Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

The Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test (WIST)

Water Polo

The Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test (WIST) is a fitness test specifically designed for water polo players. Created by Iñigo Mujika and his team, this test assesses a player’s ability to perform repeated high-intensity efforts with short periods of active recovery. It is based on the running Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 and has been shown to be a reliable and valid match-fitness test for water polo players.

Purpose of the Test

The WIST is designed to evaluate a water polo player’s capacity to perform repeated high-intensity swimming efforts. By simulating the demands of the sport, this test provides valuable insights into a player’s fitness level and their ability to meet the demands of the game.

Equipment Required

To conduct the WIST, you will need a swimming pool with lane ropes set 7.5 meters apart, a test CD, and a CD player.

Test Procedure

The WIST follows the protocol of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, with some modifications to the distance covered. The test consists of a series of out-and-back 7.5-meter swim shuttles, with ten seconds of active recovery between each shuttle. The speed of the shuttles increases progressively, and players must time their swimming pace with audio signals. The test continues until the player can no longer keep up with the desired pace.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Ice Hockey

Scoring

The athlete’s score is determined by the level and number of shuttles reached before they are unable to keep up with the recording. In some cases, the total distance swum is also recorded.

Target Population

The WIST is suitable for all water polo players, from school or club level to international competition. It effectively assesses the aerobic fitness of an entire team, using minimal time and pool space.

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the advantages of the WIST is its ability to assess the aerobic fitness of a whole team efficiently. However, like the running beep test, practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and scoring can be subjective.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test?
A: The WIST is designed to evaluate the ability of water polo players to perform repeated high-intensity swimming efforts.

Q: Who is the WIST suitable for?
A: The WIST is suitable for both male and female water polo players at various levels of competition.

Q: What are the advantages of the WIST?
A: The test allows a whole team to have their aerobic fitness effectively assessed using minimal time and pool space.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to the WIST?
A: Like the running beep test, practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and scoring can be subjective.

Conclusion

The Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test (WIST) is a valuable tool for assessing the fitness level of water polo players. By mimicking the demands of the sport and incorporating high-intensity efforts with brief periods of active recovery, this test provides insights into a player’s performance capabilities. With its reliability and validity, the WIST can help coaches and players optimize training programs and improve overall performance.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Beach Volleyball

For more information about water polo and fitness testing, visit Auralpressure.

References:

  • Mujika, I., McFadden, G., Hubbard, G., Royal, K., & Hahn, A. (2006). The water-polo intermittent shuttle test: a match-fitness test for water-polo players. Int J Sports Phys Perform., 1: 27-39.
  • Tan, Frankie Hun Yau. (2009). Applied physiology and game analysis of elite women’s water polo, PhD Research Thesis, The University of Western Australia.