title: Neuromuscular and technical abilities related to age in water-polo players.
abstract: Testing is one of the important tasks in any multi-step sport programme. In most ball games, coaches assess motor, physical and technical skills on a regular basis in early stages of talent identification in order to further athletes' development. The purpose of the study was to investigate anthropometric variables and vertical jump heights as a free throw effectiveness predictor in water-polo players of different age groups. Two hundred and thirty-six young (10-18 years) male water-polo players partitioned into three age groups underwent anthropometric variables' measures and squat- and countermovement-jump tests, and performed water-polo free throws. Anthropometric variables, vertical jump heights and throw speed - as a proxy for free throw effectiveness - resulted different over age groups. Particularly, throw speed changed from 9.28 to 13.70 m · s(-1) (+48%) from younger to older players. A multiple-regression model indicated that body height, squat-jump height and throw time together explain 52% of variance of throw speed. In conclusion, tall height, high lower limb power and throwing quickness appeared to be relevant determinants for effective free throws. Such indications can help coaches during talent identification and development processes, even by means of novel training strategies. Further research is needed over different maturity statuses.
authors.affiliation: a WP-Stars , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Siati
authors.affiliation: b CIAMS , Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , Orsay , France.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Laffaye
authors.affiliation: c Departement of Sciences for the Quality of Life , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gatta
authors.affiliation: d Science Life , Orde Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sports , Netanya , Israel.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dello Iacono
authors.affiliation: e Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Science , University of Verona , Verona , Italy.
authors.forename: Luca Paolo
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Ardigò
authors.affiliation: f University eCampus , Novedrate , Italy.
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Padulo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001076:Aptitude; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Anthropometry; free throw; growth; neuromuscular performance; team sport