Carmen Ferragut

Throwing velocities, anthropometric characteristics, and efficacy indices of women's European water polo subchampions.

Alcaraz, PE, Abraldes, AJ, Ferragut, C, Rodríguez, N, Argudo, FM, and Vila, H. Throwing velocities, anthropometric characteristics, and efficacy indices of Womens European Water Polo Subchampions. J Strength Cond Res 25(11): 3051–3058, 2011—Water polo is a team sport characterized by a high-intensity, intermittent activity, where technical and tactical aspect are of a great importance. For that reason, the main aim of this study was to define the anthropometrical characteristics, maximum isometric grip strength, training and competition throwing velocities, and the efficacy indices in female high-level water polo players. A second purpose was to examine the differences between the throwing velocities in training vs. European championships in the water polo female national team. Ten elite trained female water polo players participated in this study. Before the competitive phase of their season, the following measures were taken: standard anthropometry, static and dynamic training throwing velocities, and hand-grip dynamometry. In the competitive phase, efficacy indices, average and maximum throwing velocities from all the participants were also determined. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between different training situations and different competitive throwing velocities. We concluded that elite female water polo players modify their throwing velocity depending if the throw is performed during training or competitive situation.

Anthropometry and throwing velocity in elite water polo by specific playing positions

Anthropometry and throwing velocity in elite water polo by specific playing positions The purposes of this study were threefold: to present the specific physical structure of elite water polo players by playing positions, to access its throwing velocity in different conditions (without goalkeeper, with goalkeeper and with previous displacement), and to observe the relationships between the assessed anthropometric and throwing velocity parameters. Nineteen water polo players of the Spanish National Team (nine offensive wings, five center back and five center forwards) were evaluated. The anthropometric profile (particularly the lengths, breaths, girths and skinfolds) was obtained according to the International Working Group of Kinanthropometry, and the throwing velocity was assessed in 3 × 2 maximal intensity shoots (3 min interval) from the penalty line using a radar. It was possible to observe higher values of body mass, BMI, and muscle mass of the center forwards compared to the wings, and foot length of the center backs compared with the wings, reflecting a specific physical profile for each playing position. However, no difference was found between groups regarding the breadths values. In addition, the somatotype of the wings is a balanced mesomorph, and the center backs and center forwards endo-mesomorphs. Despite center backs have higher hand grip values in comparison with wings, no differences were observed between specific playing positions in each throwing condition, as well as between conditions in each specific playing position. Moreover, observing the correlation coefficient values between anthropometric and throwing velocity variables by specific position for the three throwing conditions, a higher number of relationships was found for the center backs and center forwards rather than for the wings. When the total sample was analysed, a superior number of relationships was observed between the studied parameters in throwing with goalkeeper situation. These data reflects the dependence of the throwing skill on the anthropometric characteristics of water polo players.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER POLO PLAYERS AND EFFICACY INDICES

Abstract Alcaraz, PE, Abraldes, JA, Ferragut, C, Vila, H, Rodríguez, N, and Argudo, FM. Relationship between characteristics of water polo players and efficacy indices. J Strength Cond Res 26(7): 1852–1857, 2012—The aim of this study was to define and examine the relationships between the anthropometrical characteristics, maximum isometric grip strength, and competition throwing velocities and efficacy indices in high-level water polo player. Eleven elite trained male water polo players participated in this study. During preseason training, the following measures were taken: standard anthropometry (height, body mass, arm spam, skinfolds, body girths, and skeletal breadths) and grip strength. During official European Competitions (n = 7), efficacy indices (offensives: shot definition, resolution, precision, blocked and defensives: shot resolution when defending and shots stopped when defending), average and maximum throwing velocities from all the participants by zones and in some offensive tactical phases (even, counterattacks and power play) were also determined. Throwing velocities were different (p ⩽ 0.05) between some of the offensive tactical phases (even = 17.9 ± 2.4 vs. power play = 16.7 ± 2.6 m·s−1). In addition, significant correlations were found between competitive throwing velocities and different offensive efficacy indices. We concluded that there were significant correlations between conditioning and performance variables with anthropometrical characteristics and offensive tactical indices (blocked shots received and shot precision). Coaches should pay attention to these indices for the development of performance throughout the season.

Tactical and shooting variables that determine win or loss in top-Level in water polo

The aims of this study were: 1) determine if there is a difference in the efficacy and velocity of shots between winning and losing teams 2) analyse the relationship between efficacy values according to the particular microsituations (even, power play, transition and penalty) and between winners and losers in disputed games. Seventy-two male games that formed part of the 2008 European Championship and the 2009 World Championship have been analysed. Efficacy coefficients were used to assess all of the microsituations of the game that ended with a shot to obtain efficacy values. The results presented significant differences between winning and losing teams in terms of the coefficients of definition and resolution of shots, and in the coefficient of resolution and detention of shots to goal in both championships. It could be said that the efficacy values that determine the difference between winning and losing teams are those that make reference to the accuracy of the shot. The penalty microsituation of reference is not a determining factor in the winner or loser status of a team. No differences exist in the speed of shot between winning and losing teams within the same championship but they do exist between championships.

Power-load curve in trained sprinters.

