Where is today’s Heading? An Analysis of the Stages of Development of the Game of Water Polo Kamo ide današnji vaterpolo? Analiza etapnog razvoja vaterpola

Mladen Hraste Milivoj Bebić Ratko Rudić Faculty of Natural Sciences Croatian Water Polo Federation Croatian Water Polo Federation UDK 797.25 and Mathematics, University of Split Zagreb Zagreb Pregledni članak / Review e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Rukopis primljen / Paper accepted: 11. 11. 2012.

Summary The aims of this review are to: (1) Identify the various phases and their characteristics KEY WORDS throughout the historical development of the water polo game. (2) Explore the impact Water Polo History of changes in rules of the game on the technical-tactical structure of the current water Water Polo Future polo game. (3) Explore the impact of the technical-tactical structure of the water Technical-Tactical Structure polo game which has led to change in the rules of the game historically.(4) Identify Water Polo Rules possible directions for the next change of rules and development of technical-tactical structure of the water polo game. There were five distinct development stages of water polo through its history, and there will probably be another one in future. Each time the various changes in the rules of the game influenced changes to the structure of the technical and tactical game. However, in some periods the reverse happened and the technical and tactical changes in the way the game was coached and played led to changes in the rules of the game. Today’s water polo belongs to the last historical stage which is characterized by a high rhythm and tempo of the game, but at the same time today’s water polo is a sport with a lot of physical contact fouls and with 60% waste of time during the annoying phase of transition. By applying the suggested “new rules” the number of ordinary fouls and the time loss in the transition phase would be significantly reduced. With these new rules, the water polo games should develop a new dimension of attractiveness and creativity.

Sažetak U ovom su preglednom članku utvrđene povijesne etape i njihova obilježja kroz povijesni KLJUČNE RIJEČI razvoj vaterpolske igre. U radu je istražen utjecaj promjena pravila igre na tehničko- povijest vaterpola taktičku strukturu vaterpolske igre kao i utjecaj tehničko-taktičke strukture vaterpolske budućnost vaterpola igre na promjene pravila igre. U radu su utvrđeni mogući pravci narednih promjena pravila tehničko-taktička struktura i razvoja tehničko-taktičke strukture vaterpolske igre. Kroz povijesni razvoj vaterpolske igre pravila utvrđena su obilježja pet razvojnih etapa te je predviđena jedna buduća, hipotetska etapa. Etape su se diferencirale prema obilježjima vremena i uvjeta u kojima je vaterpolo egzistirao kao i prema značajnim razlikama u pravilima i tehničko-taktičkoj strukturi igre. Različite promjene pravila u povijesti igre utjecale su na mijenjanje tehničko-taktičke strukture igre. Međutim, u nekim periodima usavršavanje i promjene tehničko-taktičke strukture igre su utjecale na mijenjanje pravila igre. Današnji vaterpolo pripada zadnjoj povijesnoj etapi koja je obilježena igrom visokog ritma i tempa, međutim u istom trenutku prevladava statičan vaterpolo u pozicijskim fazama igre s puno dosuđenih prekršaja, kontakata i duel igre “na granici incidenta”, s malo uplivavanja i malo taktičke kombinatorike u fazi napada. U današnjem vaterpolu udio tranzicijske faze po utakmici je 60%. U projekciji igre primjenom „novih“ pravila značajno bi se smanjio broj običnih prekršaja kao i smanjio udjel tranzicijskih faza u ukupnoj strukturi igre. Na taj način bi se pospješila struktura igre s tendencijom postizanja ravnoteže između napada i obrane u dva bazična stanja igre, pozicije i tranzicije. Posljedica novih pravila trebala bi biti odstranjivanje grube igre, „otvaranje“ igrališta, ubrzavanje igre, što će omogućiti veći stupanj izražavanja tehničko- taktičkog znanja i vještina tijekom igre. U „novim uvjetima“, vaterpolske utakmice bi trebale doživjeti nove dimenzije atraktivnosti i kreativnosti.

