Polo Match Research Articles

Relação entre a origem do arremesso e a ocorrência do gol em competição no polo aquático masculino

Although some similar studies exist in water polo, there are no reports show-ing a possible association between the occurrence of goals and the origin of shots. The objective of this study was to correlate the origin of shot and the occurrence of goals in an official men’s water polo match. Nine teams that competed in seven final matches of the Third National Men’s Water Polo League were evaluated. The games were recorded using a camera installed along the length of the pool. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to correlate the categorical variables studied. The effect size was calculated by the ratio between the chance of occurrence of a center goal and the chance of occurrence of a goal scored from the lateral position. An a value < 0.05 was adopted in all cases. There was a significant association between the occurrence of goals andorigin of shot, with X2(2) = 14.89 and p = 0.001, i.e., the proportion of goals scored from the center position was higher than that of goals scored from the lateral position. A center shot was 2.70 times more likely to be converted to a goal by the attacker. It can be concluded that a center shot presented a higher chance to be converted to a goal. This finding might be explained by the inability of the technical-tactical defense to organize, permitting closer proximity of the attack-ers. The same situation does not seem to apply to high-level technical-tactical matches.

Oxidative metabolism and muscle biochemical profile of polo horses supplemented with an ADE vitamin complex

Horses used for the game of polo experience abrupt and frequent changes in exercise intensity. To meet this variable energy demand, the horses use both aerobic and anaerobic pathways in varying proportions and intensities. In this context, there must be a balance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the action of antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress and its consequences. The effect of supplementation with an ADE vitamin complex on oxidative metabolism was evaluated in 18 crossbred horses randomly divided between a treated group (TG) and a control group (CG). The TG animals received the ADE vitamin complex (1mL/50 kg of body weight) by deep intramuscular injection at 30 and 15 days before the game. The CG horses received 10ml of saline by the same administration route and schedule. During the polo match, the animals played for a total of 7.5 min. Blood samples were collected on the same days as the treatments were administered, and immediately before and at 15, 90 and 180 minutes after the game. The concentrations of creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the blood samples. After the game, the TG demonstrated higher levels of AST, lactate and glucose than the CG, suggesting more efficient energy use by the treated animals. The higher GSH and lower lactate levels in the TG before the game suggest the presence of a greater antioxidant supply in the treated animals. The maintenance of the MDA levels indicates that neither of the groups exhibited oxidative stress.

Giddy-Up, Daddy! by Troy Cummings (review)

Reviewed by: Giddy-Up, Daddy! by Troy Cummings Deborah Stevenson Cummings, Troy . Giddy-Up, Daddy!; written and illus. by Troy Cummings. Random House, 2013. 34p. Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-97129-7 $19.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-307-97856-1 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-375-98123-4 $10.99 Ad 6-9 yrs. "Once there was a dad who was really good at playing horsey." His awesome ability leads to confusion, however, and he's stolen away by some horse rustlers ("They lured the dad away with some sugar cubes"). His two kids track him to a rodeo and ride him away, hotly pursued by the villains. After an exciting interlude in a circus and a brief tour through a polo match and the Kentucky Derby, the family heads to Canada; when the rustlers make one last grab for their prize, the kids reveal [End Page 413] that they're actually Canadian Mounties and they arrest the bad guys. This has the rambling, slightly hallucinogenic quality of a silly story crafted by kids and parents together, and the seriousness of the dad's horse imitation is a solid gimmick that'll amuse audiences. The breathless craziness lacks a plot rhythm, however, causing the story to lose its momentum as events just pile on randomly rather than developing. The digital art is largely flat and slick, with compositions often fussily overbusy in a way that accentuates the unfocused style of the story. There's charm in the manic exuberance, though, and in the poker-faced mien of the 1960s-cartoon dad as he gallops through the pages on his hands and knees. The plot sprawl will lose some youngsters, but those raised on absurd family stories may appreciate the joke and chime in with their own tall parental tales. Copyright © 2013 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Water polo women's pattern tactical experience of an italian team

