Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(4), pp. 775 - 783
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130413
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Building Confidence in Motor Skill Testing for Youth Handball Players: Validity and Reliability Analysis
Lola C. A. 1,*, Bassa E. 2,3, Amanatidou Z. 3, Papavasileiou A. 2,4, Stavropoulou G. 5, Trigonis I. 6, Hatzimanouil D. 3
1 Laboratory of Motor Behavior and Adapted Physical Activity, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
2 Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
3 Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
4 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Frederick University, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus
5 Department of Philosophy and Education, School of Philosophy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
6 Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
ABSTRACT
The assessment of motor skills in youth handball athletes is a critical yet underexplored area, particularly regarding the use of standardized, sport-specific tests for technical proficiency. This study addresses a significant gap in the field by validating and establishing the reliability of three handball-specific skill tests鈥擠ribbling, Wall Quick Passing, and Shooting Accuracy鈥攊n female athletes aged 12鈥�14. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of a structured, expert-driven rubric for performance evaluation, which enhances objectivity and transparency in assessing complex technical skills, moving beyond traditional physical conditioning tests. Logical and construct validity were established through expert panel evaluations and Spearman's rho correlation analyses between expert ratings and rubric scores, confirming that the tests accurately measure the intended technical abilities. Reliability was rigorously tested using test-retest methodology, Cronbach's Alpha, Pearson correlation coefficients, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), all demonstrating excellent internal consistency and measurement stability (ICCs > 0.93). The results provide coaches with robust, evidence-based tools for monitoring athlete development and identifying talent, supporting individualized feedback and targeted training interventions. By offering a standardized, transparent framework, the rubric-based assessments promote fairness and objectivity in selection and development processes, addressing long-standing concerns about subjectivity in talent identification. This approach also encourages the adoption of evidence-based practices in youth coaching, contributing to the broader educational mission of fostering skill acquisition, motivation, and self-awareness among young athletes. While the study's limitations include a relatively small sample size and testing in controlled rather than in-game conditions, its findings lay the groundwork for future research into comprehensive, game-relevant skill assessments. Overall, the validated tests and innovative rubric methodology represent a significant advancement in youth handball performance diagnostics, with practical implications for coaching, talent identification, and the promotion of equitable opportunities in youth sports.
KEYWORDS
Handball, Motor Skill Assessment, Validity, Reliability, Youth Athletes, Performance Evaluation, Innovation in Testing, Rubric Scale
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Lola C. A. , Bassa E. , Amanatidou Z. , Papavasileiou A. , Stavropoulou G. , Trigonis I. , Hatzimanouil D. , "Building Confidence in Motor Skill Testing for Youth Handball Players: Validity and Reliability Analysis," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 775 - 783, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130413.
(b). APA Format:
Lola C. A. , Bassa E. , Amanatidou Z. , Papavasileiou A. , Stavropoulou G. , Trigonis I. , Hatzimanouil D. (2025). Building Confidence in Motor Skill Testing for Youth Handball Players: Validity and Reliability Analysis. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(4), 775 - 783. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130413.