Prof Dr Jörg Schorer, Prof Dr Dirk Büsch, PD Dr Florian Loffing and Kim Huesmann (Institute of Sport Science) in co-operation with the German Handball Federation

The timely and correct prediction, the so-called anticipation, of an opponent's action based on (movement) information available before the ball flies is a central component of goalkeeper tactics and an essential prerequisite for outstanding defensive performances by handball goalkeepers. The anticipatory requirements found at the national and international top level of the adult game pose a major challenge, especially for junior goalkeepers in the transition to the adult game.

The aim of this project, which is funded by the Federal Institute of Sports Science (duration April 2021 to March 2023), is to diagnose the defensive tactical behaviour of handball goalkeepers - and in particular their anticipation performance - and to improve it through supplementary training measures. The aim is to reduce the gap between the perceptive-cognitive requirements of junior and adult players. The project is being carried out in co-operation with the German Handball Federation.