The French Handball Federation (FFHandball) has been using video as a true pillar of performance for several years. Video is now an integral part of the daily routine for players, coaches, and staff — from the youngest age groups to the professional level.
This perfectly orchestrated system creates an environment where video becomes a natural reflex, a shared tool, and a common language.
Video Analysis from U16 Onwards: A Winning Strategy
One of the key pillars of the system implemented by the French Handball Federation (FFHandball) is the early integration of video analysis starting from the U16 category. At this age, young athletes learn to use this tool as naturally as their warm-up routines or recovery exercises. Video is no longer seen as a constraint, but as a natural support to better understand the game — especially that of their opponents — and to refine their technical and tactical skills.
What Video Analysis Reveals: See Better to Act Better
At any level, video analysis brings essential added value to modern handball. It helps players identify aspects of the game that are often imperceptible in the intensity of a match or training session, such as:
- positioning issues,
- coordination errors,
- lack of anticipation,
- opponents’ intentions.
Once revealed through video, these elements become key areas of focus during training sessions. This approach helps align staff and players around clear objectives while accelerating both individual and team development.
Léna Grandveau
Right Back for the French Women’s National Handball Team
“Dartfish allows me to spot my opponents’ habits in one-on-one situations, so I can anticipate their strengths and counter them.”
Sharing and Understanding: Video as a Common Language
Video isn’t just a tool for the coaching staff — it’s a powerful means of communication that enhances both the understanding of tactical instructions and team cohesion.
The staff selects and shares key sequences to:
- illustrate tactical intentions,
- explain the goals of a drill,
- prepare for upcoming matches,
- or review problematic situations.
Players can watch these clips anytime, ask questions, or request specific footage about opponents. This autonomy strengthens their understanding of the game and deepens the connection between team, staff, and strategy.
A Simple and Effective Setup
One of Dartfish’s greatest strengths lies in its ease of use. The required equipment is compact, accessible, and cost-effective, allowing for live analysis — even during regular training sessions.
During Training
A minimal setup is all you need:
- an internet connection (depending on the type of analysis required).
- a laptop,
- a camera,
During Matches
For official games, the analyst retrieves the TV feed using:
- a converter,
- or an IP stream provided on site.
Matches can be analyzed live or after the fact by importing the video files once the game is over.
Frequently Asked Question: Should the converter be provided by the analyst or the tournament organizers?
It depends on the competition. Some organizers provide the equipment, but analysts usually bring their own converter to ensure compatibility and autonomy.
Dartfish: A Structuring Solution from U16 to the National Teams
From daily training sessions to major international competitions, video analysis has become a pillar of player development within the French Handball Federation. Thanks to a fully integrated and widely adopted ecosystem, from U16 to the national teams, Dartfish supports a unified approach to performance and progression.
To Go Further
Interview with Fabien Vidal – ESBH Video Analyst
