Impact of Time-Outs on Efficiency of Man-Up in Water Polo: An Analysis of the Differences between the Three Levels of Water Polo Players

Abstract

In water polo, time-outs last one minute and only a team in possession of the ball can request one; although there are diverse opinions whether a time-out is advantageous for the team in possession. The aims of this study were, firstly, to identify and to explain the impact of time-out on the efficiency of man-up in water polo, and secondly, to identify and to explain the differences in the efficiency of man-up in water polo between three qualitative levels of players. The sample consisted of 132 matches of the Adriatic Water Polo League, who were observed for indicators of man-up efficiency. There was no statistically significant difference between man-up efficiency played after a time-out and man-up efficiency played without a time-out. Additionally, the Kruskal-Wallis test partially confirmed the existence of significant differences between three qualitative levels of water polo players. There is a reasonable possibility that the differences between levels are generated by the differences in tactical knowledge, motor ability, and scoring ability. Trainers can apply the results of this study for the selection of appropriate tactical solutions and the optimization of training processes among elite and sub-elite water polo players. Additionally, the study's results can be the basis for further research dealing with exploring the dynamics of water polo, observed through recent changes in the rules.

Water Polo Offensive Methods after the 2018 FINA Rules Update

“…The present results are in line with the recent research that found that some coaches mistakenly believe that time-out helps to reach more power-play success [38]. However, in balanced games and elite competitions, time-outs can reflect the value of the coach's decision-making at specific moments of a match [20,38]. In the current championship, Hungary won the quarter-final game in the last 3 seconds of the match, after a time out, which took Australia out of the semi-finals.…”

“…Following the effects of the new rules, the decrease in time-outs reduced the players resting time during the match but also the coaches’ intervention in trying to improve team performance, mainly in power-play. The present results are in line with the recent research that found that some coaches mistakenly believe that time-out helps to reach more power-play success [ 38 ]. However, in balanced games and elite competitions, time-outs can reflect the value of the coach’s decision-making at specific moments of a match [ 20 , 38 ].…”

“…Taking into account the present results, other contributions and literature [2,6,15,38], base guidelines to identify the dominant positional playing model are suggested: (1) teams with players that are taller, heavier, and have a great wingspan (average body height ≥ 193 cm);…”

“…This can be due to Serbia’s minor trend in achieving power-plays, yet their efficacy surpassed Italy and Croatia, with Spain being the less successful. With the new rules and the reduction in the time available to perform power-plays, it seems that the ability to score in that situation in the game can be even more crucial [ 38 ].…”

“…Thus, in the present rules framework, quick power-play tactics should be more frequently played, not only due to time reduction to solve the power-play situation but also because quick tactics are of great efficacy according to the literature [ 15 , 38 ]. Italy seemed to be more effective as to quick power-play tactics, but they undertook more frequently a fixed and open 4:2 system with ball passes from winger to winger (crossing the three corridors), creating space and trying to obtain an open shot angle or assist 2 m players.…”