Analysis of the Correlational Relationship Between Tactical Intelligence and Test-Measured Skill Performance Among Youth Handball Players

Abstract

Modern handball is characterized by an accelerated pace of movement and constant, rapid transitions between offensive and defensive situations, requiring players to integrate physical, technical, and mental attributes. This research is significant for focusing on the youth category (ages 17–20)—a crucial stage for player development, maturation, and preparation for elite-level competition—and for examining how tactical intelligence, as a higher-order cognitive process, guides and enhances the quality of skill performance (shooting, passing, and dribbling) and their efficient application on the court. Despite receiving similar training regimens, youth handball players exhibit a noticeable disparity in actual performance levels during official matches; some players demonstrate a superior ability to utilize their technical skills under real game conditions compared to teammates who possess comparable skill levels in standard training drills. The researcher attributes this issue to variations in tactical intelligence and the cognitive ability to make appropriate decisions at the right moment. The study employs a descriptive correlational approach, deemed suitable for the nature of the variables involved. Sample and Preparation: A purposive sample of 35 youth handball players was selected from clubs in the Wasit, Baghdad, and Babylon governorates (Al-Kut, Al-Qasim, Al-Nu'maniyah, and Al-Karkh clubs) for the 2025–2026 sports season. The study concluded that there is a positive, statistically significant correlation between tactical intelligence and the level of skill performance (shooting, passing, and dribbling) among youth handball players. Tactical intelligence contributes effectively and significantly to improving the execution of fundamental skills and their correct application.