In water polo lacks a codified methodology for tactics training, which is thus only left to coach’s discretion. Nine women water polo matches, during season 2011/2012 (Italian female Serie A1), have been analyzed by a water polo coach, helped by a statistician and a performance analyst. Purpose of the analysis process was to identify single events during the matches, to examine the tactical pattern implemented in this events, to obtain by the coach an evaluation on tactical pattern compliance and then to put this compliance in relation to event’s outcome. Aim of the work is to verify the efficacy of different attack patterns, when they were well-performed, in order to create a codified methodology for teaching water polo through tactics. The research approach is integrated and consists of 3 distinct methods: case study (9 matches of the Italian Serie A1 Women's Championship, season 2011/2012, played by the Volturno sc) for the analysis of matches, action research method for coach contribution, and theoretical-argumentative method to deduce a theoretical framework in which define the data processing. The research team examined matches with Dartfish TeamPro, isolating single keyframes relative to attack events, identifying the implemented attack pattern, then the coach expressed an evaluation on attack pattern compliance. The results showed a general efficacy of tactical patterns (when they are well performed), but showed significant differences within correlation coefficients of single patterns, confirming the need for developing a common methodology for teaching water polo through tactics.

Throwing Velocity and Efficacy During Water Polo Matches

Our objective was to assess throwing frequency, velocity, place of execution and efficacy during an European Water Polo Championship. The playing field was divided in five zones (1 to 5) based on the distance from goal: 0-2m, 2- 5m, 5m to midfield, over midfield and penalty mark, and the throwing velocity was assessed using a radar (frequency of 100Hz and sensitivity of 0.045m·s -1 ). After a descriptive analysis, differences in throwing velocity between throwing zones were tested using a repeated measures ANOVA (with the Bonferroni post-hoc test), and differences between genders and goal/no goal situations were obtained using an independent measures T-Test (p<0.05). Results showed that ~93% of the throws were made from the 2m and the middle field lines, and that the highest throwing velocities were obtained from the penalty mark. Female and male players presented higher throwing velocities in the most remote areas compared to those closest to the goal. When genders were compared, female players evidence lower throwing velocity in all field zones compared to male counterparts, with the exception of zone 1. This is observable also when considering throwing efficacy, once it occurs in each field zone in both goal and no goal conditions. When analysing the throwing velocity by field zones regarding throwing efficacy, in general no significant differences were found between the goal- scoring shots and the non-scoring shots (for both genders), excepting the zone 3 for the total sample, in which higher values when scoring were observed. Future studies should analyse the specific player positions and focus on World Wide tournaments.

Physiological Demands and Changes Resulting from Effort in Low Handicap Polo Horses

In order to understand the physiological demands and possible changes resulting from effort in horses and determine the type and intensity of exercise performed in equestrian polo of low handicap, we analyzed the negative logarithm of the activity of hydrogen ions (pH), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), oxygen partial pressure (pO2), the concentration of plasma bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and serum concentrations of Na+, Cl- and K+ of seven healthy horses after a polo match of low handicap. Variables pCO2, pO2 and HCO3- were the only parameters that were significantly different before and after the match, and there were no significant hydroelectrolytic changes. It was possible to classify the low handicap polo as an exercise of short duration and varying intensity, considering the lack of change in the hydroelectrolytic balance. The exercise to which the animals were subjected is compatible with their athletic fitness.

Kinematic analysis of three water polo front crawl styles

During water polo matches, players use different front crawl styles. The purpose of this study was to conduct a kinematic analysis of three water polo front crawl styles: front crawl with head under water, front crawl with head above water, and front crawl when leading the ball. Ten proficient water polo players performed 3 × 15 m sprints in each front crawl style, which were recorded three-dimensionally by two surface and four underwater cameras. The results showed no differences in performance and several kinematic characteristics among the water polo front crawl styles. However, front crawl when leading the ball showed shorter stroke length and greater stroke frequency. Front crawl with head underwater presented greater maximal finger depth and elbow angle at mid-stroke position. Front crawl with head above water and when leading the ball showed greater trunk obliquity and maximal depth of right and left foot, and shorter kick stroke frequency. The findings suggest that proficient players learn to master front crawl with head above water to achieve top velocity. Despite the common use of the front crawl with head underwater as the basis for water polo fast displacement, coaches should emphasize the use of the specific water polo styles to attain high performance.

