Below is my latest article published on WaterPoloPlanet.com. Read and enjoy.
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RESEARCH REVIEW - #1, August 2010
In this series of articles I will copy the
abstracts of relevant Water Polo research and give a short commentary
on each one. Due to copyright laws I am unable to supply the full
article. If you wish to have the full article please go to PubMed.com
or other appropriate website to obtain a copy. If you are affiliated
with an university you will likely be able to obtain many of these
articles for free from your library.
McCluskey L, et al. Throwing velocity and jump height in female water polo players: Performance predictors. J Sci Med Sport (2009)
Abstract: Throwing velocity and
vertical jumping ability are essential components for shooting and
passing in water polo. The purpose of this study was to determine
whether there is a relationship between throwing velocity and water jump
height in highly skilled female water polo players. Throwing velocity
and head height at ball release were measured in twenty-two female
players (age 20.41 years (6.16); weight 68.28 kg (8.87)) with two 50
frames per second cameras while shooting at goal. Water jump height was
also measured with a modified Yardstick® device. Multiple regression
analyses showed that peak lower limb power was the most significant
predictor of maximal velocity. Power alone accounted for 62% of the
variance in maximum velocity (p < 0.001). Once power was entered
into the model none of the other physical characteristics (lean mass,
fat mass, land jump height and anthropometry) made a significant
contribution to throwing velocity. After controlling for the effect of
power, head height at ball release accounted for an additional
significant proportion of the variance in maximal velocity (R2 change
7%; p = 0.049). Lower body power was a significant predictor of higher
throwing velocity in highly skilled female water polo players. Players
with relatively higher underlying levels of lower limb power who are
able to generate greater elevation out of the water are able to throw
the ball faster.
My Comments: A critical factor
of having a big shot is leg power but not just in the water. The
athletes with an above average throwing velocity also had a higher
on-land vertical jump and were basically just larger athletes.
The
authors in their closing statement (see full article) state “...
multifactorial approach including water based training such as swimming
and water polo skills training as well as land based training such as
strength training are consistent with achievement of higher overhead
throwing velocities.”
So, don't discount your strength training
and other on-land activities BUT you still must practice and improve
your sports specific skills in the water.
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McMaster WC, Long SC, Caiozzo VJ. Isokinetic torque imbalances in the rotator cuff of the elite water polo player. Am J Sports Med Jan-Feb;19(1):72-5 (1991)
Abstract: The specific
repetitive activity of water polo, like baseball pitching, emphasizes
adduction and internal rotation. This study used the Cybex II to
evaluate the isokinetic strength of the rotator cuff in elite water polo
players and in a group of control subjects. The water polo players
were significantly stronger than the controls. Of greater importance
was the confirmation of imbalances in the rotator cuff force couples of
adduction/abduction and external/internal rotation. These changes are
similar to those reported for pitchers. The adductors in the water polo
group had gained in relative strength resulting in an increase in the
adduction/abduction ratio to about 2:1. The internal rotators had
gained in relative strength resulting in a decrease in the
external/internal ratio to about 0.6:1. For both force couples the
differences are more apparent at a slow speed. Side-to-side differences
were not significant.
My Comments: This and other
similar articles are important to remember and think about when
designing strength training programs for Water Polo athletes. I believe
that the first thing all strength programs need to do is keep the
athlete healthy. Look at the sport and do the opposite! It may seem
contrary to conventional thought, especially when you think of
specificity but there is a cost for only doing sport specific training
and that cost is usually pain and injury.
Basically, spend more time on training your
pulling muscles and external rotators of the shoulder. This is a key to
effective programing for the Water Polo player and is outlined in many
of the articles I have written here on Water Polo Planet.
Top Ten Physical Training Tips
Applying Top Ten Physical Training Tips
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READ THE REST OF MY RESEARCH REVIEW HERE.
Enjoy and Be Well,
Michael Reid, B.HE. CSCS, RKC
www.michaelreid.ca
www.WaterPoloTraining.net
