Vertical jump and shot speed, efficacy and accuracy in water polo

Abstract

We have evaluated water polo vertical jump and shooting success determinants, their interplay, identified its main variables and proposed a predictive model. Twenty-two sub-elite players (23.23±7.22yrs and 13.0±5.4yrs of experience) were tested for absolute vertical jump (146.41±6.96cm), relative jump (considering trunk and upper limb length) and handgrip strength (54.97±5.26kgf). Shooting speed (radar), efficacy and accuracy (%) were also assessed. Players with higher trunk and upper limb length were those who had less elevation out of the water (R=0.60, p=0.004) and relative jump and body mass were the explanatory main variables of absolute vertical jump (r2=0.41, p=0.003). Shot speed to goal was 18.66±1.37 and 18.37±1.27m.s-1 (with and without previous displacement), with players attaining 50.0±33.7 and 59.09±34.02% of shot efficacy. Towards canvas target, shot speed was 17.47±1.61 and 17.26±1.69m.s-1, and players were 24.6±18.5 and 27.3±20.0% accurate. Handgrip strength was highlighted as the main variable for shot speed situations and predictive models were found, which did not occur regarding efficacy and accuracy ‘without displacement’. However, a model has been found for shot accuracy toward canvas ‘with previous displacement’ (r2=0.34; p=0.003) in which handgrip strength is focused. Results found are important to monitoring and better plan the training process for the enhancement of team performance.