ANTHROPOMETRIC AND CONDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH WATER POLO PLAYERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SWIMMING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Water polo as a sport requires optimal explosiveness, endurance, and favorable anthropometric characteristics. The aim of our research was to compare the anthropometric and conditional characteristics of youth water polo players by age group, and to examine the relationship between these variables and swimming performance. The study involved 60 youth water polo players (male and female, adolescent and junior age groups). In addition to anthropometric measurements, performance tests were conducted (50 m and 100 m swimming, Cooper test, bench press, and change-of-direction swimming sprint). Significant differences were observed in the male groups in terms of height and several conditional variables (100 m swimming, change-of-direction test, bench press) in favor of the junior team. In the female groups, no statistically significant differences were found. Examining the full sample, significant negative correlations were found between height and 50 m (r = –0.698; p = 0.002) and 100 m (r = –0.709; p = 0.001) swimming performance, as well as between body weight and 50 m (r = –0.764; p = 0.000) and 100 m (r = –0.758; p = 0.000) swimming. There was also a significant negative correlation between the Cooper test and short-distance swimming performances (50 m: r = –0.847; 100 m: r = –0.828; both p = 0.000). However, no strong relationship was found between other body composition characteristics and swimming performance. Our results are in line with previous studies that emphasize the role of anthropometric characteristics in sport-specific selection. Conditional tests — particularly change-of-direction swimming and the 100 m performance — effectively reflect the age-related development and performance level of athletes. Future research should include position-specific analyses and long-term follow-up.