Handball statistics can provide quick answers, but the numbers only become useful when you know what they contain. A percentage without context can hide more than it explains.
Here we explain the most common key figures in 3Steps, how they are calculated, and what you should look for.
Shots and Goals
Number of shots
Shots include attempts that result in a goal, save, wide, post, or block. A shot should only have one outcome, even if 3Steps creates linked events for, for example, shooter and goalkeeper.
Goal percentage
Goal percentage shows what proportion of shots result in a goal.
Goal percentage = number of goals ÷ number of shots × 100
If a player scores 6 goals on 10 shots, the goal percentage is 60 percent. In the overall goal percentage in 3Steps, 7-meter throws are included.
A high goal percentage can indicate good finishes, but can also be due to the player getting many clear chances. Therefore, consider this number together with shot location and attack type when available.
Goal percentage from play
Goal percentage from play considers goals and shots excluding 7-meter throws. It makes it easier to compare the scoring efficiency in regular attack play without the number of penalty throws affecting the result.
7-meter percentage
7-meter percentage is calculated separately:
7-meter percentage = 7m-goals ÷ 7m-attempts × 100
A 7m-attempt results in a goal, save, or miss. It is advisable to distinguish between overall goal percentage and 7-meter percentage when evaluating shooters.
Saves and shots against
Save percentage
Save percentage shows what proportion of shots on target the goalkeeper saves.
Save percentage = saves ÷ (saves + goals conceded) × 100
If a goalkeeper has 12 saves and 18 goals conceded, the goalkeeper has faced 30 shots on target. The save percentage is then 40 percent.
Shots wide, hitting the post, or hitting an outfield player do not count as shots on target and are therefore not included in the goalkeeper's save percentage.
Save percentage including 7-meter throws
In some views, all shots against the goalkeeper can be seen collectively, while 7-meter saves can also be evaluated separately. Always check if 7-meter throws are included when comparing numbers.
Read more in What does the save percentage really tell us about a handball goalkeeper?.
Technical Errors
Technical errors are actions that end the team's attack without a shot. In 3Steps, this can include passing errors, lost ball, stepping errors, double dribble, offensive foul, illegal screen, or other technical errors.
The number alone does not tell the whole story. Also consider:
Which type of errors are recurring
When in the game the errors occur
In which game situations the team loses the ball
If the number changes when the pace or opposition increases
Technical errors per game makes it easier to compare periods with different numbers of games, but still doesn't say anything about how many attacks the team has had.
Assists and Goal Involvement
Assist
An assist is the final pass or action that puts the goal scorer in a clear scoring situation. The recording involves an element of judgment, so the team should use the same assessment throughout the season.
Second Assist
Second assist is a separate 3Steps statistic for the pass or action that made the goal-scoring situation possible. It is not part of usual official match statistics in handball and should therefore not be directly compared with external assist figures.
Goal Involvement
Goal involvement sums goals, assists, and second assists. The number highlights multiple forms of offensive contributions but should not be used as a complete assessment of the player's performance.
Defensive Actions
Tackles, blocks, and ball recoveries show different ways a player influences the opponent's attack. The sum can provide a broader picture of defensive activity, but positioning, teamwork, and actions that do not end in a registered event will still be missing.
How to avoid over-interpreting the numbers
Look at several games together when possible.
Compare players in similar roles and situations.
Consider the number of events along with the percentage. Two goals on two shots is 100 percent, but a small sample size.
Use the game situation to explain the numbers – not the numbers to replace the game situation.
Look for questions and patterns before drawing conclusions.
The numbers should improve the conversation
Key figures work best as a starting point for analysis. They can show where the coaching staff should look more closely, but rarely why something happened. Combine the numbers with handball expertise and a clear understanding of how the events were recorded.
See also Which events can you record in 3Steps? for the definitions behind the statistics.
Want to use the numbers in your practical work with the team? Read How to use match statistics in coaching work or see prices and plans for 3Steps.