INTRODUCTION / Uvod Like other sports, water polo has development of water polo has been in the world. The development of water developed due to historical development especially influenced by the application polo from its first days, until today, caused by changes to the rules and of new and scientifically-based training was conditioned by technical-tactical improvement of the material, technical processes. All these factors have innovations and changes of the rules. and organizational conditions of contributed so that today’s water polo Water polo as a team sport has developed the training and competition. The is moderately popular and widespread with continuous changing of those rules,

“Naše more” 60(1-2)/2013. - Supplement, pp. 17-22 17 which often hampered the dynamics and the impact of the technical-tactical dimensions of goals, the players were not a speed of the game. Over time, means structure of the water polo game which allowed bouncing from the bottom and and methods of technical-tactical and has led to change in the rules of the a pass or shot with two hands was not conditional training have been perfected game historically;(4) Identify possible allowed. Although there were uniform and thus the intensity of the play and directions for the next change of rules rules, clubs from Scotland and England technical-tactical elements has been and development of technical-tactical played by different rules. Water polo continuously improved too. If one looks structure of the water polo game. spread to America. The game was rife back at how the game was played in the with allowable activities such as diving past, it is evident that water polo has with the ball, pulling back, sinking and developed especially in term of speed, STAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE holding (Lord, 2008, p 49). The game strength and speed endurance. Modern WATER POLO GAMES / Etapni was often followed with a brutality that water polo is characterized by rapid razvoj vaterpola sometimes was the main attraction of the circulation of the play, with rapid counter The developmental stages of water polo game. The “International Board” in 1892 attacks, powerful and precise shots to the are differentiated according to the time established uniform rules, and entered goal, and tight duel play which requires and characteristics of conditions in which nothing new under the existing rules. that player abilities, skills, knowledge water polo existed at that time and to At this stage water polo was expanding and habits are extremely high. The rules the significant changes in the rules and beyond the borders of Great Britain and and the rule changes are proposed to structure of the technical-tactical game the United States. Germany, Austria, the International Swimming Federation that were introduced from time to time. France, Belgium, and Italy (FINA) by the Technical Water Polo The first stage of the development of adopted the water polo game before Committee. The European Swimming the water polo is from 1869 to 1907. This the end of the 19th Century. At this time Federation (LEN), regional, national, stage can be marked as the search for water polo matches consisted of two 10 university and school leagues have identity and unifying the rules of water minutes halves. accepted FINA water polo rules, though polo games. During this period, the first The second stage of the sport’s sometimes with minor modifications. Any water polo game was characterized by development covers the period from differences in the rules are present only in uncontrolled and wild play with a lot of 1908 to 1949. This stage can be marked the duration of the game, the time of ball diving and sinking, without particular as a period of restructuring and possession and in the space arrangement technique and rules. The systems and internationalization of the game. In 1908 of the playgrounds. However, there are rules at the start contributed to the The International Swimming Federation still big difficulties in interpreting the domination of defense over attack. FINA (Federation Internationale de rules of the game, which often leads to Carrying the ball under the water was Natation) was established. That year disputes and incorrect decisions of the common at matches (Juba, 2008, p 26). the name of “football in the water” was judges in some stages of water polo Water polo, as a new sport in the years of officially declared invalid and “water development. its initiation sought a true name, so it was polo” was declared as the new official An analysis of the water polo game initially called football or rugby in water name. Initial rules, with amendments from its beginning in 1869 to today is a because this is what it most resembled which referred to a penalty throw and necessary prerequisite to understand the in early matches (Juba, 2008, p 10). The the ejection of players who committed a evolution of the water polo game. There first water polo game was played without foul were in effect until 1949. Water polo needs to be an analysis of each stage of goals, with three players in each team. The technique was improved in the area of development from the sport’s formation, way to score a goal was with two hands individual skills. through its changes and evolution which to put the ball on a platform or a boat In 1928, (Lord, 2008, p 51) Hungarian have happened throughout history until that was at the end of the court. Attempts water polo coach Bela Komjadi invented today. It is necessary to have a constant at such games were unsuccessful and the “air pass”, or “dry pass”, a technique insight into the informal relationship unattractive. Often the matches were in which a player directly passes the between the sequences of the game’s included in sea ceremony programs ball through the air to another player, rules and techniques, and also between with rowing and swimming. Only after who receives it without the ball hitting the rules and tactics. In order to develop these early matches were played, was a the water. Previously, players would let the best types of water polo practice, it committee set up to study the possibility the ball drop in the water first and then is crucial to consider these relationships of introducing rules. With time, the terms reach out for it, but the dry pass made and then one can create new principles of and rules of the game were clarified. the offensive game more dynamic, and organized play which will then produce As the sport developed matches were contributed to Hungarian dominance of the most effective tactical systems. played with seven players in each team. water polo for the next 60 years. The aims of the stage development of The length of the court was 50 yards, At this stage the game system was the water polo game are: (1) Identify the and the goals were marked with flags. based on physical strength and skill of various phases and their characteristics The first water polo rules were published ball control, with very limited mobility throughout the historical development in 1876. A year later the first game was of swimming. It was played very slowly of the water polo game; (2) Explore the played by those rules, and it was also and was an extremely static version of impact of changes in rules of the game significant because the boundary lines water polo (Petanjek & Šimenc, 1988, on the technical-tactical structure of the were marked for the first time. Also in this p 7). During this period, the defenses current water polo game; (3) Explore year the rules were supplemented with: absolutely dominated over attacking

