INTRODUCTION: The power shot is the main throwing technique in water polo reaching the highest ball velocities. Several muscle groups are involved in this motion. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation of maximal dynamic strength of the upper bodies and legs muscles on throwing velocity. METHODS: 15 male German elite water polo players and junior national squad members participated in the present study (age: 16.4 ± 3.0 years; height: 184.5 ± 9.2 cm; weight: 84.0 ± 12.5 kg). All subjects were right-handed. Each subject performed 3 power shots in the pool with a distance of 5 meters to the goal to assess maximal throwing velocity, measured by the Speedtrac X sports radar gun. Maximal dynamic muscle strength (FtPmax [N]) was measured using a pull-over machine (left and right hand), twister for lateral abdominal muscles (left and right direction of movement) and ab- and adductor machine for the legs. Relationships between muscle strength and throwing speed variables were evaluated using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The following results for FtPmax [N] were measured: Pull-over (left hand): 438.9 ± 127.1 N; Pull-over (right hand): 462.5 ± 116.9 N; Twister (to the left): 666.3 ± 146.7 N; Twister (to the right): 707.1 ± 136.7 N; Abductor: 749.9 ± 232.0 N; Adductor: 790.2 ± 200.3 N. Maximal throwing velocity was 68.5 ± 4.8 km/h. The following correlations were calculated between throwing velocity and maximal dynamic muscle strength: Pull-over left (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and right hand (r = 0.52, p < 0.01); abductor (r = 0.57, p = 0.03),
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