The Effects of Short-Term Heavy Load Squat vs. Moderate Load Olympic Weightlifting Training on Maximal Strength and Force–Velocity Profile in Young Female Handball Players

TL;DR

This study compared the effects of heavy squats and Olympic weightlifting on strength and explosive performance in young female handball players.

Contribution

It shows that both training methods improve strength and jump performance, but neither significantly alters the force-velocity profile.

Findings

Both heavy load squats and Olympic weightlifting increased maximal strength and vertical jump height in young female handball players.

The force-velocity profile remained largely unchanged in both training groups.

Olympic weightlifting slightly reduced force-velocity imbalance compared to the other methods.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined changes in maximal strength and the force–velocity (FV) profile in young female handball players following an in-season heavy load squat or a moderate load Olympic weightlifting short-term training intervention. Methods: A total of 27 active young female handball players (age: 17.6 ± 0.98 years; height: 168.9 ± 5.1 cm; weight: 64.9 ± 10.6 kg) participated. 5RM back squats and unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps were assessed to establish the FV profile. Participants were divided into the following groups: the control group (CG; n = 8) followed its usual strength training including bodyweight exercises, the heavy load squat group (SQUAT; n = 7) performed heavy load back squats, and the Olympic weightlifting group (OWG; n = 12) used moderate load weightlifting derivates. Results: Absolute and relative 5RM back squat and vertical jump height increased in both intervention groups (5RM from 56.8 ± 5.5 to 62.2 ± 5.3 kg, p < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.7 ± 4.7 to 28.4 ± 4.9 cm, p < 0.05 for SQUAT; 5RM from 56.6 ± 6.8 to 66.1 ± 6.9 kg, p < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.9 ± 3.0 to 28.3 ± 3.2 cm, p < 0.05 for OWG), but not in the CG (5RM from 63.8 ± 12.5 to 63.4 ± 12.9 kg, CMJ height from 28.4 ± 2.2 to 27.7 ± 2.9 cm). The FV profile did not change significantly in either group. The theoretical maximal force remained almost unchanged in the SQUAT and OWG (+2% each), while only the OWG could slightly decrease FV imbalance (−14%). Conclusions: Both strength and Olympic weightlifting short-term training could improve strength and explosive performance, but without affecting the FV profile in young, less skilled female handball players. Olympic weightlifting may offer a slight advantage due to its potential to improve power production while optimizing FV imbalance.

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