Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of the variables involved in offensive efficiency in high performance handball. We assess the use of offensive tactical systems in positional attack (structured or unstructured) and counterattack, taking into account the type of defence, the symmetry or asymmetry in the number of players and the offensive sequence order. We used an observational methodology, an observation instrument (SOBM-2) and a recording instrument (Match Vision Premium v.1.0) which enabled us to study the final stage of the 2011 World Championship. The results obtained through descriptive statistics and sequential analysis of T-patterns using Theme 5.0 software show firstly that the offensive effectiveness of each tactical system depends on numerous factors, and secondly that the offensive stage of counterattack is the most effective irrespective of the opposing defence or symmetry/asymmetry in the number of players. We conclude that the most widely used tactical offensive system, albeit not always the most effective, is the structured system and that the variability throughout the course of the game in offensive systems (nonlinear self-organisation of the system) brings with it advantages in game dynamics.