Differences in Functional Capabilities of Younger and Older Juniors in Water Polo

Abstract

The research was conducted with the aim of determining the differences in functional abilities between younger (14–16 years) and older juniors (16–18 years) in water polo. The total sample of respondents consisted of 174 respondents from the following water polo clubs: VK “Borac” from Banja Luka, VK “Mladost”, VK “Torpedo” and VK “Invictum” all from Sarajevo, divided into two age categories according to the rules of the Water Polo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample of variables consisted of nine functional abilities assessed by spirometric parameters in different positions (standing and lying) in the first and sixth seconds before and after the exertion. For all applied functional ability variables, the basic central and dispersion parameters were calculated. To determine the differences in functional abilities between younger and older juniors in water polo, an analysis of the results of the T-test for independent samples was applied. The obtained basic and central dispersion parameters show a normal distribution of all variables in both groups of respondents. The results of the T-test indicate statistically significant differences in five out of nine functional parameters in favor of the older juniors, especially in the air flow in the first and sixth seconds after exertion and the variable “lung age”. The established differences indicate that the age and continuity of the training process have a significant impact on the development of the functional abilities of young water polo players. The obtained results can be useful for a better understanding of the development of ventilation abilities of athletes in the aquatic environment, the process of selection and programming of training loads.