BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was twofold; first we aimed to assess the validity and reliability y of a new handball agility test (S-HAT) wit and without ball, and secondly, we wanted to evaluate the association between the test and the explosive performance measurements of lower limbs in adult handball players. Seventy-two handball players (20.2±2 years) participated in this study.

METHODS: All players conducted the S-HAT with using ball and without. Electronic timing gates were used to record completion times. To assess the reliability of the S-HAT, each player performed the tests twice, on separate days. The criterion validity of the S-HAT was determined by examining the relationship between the S-HAT performances and two popular agility tests performances (T-half test and the Illinois test). To assess the reliability of the S-HAT, each player performed the tests twice, on separate 48 hours. Participants