What Determines the Competitive Success of Young Croatian Wrestlers: Anthropometric Indices, Generic or Specific Fitness Performance?

Abstract

Identifying factors influencing wrestling performance is important for determining which capacities should be developed the most. This research aimed to investigate whether anthropometric indices, generic fitness, and specific fitness performance determine the competitive success of young wrestlers. This research included 49 Croatian Greco–Roman male wrestlers aged 17.75 ± 1.51 years. Variables included training and competing experience, anthropometric indices, generic fitness (countermovement jump and handgrip strength), and specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT). Wrestlers were separated into medallists and non-medallists (i.e., wrestlers who won a medal at the previous National Championship and wrestlers who did not win a medal, respectively). The t-test for independent samples was used to determine the differences between the two categories in all variables. Moreover, discriminant analysis was performed to identify differences in a multivariate manner. Medallists and non-medallists did not differ in anthropometric indices and wrestling experience. Medallists had better results in the countermovement jump (t = 2.55, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (t = 2.77, p < 0.01), and SWFT performance (t = 2.29, p < 0.05) than non-medallists. The discriminant analysis confirmed that performance categories differed in generic and specific fitness tests (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.73, p < 0.05). It could be suggested that coaches should develop both the generic and specific fitness of their wrestlers to become more successful at competitions.

Effect of Body Composition on Aerobic Capacity Level and Post-Workout Restitution during the Training Camp Preparing for the European Wrestling Cadet Men’s Championships

“…The above indicates that for wrestlers competing in international championship competitions who are in the period of puberty, it is necessary to constantly control this process as well as provide them with a diet adapted to the changes resulting from the maturation process and training loads. At the same time, due to the changes occurring during this period, premature sports specialization should be avoided, and for athletes with more training experience, all-around fitness training should not be excluded, as it is one of the determinants of success in wrestling during adolescence [43].…”

Changes in Response Time in Elite Taekwon-Do Athletes and Wrestlers Resulting From Led Lighting Training

“…Their high levels enable success in combat. According to Škugor et al [14], medalists and non-medalists do not differ in anthropometric indicators and wrestling experience. Similar conclusions were drawn by García-Pallarés et al [15] when comparing amateur and elite wrestlers.…”

Repetition of the Exhaustive Wrestling-Specific Test Leads to More Effective Differentiation between Quality Categories of Youth Wrestlers

“…However, it predominantly evaluates the anaerobic glycolytic system, in which most of the actions are performed during the wrestling match [13]. Moreover, the SWFT is valid for differentiating successful from less successful adult wrestlers in Serbia and youth wrestlers in Croatia, which implies that the SWFT can be used for evaluating the specific physical performance of wrestlers [13][14][15].…”