Network Analysis of Performance Interrelationships in Youth Water Polo Players

Abstract This study mapped the network of anthropometric, maturational, and neuromuscular variables in 69 male youth water polo players (mean age: 14.6±0.8 y) to identify key performance drivers. Researchers assessed physical measures (e.g., height, body mass, and maturation) and motor skills (e.g., handgrip, swimming speed, vertical jump, throwing velocity—only accurate throws—and throwing accuracy). A Gaussian graphical model network analysis evaluated centrality via expected influence, closeness centrality, and strength centrality. Throwing velocity emerged as the most central variable (expected influence=1.39, closeness centrality=1.51, and strength centrality=1.48), which can be interpreted as a bridge between physical and technical capacities. Maturity offset also demonstrated high centrality, highlighting the impact of biological development. Agility showed a strong negative expected influence (− 2.01), linking faster movement times to better swimming velocity and vertical power. Conversely, throwing accuracy correlated negatively with arm span and maturation, indicating technical instability during rapid growth phases. These findings offer a novel systemic perspective for coaches and practitioners, suggesting that training programs for youth water polo players should simultaneously prioritize physical conditioning, biological maturation stages, and technical skill development.