Table 2. Description of the handball small-sided games (SSG) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) training programs.
Period of time Group SSG Group HIIT
Week 1 -Week 4 SHG format:4v4
Pitch Size:25×20 m
Goal size: 2×3 m
Coach encouragement: Yes
Sets:4
Work: 4min
Rest between sets: Rest: 3min
Sets: 4
Repetitions: 4
Work: 30s
Active recovery: 30s
Work intensity: 80%-85% Hrmax
Recovery intensity: 4km/h
Rest between sets: 3min
Week 5-Week 8 SHG format:6v6
Pitch Size:20x40m
Goal size: 2×3 m
Coach encouragement: Yes
Sets:2
Work: 8min
Rest:5 min
Sets: 4
Repetitions: 4
Work: 40s
Active recovery: 20s
Work intensity: 80%-85% Hrmax
Recovery intensity: 4km/h
Rest between sets: 3min
Week 9-Week 12 SHG format:4v4
Pitch Size:25x20m
Goal size: 2×3 m
Coach encouragement: Yes
Sets:4
Work: 4min
Rest: 3min
Sets: 4
Repetitions: 4
Work: 30s
Active recovery: 30s
Work intensity:80%-85% Hrmax
Recovery intensity: 4km/h
Rest between sets: 3min
Week 13 – Week 16 SHG format:6v6
Pitch Size:20x40m
Coach encouragement: Yes
Goal size: 2×3 m
Sets:2
Work: 8min
Rest: 5min
Sets: 4
Repetitions: 4
Work: 40s
Active recovery: 20s
Work intensity:80%-85% Hrmax
Recovery intensity: 4km/h
Rest between sets: 3min