Differences in Situational-Motor Abilities of Young Water Polo Players

Abstract

The research was carried out with the aim of determining the differences in situational-motor abilities between younger (14-16 years) and older juniors (16-18 years) in water polo. The total sample consisted of 174 participants 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 BiH Water Polo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twelve variables specific to water polo were used to assess situational-motor abilities in the treated sample of subjects. To assess situational-motor abilities in the examined sample, twelve variables specific to water polo performance were applied. For all applied variables, basic central and dispersion parameters were calculated. To determine differences in situational-motor abilities between younger and older junior players, an independent samples T-test was used. The calculated basic and central dispersion parameters show a normal distribution for most variables in both groups of young water polo players. The obtained T-test results show statistically significant differences between the groups in variables that directly determine offensive efficiency and ball handing in favor of older juniors: goals scored (SMGS), goals from play (SMGFP), ball handing 3x5m (BH3x5M) and ball speed (BALLSP) at the level of statistical significance (p<0.05). In the remaining variables, no statistically significant differences were found, indicating a similar level of situational-motor abilities in both groups. The results suggest that longer training experience and greater age contribute to higher situational efficiency in water polo performance. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for targeted training of younger juniors toward the development of speed, coordination, and technique in executing offensive elements, thereby enabling a more effective transition to older categories. The obtained results may assist coaches in implementing more effective selection, diagnostics and planning of individualized training process for young water polo players.