The mechanical power output in water polo game: a case report

In water polo some authors have assessed the physical requirements of the game by analysing physiological indices or considering the distances covered at various swimming speeds in the match. In this work, the passive drag was measured in “best glide” (Swim) and “head-up” (Wp) position in a water polo player. The active drag was estimated indirectly from the passive drag. The mechanical power required to play a match is calculated on the data of a match model obtained from a video analysis in a series of international water polo matches. The average mechanical power of a water polo match in the Swim model was 150489 J/2400 s= 62.70 W, while in WP model it was 481375 J/2400 s= 200.57 W. The mechanical power required in water polo players could be more than three-fold higher mechanical power required in water polo players could be more than that required for freestyle swimming at the same velocities.