Background: Talent identification in youth water polo is complex, with traditional methods often neglecting biological maturation, leading to biases. This research proposed an innovative methodological framework for a more equitable and evidence-based talent identification, moving beyond chronological age. Aim: To investigate the interrelationship among anthropometric variables, biological maturation status (PEAK HEIGHT VELOCITY - PHV), and multiple motor performance parameters, applying Network Analysis to unravel the systemic structure of talent in youth water polo, comparing age categories and enhancing identification strategies. Methods: Sixty-nine male water polo athletes (U12, U14, U16) underwent a set of assessments, including anthropometric measurements, maturational status (PHV), and sport-specific motor performance tests (HGS, UHV, VJ, AGIL, TS, TA, MSST). These tests are crucial for evaluating strength (HGS), explosiveness (UHV, VJ), agility (AGIL), throwing speed (TS), tactical awareness (TA), and overall motor skills (MSST). Comparative analyses (ANOVA/ANCOVA) and Network Analysis (Machine Learning) were employed to contrast categories and map interconnections. This study complied with the Declaration of Helsinki (1975, revised in 2013) and was approved by the research ethics committee (36758920.3.0000.5347). Results: PHV directly influenced anthropometric parameters and motor performance, acting as a crucial confounding factor, especially in U12 and U14. Significant differences were observed among categories, with U16 generally showing higher values in anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength (HGS), and throwing velocity (TS). For instance, U16 athletes had an average height of 178.4 cm and a TS of 19.03 m/s, compared to U12 athletes, who had an average height of 155.5 cm and a TS of 12.98 m/s. However, when controlling for PHV, skills such as HGS, VJ, AGIL, and TA became more homogeneous across groups. Network Analysis identified throwing velocity (TS) and PHV as variables of high centrality, highlighting their importance in the interconnected structure of talent. Conclusions: This investigation provides a deeper understanding of how biological maturation and an integrated approach of multiple performance parameters, combined with systemic analyses, are fundamental for accurate and fair talent identification in water polo. It reinforces the need for individualized, maturation-adapted development programs, aiming for sustainable athlete growth.
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