The study aims to investigate effects of 8-weeks of heavy-load resistance training on mechanical muscle function and functional performance in elite female team handball players from the Danish Women's Handball League. Players will be randomly assigned to either a resistance training group (RT) or serves as training-as-usual controls (CON).

The study aims to examine how an eight-week heavy-load resistance training regimen affects both mechanical muscle function and functional performance in elite female team handball players. Given the sport's demands for rapid and forceful muscle actions, understanding the impact of such training on functional performance is crucial.

Players from four clubs in the Danish Women's Handball League, will be randomly block randomized (one block=one club) into two groups: the heavy-load resistance training group (RT), and the control group (CON). Each group contains players from 2 clubs. The study will conduct a battery of tests to evaluate various aspects of mechanical muscle function and performance, including isometric knee extensor and flexor peak torque, countermovement jump (CMJ) power/work, and functional measures like sprinting, jump height, and agility performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Playing in the Danish Women's Handball League.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absent from team handball training for more than two weeks due to injuries, within the six months preceding PRE-testing.