Indicadores de sucesso e modelos de jogo de polo aquático Pesquisa realizada na Seleção Nacional Portuguesa e em formações masculinas de elite

Abstract

Water polo is one of the most demanding sports games and although its research has intensified, there is still a greater focus on biomechanical, physical and physiological aspects compared to tactical ones, being unknown game models. Present Thesis aims were: (i) to evaluate and compare water polo performance determinants that influence game tactical behavior of elite teams and Portuguese national team; (ii) reveal tactical-technical indicators of game success; (iii) identify and characterize precursors actions of offensive procedures on game models and (iv) present suggestions for improving the sports performance of teams and players with a lower competitive level. By updating the literature framework as to game investigation regarding critical actions associated to high performance, counterattack was identified as the most effective playing method followed by extra-player, in which the lower-level teams show difficulties, as also as to defensive block action. The top players when compared to the Portuguese, train more hours per week, are taller and heavier, have greater wingspan, muscle mass and are more mesomorphic, differences that stand out in relation to center forward players. The Portuguese players jumping ability, shooting speed and accuracy was lower than that mentioned in the literature, revealing technical weaknesses and lower limbs strength, with hand grip strength being the main influencing variable of shooting performance. This latter, in elite teams, was faster when performed from greater distances from the goal and occurred more frequently from the central corridor, where the best effectiveness values were achieved. The winning teams had the best shooting results than losers and drawing group and managed to shoot more often without a frontal defensive block with greater efficiency, which was considered a success indicator. Winners shot was evenly distributed in the second offensive line with balanced effectiveness, creating variability and uncertainty to the defensive action, demonstrating intelligence and adequate decision-making. In the last world championship (2019), with new game rules implemented, the Eastern European teams were taller than Others but no differences of weight and age were detected. Serbia was the most uneven performing several offensive variables such as offensive sequence time length, passes number and ball aisles changes. The results found did not allowed to assign static vs. dynamic offensive styles to the Eastern European and other world teams, respectively. Tendential offensive procedures were described, suggesting some base criteria to identify the dominant positional vs wiggle game models. The rules changes did not seem to induce the expected effects, namely, to decrease game brutality and making it more attractive. From the results found, we suggest that the Portuguese team needs to find its own game model. The Italians were the least tall players among the top 6 squads and has won the world championship.