Anthropometric, physiological, performance, and nutritional profile of the Brazil National Canoe Polo Team

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological, anthropometric, performance, and nutritional characteristics of the Brazil Canoe Polo National Team. Ten male canoe polo athletes (age 26.7 ± 4.1 years) performed a battery of tests including assessments of anthropometric parameters, upper-body anaerobic power (Wingate), muscular strength, aerobic power, and nutritional profile. In addition, we characterized heart rate and plasma lactate responses and the temporal pattern of the effort/recovery during a simulated canoe polo match. The main results are as follows: body fat, 12.3 ± 4.0%; upper-body peak and mean power, 6.8 ± 0.5 and 4.7 ± 0.4 W · kg−1, respectively; 1-RM bench press, 99.1 ± 11.7 kg; peak oxygen uptake, 44.3 ± 5.8 mL · kg−1 · min−1; total energy intake, 42.8 ± 8.6 kcal · kg−1; protein, carbohydrate, and fat intakes, 1.9 ± 0.1, 5.0 ± 1.5, and 1.7 ± 0.4 g · kg−1, respectively; mean heart rate, 146 ± 11 beats · min−1; plasma lactate, 5.7 ± 3.8 mmol · L−1 at half-time and 4.6 ± 2.2 mmol · L−1 at the end of the match; effort time (relative to total match time), 93.1 ± 3.0%; number of sprints, 9.6 ± 4.4. The results of this study will assist coaches, trainers, and nutritionists in developing more adequate training programmes and dietary interventions for canoe polo athletes.

Meiotic Pairing as a Polo Match

In C.elegans, meiotic chromosome pairing is initiated by association of chromosomal sites known as pairing centers (PCs) with the nuclear periphery. The Dernburg and Zetka laboratories have shown that recruitment of Polo kinases to PCs at the nuclear envelope is essential to promote PC complex aggregation, pairing, and synapsis.

Notational Analysis of American Women's Collegiate Water Polo Matches

Women's water polo is a relatively recent addition to the program of the Olympic Games, making its debut in 2000. Although technical and tactical aspects of men's water polo performance have been studied, there is a paucity of information on the women's competition. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the technical and tactical aspects of 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's water polo matches in relation to 3 playing situations (Even, Counterattack, Power Play) and match outcome (winning and losing teams). The notational analysis included the following indicators: frequency of occurrence of the offensive actions, duration, players, passes, turnovers, exclusion and penalty achievement, goal, and origin and type of shot. Differences between winning and losing teams emerged for duration of actions (p = 0.024), number of players (p = 0.033), passes (p < 0.0001), exclusions and penalties achieved (p = 0.026), shots originating inside (p = 0.002) and outside (p = 0.002) the 5-m area, and occurrence of goals (p < 0.0001) during the Even situation; exclusions and penalties achieved (p = 0.029), shots following up fake (p = 0.049), and goals (p = 0.021) during the Counterattacks; and passes (p = 0.02), and goals (p = 0.003) during the Power-Play actions. In conclusion, winners showed a better ability to perform faster actions, with more effective passes leading to goals. Thus, women's water polo NCAA coaches and conditioners are encouraged to evaluate the studied technical and tactical parameters when analyzing game performances of their teams.

Effects of Induced Alkalosis on Simulated Match Performance in Elite Female Water Polo Players

This study investigated the effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on simulated water polo match performance. Twelve elite players from the Australian National Women's Water Polo Squad (age 23.7 +/- 3.0 yr, height 1.73 +/- 0.05 m, body mass 75.7 +/- 8.0 kg) participated in the study. In a randomized cross-over double-blind design, players ingested 0.3 g/kg of NaHCO3 or placebo 90 min before performing a 59-min match-simulation test (MST) that included 56 x 10-m maximal-sprint swims as the performance measure. Capillary blood samples were obtained preingestion, pre- and post-warm-up, and after each quarter of the MST. Preexercise ingestion of NaHCO3 was effective in enhancing extracellular pH from baseline levels of 7.41; +/- 0.01 (M; +/- 90% confidence limits) to 7.49; +/- 0.01 and bicarbonate levels from 24.4; +/- 0.3 to 28.5; +/- 0.5 mmol/L. The percentage difference in mean sprint times between trials showed no substantial effects of NaHCO3 (0.4; +/- 1.0, effect size = 0.09; +/- 0.23; p = .51). These findings are contrary to those of previous NaHCO3 studies on simulated team-sport performance, but this investigation is unique in that it examined highly trained athletes performing sport-specific tasks. In conclusion, water polo players should not expect substantial enhancement in intermittent-sprint performance from NaHCO3 supplementation.

Reliability of an In-Water Repeated-Sprint Test for Water Polo

Time-motion studies indicate the importance of repeated high-intensity activities during water polo match play. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of an in-water repeated-sprint test, which comprised 6x10-m all-out sprints, departing every 17 s. This protocol was chosen to replicate the regular intense periods of match play.

