This paper seeks to establish the physical, technical, tactical and anthropometric evolutionary patterns in the 5-1 defensive system in handball. The fact that this system contains up to four possibilities within its own structure (5-1 positional, 5-1 floating, 5-1 man mark and 5-1 opposition goal side) provides the opportunity to study it in detail. Moreover, the universal use of this system in both grassroots and high-performance categories of the sport means that it is constantly evolving. We have examined the origins and evolution of the four variables before finally setting out the advantages and disadvantages of each one in the conclusions.<\/p>\n\n