the experimental group. The results showed an important improvement in the variables of the experimental group after training.
Conclusions: The objective to improve the physical training of junior handball players by applying a complementary training program was achieved.
