Good match statistics don't start with as many numbers as possible. They start with a simple and consistent way of recording what happens.
When events are recorded while the match is being played, the coaching staff gets a better basis for understanding shots, goalkeeper performances, technical errors, and players' contributions. Here is a practical approach for teams wanting to get started.
Before the match
1. Check the match squad
Make sure that the participating players are registered with the correct jersey number. This makes player selection faster during the match, and events are attributed to the correct player.
2. Clarify who will be keeping score
The person keeping the statistics should be able to follow the match without other tasks simultaneously. This could be part of the support staff or another person who knows the players and common handball situations.
Also clarify which events you should prioritize. It's better to record a limited set consistently than to try to record everything and fall several attacks behind.
3. Register the correct goalkeeper
The active goalkeeper must be selected for saves and goals conceded to be attributed to the correct player. Remember to record goalkeeper changes when the team switches goalkeepers.
What should you record?
For most teams, this is a good starting point:
Goals and who scored
Saves and who shot
Misses off target, shots hitting the post, and blocked shots
Technical errors and which player made the error
7-meter throws and the outcome of the throw
Sanctions and timeouts
Assists and secondary assists when the situation is clear
Once this basic recording is established, you can add more detailed information such as shot location, placement in goal, and attack type.
See What events can you record in 3Steps? for definitions and examples of each event.
During the match
Record the event as quickly as possible
Record the event while the situation is fresh. If you fall behind, prioritize the event and player first. Details can be checked later.
One final outcome per shot
Every shot should end as a goal, save, off target, hitting the post, or blocked. Choose the event that best explains the outcome. Do not record the same shot as both a miss and a block.
The goalkeeper stops a ball that would otherwise have gone in: Save.
The ball goes wide without a decisive goalkeeper touch: Miss off target.
The ball hits the post without a decisive goalkeeper touch: Shot hitting the post.
A field player stops the shot: Block.
Use the same judgment throughout the match
Some events require judgment. This particularly applies to assists, secondary assists, and certain defensive actions. The goal is not to eliminate all judgment, but to use the same criteria throughout the match and preferably throughout the entire season.
Mark what you are unsure about
If you don't have time to check a situation, you can mark the event and move on. This prevents one difficult situation from causing you to lose track of the next attacks.
After the match
Check the event list
Review marked events, goalkeeper changes, and periods where recording may have fallen behind. Correct clear errors before using the numbers in the evaluation.
Look for patterns, not just peak values
A single match can be influenced by the opponent, game dynamics, and few events. Therefore, compare several matches before drawing strong conclusions about the team or a player.
Choose something you can actually follow up on
Statistics are most useful when they lead to a concrete question: Where do we lose the ball? Which shots result in low conversion rates? Which situations create the most goals for us? Choose one or two areas that the coaching staff wants to investigate further.
A simple routine yields better numbers
It takes a few matches to find a good flow. Start simply, agree on clear definitions, and record in the same way every time. This makes the numbers more reliable and more useful for both coaches and players.
3Steps works on PC, tablet, and mobile, so the team can record the match on the device that best suits them by the substitute bench or in the stands.
When the match is over, you can use the most important key figures in handball to interpret the numbers and see how match statistics can be used in coaching.
When you are ready to try the method in practice, read more about the handball statistics app and plans for teams and clubs.