Effect of conventional aerobic and hybrid training programs on selected skill parameters among college-level handball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of conventional, aerobic, and hybrid training programs on selected skill parameters among college-level male handball players, with particular emphasis on shooting performance. Shooting ability is a critical determinant of success in handball, and identifying the most effective training modality for enhancing this skill is essential for performance improvement. The study specifically aimed to compare the effectiveness of different structured training approaches in improving shooting accuracy as measured by a standardized Handball Shooting Test. Sixty male handball players aged between 17 and 25 years were selected using random sampling techniques and were randomly assigned to four groups: conventional training group, aerobic training group, hybrid training group, and control group, with fifteen participants in each group. The experimental groups underwent their respective training interventions for a duration of twelve weeks, while the control group continued their regular activities without any additional structured training program. Shooting performance was assessed using a standardized Handball Shooting Test, in which a regulation goalpost was divided into nine graded target zones using ropes. Each participant performed ten shooting attempts from a specified position. Scores ranging from 1 to 5 points were awarded based on the level of difficulty of the target zone successfully hit, and the total score was calculated for analysis. Pre-test and post-test scores were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), with the level of significance set at 0.05. The results revealed statistically significant improvements in shooting performance among all three experimental groups compared to the control group. Among the interventions, the hybrid training group demonstrated the greatest improvement in shooting accuracy, followed by the aerobic training group, while the conventional training group showed moderate yet significant enhancement. The findings suggest that an integrated training approach combining aerobic conditioning, strength development, and sport-specific drills produces superior improvements in skill performance compared to isolated training methods. In conclusion, the study determined that a twelve-week hybrid training program is the most effective method for enhancing shooting performance among college-level handball players. The results provide practical implications for coaches, trainers, and researchers in designing structured, evidence-based training programs aimed at maximizing skill development and competitive performance in handball.