Notational Analysis of Elite and Sub-Elite Water Polo Matches

This study aimed at comparing elite (i.e., Euro League and Italian "Serie A1") and sub-elite (Italian "Serie B") matches. A notational analysis was performed on 17 men's water polo matches during the 2005-2006 season to evaluate the following technical and tactical parameters of the offensive play: frequency of occurrence of the actions; mean clock-time duration; mean number of players involved and passes; frequency of occurrence of the turnovers; and frequency of occurrence of the number, outcome, position, and type of the shots. All the indicators were analyzed in relation to even (i.e., equal number of offensive and defensive players), counterattack (i.e., higher number of offensive players than that of the defense), and power play (i.e., a team defending for 20 seconds without a player because of an exclusion foul) situations. A multivariate approach (multivariate analysis of variance) was applied to the playing situations (even, counterattack, and power play) as dependent variables and competition levels (Final Four of Euro League Championship, Serie A1 Championship, and Serie B Championship) as between factor (p < 0.05). Significant differences among competition levels emerged in (a) the frequency of occurrence of counterattack and power play actions, (b) the duration of even situations, (c) the mean number of players directly involved during power play actions, (d) the mean number of the passes during even and power play actions, (e) the frequency of occurrence of the shots during counterattack and power play actions, (f) the frequency of occurrence of goals during even actions, (g) the frequency of occurrence of shots originating from different zones of the court, and (h) the type of shots performed. The present results showed that the competition level has a relevant impact on the occurrence of technical and tactical indicators especially in relation to even, counterattack, and power play situations. Thus, notational analysis proved to be a valuable tool for better coaching through the interpretation of technical and tactical aspects of water polo in relation to its competition level.

Activity profiles and physical demands of elite women's water polo match play

The aim of this study was to quantify the movement patterns of contemporary elite women's water polo match play. Thirty-three player matches (centre, n = 15 and perimeter, n = 18) were analysed using video-based time-motion analysis. Frequency and duration of individual movements and distance swum were assessed. Mean match time and playing time were 69:48 ± 04.30 min:s and 33:14 ± 14:40 min:s, respectively. Players performed 330 ± 158 discrete movements per match, representing a change in movement every 6.2 s. There were 54 ± 25 high-intensity activities per match, or one every 38.4 s. These findings characterise women's water polo as a high-intensity intermittent sport. Total distance swum per match was 699.3 ± 296.8 m. Positional differences showed a predominance of wrestling in centre players (4:13 vs. 1:53 min:s; P < 0.001) and sprint swimming in perimeter players (2:09 vs. 0:52 min:s; P < 0.001). Players performed 6.7 ± 3.5 repeated high-intensity activity bouts per match, suggesting that this facet of play is important in water polo. Overall, exercise intensity decreased as a match progressed, suggesting the likelihood of fatigue during the latter stages. These findings provide important information for the planning and monitoring of training in women's water polo.

A physiological, time–motion, and technical comparison of youth water polo and Acquagoal

The aims of this study were to provide a profile of young water polo players and to compare technical and tactical aspects, movement patterns, and cardiac loads of youth water polo and Acquagoal codes. Ten young (age 12.3 years, s = 0.6) male water polo players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass, body mass index, chest circumference, hand breadth, and length), strength, and [Vdot]O2max evaluations. Friendly youth water polo and Acquagoal matches were arranged to evaluate heart rates and swimming patterns (horizontal and vertical, with and without the ball) of players, and technical and tactical aspects of matches (number of actions, passes, player involved in an action, lost possessions, shots, goals, and the origin and types of shot). Independent of code, matches imposed a high cardiac load on players. Vertical swimming occurred more frequently (P < 0.05) in Acquagoal (71%) than youth water polo (45%). Technical and tactical measures also differed (P < 0.05), with players performing more passes and shots inside the penalty area and showing a higher goal-to-shot ratio during youth water polo than during Acquagoal. These results indicate that youth water polo better resembles the swimming patterns of adult water polo and facilitates the technical and tactical aspects of play better than Acquagoal.

