The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Selected Physical Abilities of Young Handball Players

Abstract

     The purpose of this study was to develop a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program targeting selected physical abilities of young handball players, and to examine its effects through comparisons between pre- and post-test as well as between successive post-test measurements within the research sample , The researcher employed the experimental method with both an experimental group and a control group, as it was deemed appropriate to the nature of the research problem in order to arrive at reliable findings. The research population consisted of the youth handball players from the clubs of Maysan Governorate for the 2024–2025 season, totaling seven clubs: Naft Maysan, Dijla, Ahrar Maysan, Al-Kahlaa, Al-Sukkar, Al-Shaheed Saad Khalaf Suwaif, and Al-Maimouna, with 104 players registered in the records of the Maysan Sub-Union of Handball. The sample was deliberately selected from Naft Maysan Club, comprising 14 players, representing 13.46% of the total research population , The main conclusions of the study indicated that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) contributed effectively to the development of the studied physical abilities among the experimental group. The key recommendations emphasized the necessity of incorporating these exercises into coaches’ training programs, given their significant role in enhancing physical abilities.