The influence of the wrestling skills on the performance of the center forward and the center defender in water polo

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine and to explain the impact of learning and improving some wrestling skills on the center defender and the center forward performance in the water polo game. METHODS: This study examined the performance of 28 young water polo players divided into experimental and control groups. For both groups the effectiveness of the performance of the water polo center forward and center defender was rated before and after the treatment. The sample of variables consisted of two integrated variables: duration and efficiency of the attack duel (DEAD) and for the second duration and efficiency of the defense duel (DEDD). RESULTS: In initial testing there were not significant differences between groups in any variables. There was a statistically significant difference between the initial and final measurements in the experimental group for variable DEAD and in the control group for variable DEDD. A statistically significant difference in the final measurements between groups was recorded for both variables. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the application of learning the wrestling technique in young water polo players can significantly improve their performance. Progress in the performance in young water polo players is achieved due to the acquisition of new motor skills and the development of specific motor abilities such as specific power and strength.