Physical and performance variables for talent identification in water polo

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Background: In water polo, more physical and performance variables are related to a performance in a match. The aim of our work was therefore: (a) to evaluate the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and performance tests and performance in a match in young male water polo players; (b) to propose new guidelines for match analysis. Methods: Multiple regression analysis was used to study the results in anthropometric evaluations (height, body mass, chest circumference, arm span, non-dominant arm length) and performance tests (push-up, chin-up, shuttle swim test, sprint swim 10 m, eggbeater kick, 100 m swimming) and two coaches’ evaluations of two friendly matches using new guidelines. A total of 130 subjects (age: 15.6 ± 0.9 years) were involved in the study. Results: In this study, we proposed a new performance model based on multiple regression analysis (r = 0.85, r2 = 0.73, adjusted r2 = 0.57) and described by the following equation: Coach’s Evaluation = 151.6 + (−0.016 × height) + (0.6 × body mass) + (−0.82 × chest) + (−0.59 × arm span) + (0.75 × non dominant arm length) + (−0.037 × push up) + (0.17 × chin up) + (5.87 × shuttle swim test) + (−2.2 × 10 m sprint swim) + (0.05 × eggbeater kick) + (−0.35 × 100 m swimming). Inter-observer values were: CV: −3.9%, ICC: 0.82, ES: 0.1. Intra-observer: CV: −4.1%, ICC: 0.96, ES: 0.06. Conclusions: The relationships between anthropometric and performance variables and the match analysis have been statistically described. The equation found can be used to predict the overall performance of a player and permits evaluations of how much the improvement in one of the qualities can affect the players’ overall performance. Moreover, the new method for match analysis we have proposed showed a good reliability and can be used for new studies on water polo.

“…Chin-ups were performed with a supinated, shoulder-width grip, starting with arms bent and the chin above the bar [ 4 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Push-ups were performed starting from a prone position, with extended arms and hands resting on the ground at a wider-than-shoulders distance [ 4 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Subjectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physical Characteristics and Performance Tests in Male Water Polo: A Multiple Regression Analysis on Youth

Melchiorri

Triossi

Bianchi

et al. 2022

Self Cite

“…Currently, along with good sport preparation for elite athletes, the specific anthropometry indices are essential in order to achieve performance in top competitions in collective sports where others are also important: maturity status [ 1 ], capacity to be trained [ 2 ], body composition [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], somatotype [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], physiological performance characteristics [ 9 ], specific skills [ 10 , 11 ], playing position [ 12 , 13 , 14 ] and specifics of the sport branches [ 8 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toward an Anthropometric Pattern in Elite Male Handball

Leuciuc

Petrariu

Pricop

et al. 2022

We investigated the anthropometric characteristics associated with specific handball skills in competition. The body anthropometric profiles differ significantly among the playing positions in handball due to the specific tasks. The aim of this study is to identify the anthropometric patterns for each playing position by collecting data from elite male handball players. To determine the anthropometric profile of the elite handball players for each playing position, we used descriptive statistics for every indicator in order to identify the optimal patterns for elite handball players from the top-four ranked teams at the most important competitions over a period of 18 years (2004–2021). Over time, the anthropometric indices evolved: the average height increased (from 190 to 192.6 cm) but less than weight increased (from 90.5 to 95.28 kg), and these affected the body mass index (increase from 25.2 to 25.67). The novelty of our study is that we identified an anthropometric pattern for each playing position and for all teams in elite male handball. Our study also covered a period of 18 years to give our results more accuracy and reliability.

Youth Water Polo Performance Determinants: The INEX Study

Noronha

Canossa

Vilas-Boas

et al. 2022

Due to the growing engagement of youth in water polo practice, we aimed to characterize age-grouped players across anthropometric, general and specific motor abilities and contextual domains. We have also examined the associations of players’ specific skills with their anthropometric and general motor characteristics. One-hundred-and-one male water polo players, grouped into 12-, 13- and 14-year age cohorts were recruited. One-way ANOVA explained age-cohort variance, and a multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between variables. The variance in cohorts was explained by arm span (25%), stature, hand breadth and length (17%) fat-free mass (18%), 20 m sprint (16%), sit-ups (18%), medicine ball throw (27%), anaerobic (31%) and aerobic performance (21%), change of direction (18%), and in-water vertical jump (14%). The variance of in-water vertical jump, 10 m sprint, change of direction and aerobic fitness for players’ anthropometric characteristics were, 32, 25, 14 and 10% (respectively). The players’ upper-limb explosive power explained 30, 22 and 17% of variance for in-water vertical jump, 10 m sprint and aerobic fitness, respectively. Body mass had an inverse, and arm span had a direct association with in-water vertical jump and swim velocity capability, arm span had an inverse and direct association with change of direction and aerobic fitness, respectively. The upper limbs’ explosive power related directly to in-water vertical jump and aerobic fitness skills, but inversely with 10 m sprint scores.