Alcaraz, PE, Romero-Arenas, S, Vila, H, and Ferragut, C. Power–load curve in trained sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 25(11): 3045–3050, 2011—The levels of lower-limb strength and power can distinguish between athletes of different levels in a number of sports, specifically in sprinting. In this sense, the purposes of this study were (a) to define the power–load curve in a modified half squat machine in trained sprinters in the competitive cycle and (b) to correlate the peak power (PP) production with 60-m sprint performance. In this sense, a cross-sectional study was carried out with 10 national level sprinters. After the calculation of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of the participants, a progressive test, which consisted of moving loads of 30, 45, 60, 70, and 80% of the 1RM as quickly as possible in the concentric phase, was performed. It was found that PP occurred at 60% of 1RM. The power output with all loads was not significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) from each other. No significant correlations were found between 60-m performance and PP with the different loads. Therefore, we may conclude that the sprinters of national level analyzed present values of PP output, in the competitive period, near to 60% of 1RM in the half squat exercise; however, this power is not significantly different from the other loads.

Position-Specific Anthropometry and Throwing Velocity of Elite Female Water Polo Players

Abstract Martínez, JG, Vila, MH, Ferragut, C, Noguera, MM, Abraldes, JA, Rodríguez, N, Freeston, J, and Alcaraz, PE. Position-specific anthropometry and throwing velocity of elite female water polo players. J Strength Cond Res 29(2): 472–477, 2015—This study was conducted with the following aims: (a) to describe the effect of playing position on anthropometrics and throwing velocity in elite female water polo players and (b) to observe any relationships between anthropometric parameters and throwing velocity. To achieve these aims, we analyzed a total of 46 female elite players (age: 22.5 ± 5.1 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 67.4 ± 7.5 kg) members of the top 4 teams of the Spanish Honour Division women league (21 offensive wings players, 17 center, and 8 goalkeepers). Wings were significantly shorter and had smaller arm spans than goalkeepers and center players. Goalkeepers demonstrated longer forearm lengths than wing and center players. No other significant differences were evident between positions in terms of anthropometric, strength, or throwing velocity variables The somatotype of the offensive wing players was mesomorphic, whereas centers were endomorph (classified as endomesomorphic). Height, arm span, muscular mass, biepicondylar breadth of the humerus, arm girth (relaxed and tensed), and forearm girth were related to throwing velocity. In conclusion, only a small number of anthropometric differences exist between players of different positions in elite female water polo. Shorter players with smaller arm spans may be better suited to the wings, whereas athletes with longer forearms may be better suited to the goalkeeper position. Taller, more muscular athletes with wider arm spans, broader humeri, and wider arms (relaxed and flexed) tended to throw with increased velocity. Trainers should focus on increasing the modifiable characteristics (muscle mass and arm girths) that contribute to throwing velocity in this population.

Tactical and shooting variables that determine the difference between win or loss in top-level female water polo: analysis by phases of the game

The basic aim of this research study is to analyze the efficacy values and speed of shot of two championships female water polo, comparing winning and losing indicators classified according to different playing situations (even, power play, transition and penalty). Fifty female games that formed part of the 2008 European Championship and the 2009 World Championship have been analyzed. The results showed significant differences between winning and losing teams in the coefficients of accuracy of shots in the European Championship, and in the coefficient of definition, resolution of shots and the resolution, detention and error of shots at goal in the World Championship. The maximal speed achieved was 17.31 m.s-1 in the European Championship. It could be said that the efficacy values that determine the difference between winning and losing teams are those that make reference to the accuracy of the shot. The even microsituation is the most important determining factor in the winner or loser status of a team. No differences were found in the speed of shot between winning and losing teams within the same championship but they do exist between championships.

Match analysis in futsal: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was 1) to look at and organise the literature on the analysis of futsal matches and 2) to identify research themes. We analysed the main national and international bibliographic databases using key words relating to futsal in different languages, which were linked to terms pertaining to match analysis. Out of a total of 722 documents, the study focused on 79 papers specifically dealing with our intended objectives. The literature was classified into three groups: studies related to notational analysis (65), studies related to the analysis of movement and interpersonal coordination (13), and review studies (1). As primary conclusions, we found that there is a lack of consensus on the vocabulary used and on common meanings for defining the different variables of the game in all countries. The language most widely used is Portuguese, which hampers the international dissemination of information. Additionally, publication in international scientific journals is scarce (13%), in spite of the volume of high-quality studies that are published in journals of an informative nature that are closer to coaches. We detected that the areas or aspects in which there are greater gaps in research are those related to players’ development, sport management and the analysis of the game as a whole, rather than individual variables of the game.

Influence of Physical Aspects And Throwing Velocity in Opposition Situations in Top-Elite and Elite Female Handball Players

Abstract The relationship between anthropometric and physical characteristics of female handball players and throwing velocity is considered an important factor in handball performance. The aim of this study was to examine key differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between top elite and elite female players competing in the first Spanish handball league. A total of 89 players from the first Spanish handball league were divided into two groups, top elite (38) and elite (51) players, and assessed for anthropometric and fitness characteristics (throwing velocity, vertical jump and hand grip strength). A Student’s t-test was used to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two different levels of play occurred. Significant differences were found in age, body height, body mass, arm span, muscle mass, different girths (tensed and flexed arm, forearm, wrist, ankle), dominant hand width and length, different breadths (biacromial, bitrochanteric, bistyloid breadth and biepicondylar humerus) and fitness characteristics (hand grip strength and throwing velocity for different positions). Top elite players compared to elite players showed differences in anthropometric characteristics which were mainly located in the upper limbs and mostly were nonmodifiable aspects by training. Furthermore, the best players were able to maintain a high throwing velocity in different tactical situations.