A Time-Motion Analysis of International Women’s Water Polo Match Play

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological demands of field players in international women's water polo match play. Video footage was collected at the 13th FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup in Perth in 2002. Video recordings were analyzed using a simple hand-based notation system to record predefined activity durations, frequencies, and corresponding subjective intensities. Average exercise bout duration was 7.4 +/- 2.5 s and exercise to rest ratio within play 1:1.6 +/- 0.6. The average pattern of exercise was represented by 64.0 +/- 15.3% swimming, 13.1 +/- 9.2% contested swimming, 14.0 +/- 11.6% wrestling, and 8.9 +/- 7.1% holding position. Significant differences existed between outside and center players for percentage time swimming (67.5 +/- 14.0% vs 60.2 +/- 13.3%, P = .002) and wrestling (9.9 +/- 9.3% vs 18.4 +/- 11.1%, P = .000). A significant difference was found in the number (P = .017) and duration (P = .010) of high-intensity activity (HIA) bouts performed each quarter for outside (1.8 +/- 2.2 bouts, 7.0 +/- 3.4 s) and center players (1.2 +/- 1.5 bouts, 5.2 +/- 3.4 s). Positional differences in HIA were the result of a significant difference (P = .000) in the number of maximal/near maximal swims (outside 1.2 +/- 1.5 and center 0.5 +/- 0.9 per quarter). This study characterizes international women's water polo match play as a highly intermittent activity. Swimming, particularly high intensity, has greater significance to outside players, whereas wrestling has greater significance to center players.

A heart rate analysis of the cardiovascular demands of elite level competitive polo

Polo has an established tradition and is played in over 80 countries. No previous research has attempted to determine the physiological demands placed upon the players however. There is therefore limited evidence from which to develop strength & conditioning programmes. The aim of this study was to quantify the cardiovascular demand placed upon players during elite polo competition. Heart rate was recorded in seven professional male polo players (age 28.71±4.31 years; mass 72.13±5.46 kg; handicap 6.14±0.38 goals) during two high-goal polo matches, and was classified into heart rate zones based on ASCM guidelines. The mean heart rate for the match was 150 ± 20 beat.min−1, with the 3rd chukka producing the highest mean heart rate of the 5 played (154 ± 23 beat.min−1). The largest proportion of playing time was spent in the hard heart rate zone. The results suggest that polo evokes a high cardiovascular load and training should therefore include aerobic fitness training in addition to technical skill development. Further research is needed to advance knowledge of the physiological and biomechanical demands of this sport and employment of suitable methods of notational analysis is required to extend appreciation of the technical and tactical nature of the sport.

Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prospectively the incidence, nature, and severity of injuries to polo riders competing in the 1996 Argentine High Polo season. METHODS: Assessment, documentation, and provision of care for...

Applied physiology of water polo.

Water polo has been played for over a century. While the rules of the game have evolved considerably over this time, the sport has consistently remained, physiologically, a highly demanding activity. Much attention has been paid to the technical and strategic elements of the game; however, despite the potential for improvements in athletic performance and the maintenance of athletes' health, there are few published studies (particularly in English) on the physical and physiological demands and adaptations to water polo training and competition. Game analyses have demonstrated that water polo is an 'intermittent' sport comprised of intense bursts of activity of <15 seconds duration with intervening, lower intensity intervals averaging <20 seconds duration. Physiological measurements obtained during game play indicate a cumulative effect of the repeated sequences of activities and suggest there is a high metabolic demand on the athletes. The multiple individual skills and movements required for playing water polo also place considerable demands on the neuromuscular system. Observations of the frequency and duration of the different activities, and of the physiological responses to participating in a water polo match, are initial sources of information for designing training programmes specific to the game and to the different playing positions. The physical and physiological attributes of elite water polo players offer some insight into the minimum requirements for participation and the adaptations that result from training and competition. Further systematic documentation and experimentation are required to facilitate the design and specification of individual training programmes and to better understand the long term effects of water polo on athletes' health.

Alexander Fleming, 1881-1955

Alexander Fleming was the youngest of four children born to an Ayrshire farmer, Hugh Fleming, by his second wife Grace ( née Morton) on 6 August 1881. His education, up to the age of twelve, was at the village school (Darvel) and, for a further two years, at the Kilmarnock Academy. At fourteen he joined his brothers in London, where he worked for a time as a clerk in a shipping office, and also attended some classes at the Regent Street Polytechnic. His eldest brother Thomas was already practising as an ophthalmologist and, perhaps influenced by his example, Alexander also decided to study medicine. His choice of a medical school (which was to prove all important) seems to have been largely determined by the fact that he had competed in a water polo match against the students of St Mary’s Hospital. He therefore sat for an Entrance Scholarship at that Medical School, and won it, in 1901. After winning many other prizes as a student, he duly obtained his London University degree, M.B., B.S., in 1906. At that time he seems to have had no strong predilection towards any particular sphere of medical practice. Surgical work evidently made some appeal to him for he proceeded to take his F.R.C.S. examination, and it may well be that, if he had pursued that career, his great technical ability and high intelligence would have made him an outstanding surgeon, and won him a substantial fortune.