The Beginning of Learning the Defensive Technique of Field Players and Goalkeepers in Water Polo According to Experts Opinion

Background: It is essential that the training of young water polo players aligns with didactic principles and the characteristics of growth and development. Despite this crucial fact, there is a lack of appropriate research. The aim of this article is to determine and explain the appropriate age to begin learning technical elements for defensive field players and goalkeepers in water polo, according to the opinions of water polo coaches. Methods: Twenty-seven water polo experts completed a questionnaire constructed specifically for this study. Test-retest reliability showed acceptable results (r between 0.85 and 1.00, with p < 0.05 for all variables). Results: Exploratory factor analysis using the Guttman-Kaiser criterion for selecting the number of factors and Varimax rotation indicated the existence of two distinct factors for the defensive technique of field players: (1) explosive and perceptive defensive activities; (2) static-repetitive defensive activities. Two distinct factors were also identified for goalkeeping technique: (1) basic goalkeeping technique; (2) advanced goalkeeping technique. Manifest space variability explained 41% and 31% of the variance for defensive technique of field players, and 45% and 44% for goalkeeping technique, respectively. Conclusions: The findings provide improved insight into water polo coaches’ perspectives on learning simple and complex technical elements in water polo and offer crucial guidelines for all training participants.