ArticleFrontiers in psychology2026
Temporal and situational analysis of 7-m shots in elite handball: a multi-season study.
Article in Frontiers in psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
The 7-m shot is a critical scoring opportunity in elite handball, significantly impacting match outcomes. Despite existing research on performance metrics and tactical elements, a gap remains in understanding how game timing and situational context influence 7-m shot outcomes. This study addresses this by analyzing 7-m shots across different game phases, under pressure conditions, and considering temporal and contextual factors. Utilizing play-by-play data from 2,978 matches in the Danish Handball top-tier Men's and Women's leagues (2017-2024 seasons), the study examined 38,480 penalty-related events. Temporal analysis allocated "penalty awarded" events to 5-min intervals, and success rates were calculated for various scenarios. Close matches were defined by a ≤ 2-goal difference at regulation time, and "clutch moments" were the final 5 min of play. Results indicate a consistent temporal pattern, with penalty occurrences typically peaking in the central phases of each half. Overall success rates for 7-m shots remained stable across seasons and genders, ranging from 73.4% to 78.1% in women's and 75.6% to 77.7% in men's competitions. No statistically significant difference was found in success rates between men's and women's leagues. Performance in the final 5 min showed divergent gender patterns: women equalled or exceeded their whole-match baseline in five of seven seasons (average: +2.7 pp), while men more frequently recorded negative differences (average: -1.4 pp), with the notable exception of 2023-24 (+6.9 pp). Goalkeeper saves accounted for 74.6% of all unsuccessful penalties across both groups, with higher rates in men's leagues (78.9%) than women's leagues (70.9%). These findings suggest that elite handball players can maintain stable execution of 7-m shots despite situational pressure, supporting the role of effective psychological self-regulation in high-stakes performance. Integrating psychological skills training, such as attentional focus strategies and stress regulation, alongside technical preparation may enhance penalty-shot training and match preparation.
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