This study examined repeated change of direction (RCOD) performance across three angles (45º, 90º, and 180º) and its relationship with physical fitness indicators. Seventeen male collegiate handball players performed RCOD tests involving 10 sprints, with mean time and percentage decrement score (Sdec) used as performance metrics. Physical fitness tests included one repetition maximum (1RM) squat, Yo-Yo IR1 test, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and 40 m sprint. Results showed that mean time was slower and Sdec was larger at 180º, indicating greater physiological and mechanical demands compared to smaller angles. A significant correlation was found between mean time and Sdec only at 180º, highlighting its sensitivity to fatigue development. Furthermore, mean time correlated with Yo-Yo IR1 performance at all angles, but no significant associations were observed between Sdec and other fitness indicators. These findings suggest that the 180º RCOD test could be used to impose higher physical demands on athletes, while the Yo-Yo IR1 test can be altered with RCOD tests to assess aerobic ability more in line with sport-specific movements. Coaches and athletes can use this information to tailor training programs based on sport-specific demands, optimizing RCOD angles to enhance performance and manage athlete fatigue effectively.
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