Vertical jump and shot speed, efficacy and accuracy in water polo

We have evaluated water polo vertical jump and shooting success determinants, their interplay, identified its main variables and proposed a predictive model. Twenty-two sub-elite players (23.23±7.22yrs and 13.0±5.4yrs of experience) were tested for absolute vertical jump (146.41±6.96cm), relative jump (considering trunk and upper limb length) and handgrip strength (54.97±5.26kgf). Shooting speed (radar), efficacy and accuracy (%) were also assessed. Players with higher trunk and upper limb length were those who had less elevation out of the water (R=0.60, p=0.004) and relative jump and body mass were the explanatory main variables of absolute vertical jump (r2=0.41, p=0.003). Shot speed to goal was 18.66±1.37 and 18.37±1.27m.s-1 (with and without previous displacement), with players attaining 50.0±33.7 and 59.09±34.02% of shot efficacy. Towards canvas target, shot speed was 17.47±1.61 and 17.26±1.69m.s-1, and players were 24.6±18.5 and 27.3±20.0% accurate. Handgrip strength was highlighted as the main variable for shot speed situations and predictive models were found, which did not occur regarding efficacy and accuracy ‘without displacement’. However, a model has been found for shot accuracy toward canvas ‘with previous displacement’ (r2=0.34; p=0.003) in which handgrip strength is focused. Results found are important to monitoring and better plan the training process for the enhancement of team performance.