J. Arturo Abraldes

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.

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.

The effect of different foot and hand set-up positions on backstroke start performance

Abstract Foot and hand set-up position effects were analysed on backstroke start performance. Ten swimmers randomly completed 27 starts grouped in trials (n = 3) of each variation, changing foot (totally immersed, partially and totally emerged) and hand (lowest, highest horizontal and vertical) positioning. Fifteen cameras recorded kinematics, and four force plates collected hands and feet kinetics. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were used. Variations with feet immersed have shown lower vertical centre of mass (CM) set-up position (0.16 m), vertical impulse exerted at the hands, horizontal and vertical impulse exerted at the feet (0.28, 0.41, 0.16 N/BW.s, respectively) than feet emerged with hands horizontal and vertically positioned. Most variations with feet partially emerged exhibited higher and lesser vertical impulse exerted at hands than feet immersed and emerged (e.g. vertical handgrip, 0.13, 0.15 N/BW.s, respectively). Variation with feet emerged and hands on the lowest horizontal handgrip depicted shorter horizontal (0.23, 0.26 m) and vertical CM positioning at flight (0.16, 0.15 m) than the highest horizontal and vertical handgrip, respectively. Start variations have not affected 15-m time. Variations with feet partially or totally emerged depicted advantages, but focusing on the entry and underwater biomechanics is relevant for a shorter start time.

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.

Are the new starting block facilities beneficial for backstroke start performance

Abstract We aimed to analyse the handgrip positioning and the wedge effects on the backstroke start performance and technique. Ten swimmers completed randomly eight 15 m backstroke starts (four with hands on highest horizontal and four on vertical handgrip) performed with and without wedge. One surface and one underwater camera recorded kinematic data. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. Handgrip positioning did not affect kinematics with and without wedge use. Handgrips horizontally positioned and feet over wedge displayed greater knee angular velocity than without it (SMD = −0.82; 95% CI: −1.56, −0.08). Hands vertically positioned and feet over wedge presented greater take-off angle (SMD = −0.81; 95% CI: −1.55, −0.07), centre of mass (CM) vertical positioning at first water contact (SMD = −0.97; 95% CI: −1.87, −0.07) and CM vertical velocity at CM immersion (SMD = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.08, 1.98) when comparing without wedge use. Swimmers extended the hip previous to the knee and ankle joints, except for the variant with hands vertically positioned without wedge (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI: −0.03, 1.53). Swimmers should preserve biomechanical advantages achieved during flight with variant with hands vertically positioned and wedge throughout entry and underwater phase.

Effects of Protocol Step Length on Biomechanical Measures in Swimming

BACKGROUND The assessment of energetic and mechanical parameters in swimming often requires the use of an intermittent incremental protocol, whose step lengths are corner stones for the efficiency of the evaluation procedures. PURPOSE To analyze changes in swimming kinematics and interlimb coordination behavior in 3 variants, with different step lengths, of an intermittent incremental protocol. METHODS Twenty-two male swimmers performed n×di variants of an intermittent and incremental protocol (n≤7; d1=200 m, d2=300 m, and d3=400 m). Swimmers were videotaped in the sagittal plane for 2-dimensional kinematical analysis using a dual-media setup. Video images were digitized with a motion-capture system. Parameters that were assessed included the stroke kinematics, the segmental and anatomical landmark kinematics, and interlimb coordination. Movement efficiency was also estimated. RESULTS There were no significant variations in any of the selected variables according to the step lengths. A high to very high relationship was observed between step lengths. The bias was much reduced and the 95%CI fairly tight. CONCLUSIONS Since there were no meaningful differences between the 3 protocol variants, the 1 with shortest step length (ie, 200 m) should be adopted for logistical reasons.

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.

Importance of the Motivational Climate in Goal, Enjoyment, and the Causes of Success in Handball Players

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the motivational climate created by the coach and perceived by a group of young handball players on their goal orientations, their beliefs regarding reasons for success and their self-satisfaction. The study participants were 159 young handball players. Players were administered a battery composed of tests to measure the above-mentioned motivational constructs. Results showed that a perceived mastery-oriented motivational climate was positively related to a task-centered goal orientation, enjoyment, and a belief that success may be achieved through effort. In contrast, a perceived performance-orientated training climate was linked to an ego-centered goal orientation, boredom, or lack of enthusiasm, and a belief that the routes of success in this sport are the abilities and the use of deception techniques. On the whole, this study underlines the educational role of the coach in young handball players. Specifically, the coach’s socializing role influences both handball player’s commitment and positive motivational profile as well as sport performance.