Effect of Swim Sprints on Throwing Accuracy and Velocity in Female Collegiate Water Polo Players

Swim sprints are a central component of water polo competitions; however, a paucity of data describes the effect of repeated swim sprints on game-like performances. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated swim sprints on water polo throwing velocity and accuracy. METHODS: Eleven female community college water polo players (age: 18.91 ± 1.04 y, ht: 165.91 ± 4.69 cm, mass: 70.22 ± 15.36 kg) performed two conditions: control and sprint. The control condition consisted of 10 shots at the 5-meter line, each with a 35-second rest period, and aimed at a specific target on the goal. The sprint condition also had the same 10 shots but included a sprint between each throwing attempt. The sprints consisted of "head-down" swimming from the 2-meter line to half court, then "head-up" swimming from half court to the 5-meter line where the ball was shot and aimed at a specific target on the goal. RESULTS: Analysis was performed on ball velocity and accuracy between conditions. Ball velocity in the control condition (26.01 ± 3.13 mph) was significantly (P