18 M. Hraste et al: Where is today’s Water Polo Heading? An Analysis of the Stages of Development of the Game of Water Polo players. The players were primarily introducing a second centre forward. The characteristics allowed players to have responsible for the performance of tasks game system, known as the 2-2-2 system better visibility and handling, resulting in the defense. In the game the strong was distributed in a zigzag line with two in a faster game with more goals. and heavy players stood out as the best players in the defending half of the field, Regardless of the changing features of players but they were slow swimmers. two midfield players and two players in the game compared to the previous The dominance of these players derived the attacking half of the field. The new period, this phase can be considered from the rules of the game. The players tactical play system encouraged the as a period of slow and static game, in had to remain in place where they development of quick and agile players, which the defense still dominated over were at the moment of the game being skilled in ball manipulation. However, the the attack. The new rules eliminated slow stopped by the final whistle of the opportunity to develop a more dynamic players from the game. In this stage, all referee. Player positions in the game style of water polo was prevented during players in the field participated in both were conceptualized by their roles in this period because for the majority of the attack and defense phase so that the the game. At this stage, the players athletes water polo was only a secondary newly formed tactical game systems no were specialized as defensive players or sport (Bonačić, personal communication, longer divided players into defense and attacking players. The duration of ball November 4, 2009) and thus practicing attack. The role of the centre forward possession was unlimited and therefore and playing water polo only took place was significantly changed and was led to static and slow-playing water polo. during the summer season, and it no longer related only to holding the In the context of a tactical system, the consisted mostly of applied situational position in front of the opponent’s goal game created man to man marking. The training with very little swimming and and the execution from that space. The strong influence of football in the 1940- strength training. Matches from this centre forward became the organizer 1950s was present in the design of games period were characterized with a very of the attack with an additional role of and player roles (Bonačić, personal small number of ejections. Also at this ball distributor to teammates who tried communication, November 4, 2009). But stage there were the first signs of the driving towards the opponent’s goal to gradually water polo took different types development of , which realize an advantage over the opposing of zone and combined defense from was formed by four players who held a team and ensure favorable conditions the game of basketball (Asić, personal position at a distance about 6 meters for ball reception and shooting. In the communication, November 7, 2009). parallel to the goal line (Bonačić, personal defense phase of the game teams usually According to Bonačić (personal communication, November 4, 2009). This applied man-to-man defense. According communication, November 4, 2009) the tactic was developed to enforce the to the rules at this time, the game had 2 most common game system in this period opposing players to play in the attacking halftimes of 10 minutes duration without was 2-1-2-1, which consisted of a defense half of the field, and then after winning any substitution. An ejected player was with two central defenders in line and the ball in the defense immediately out of the game until the first score. This with one midfield defender. The primary launching a counter attack. However, the rule slowed the development of water position of midfield defender was at a radius of action of the game had become polo toward faster and high tempo distance of 7-8 meters from his goal, and very low. Psychomotor skills in relation game (Petanjek & Šimenc, 1988, p 8). his primary role was forward organization. to today’s water polo players were From 1961 the quarters were introduced The remaining players were two offensive very low, especially in terms of speed, instead halftimes, and the game lasted midfield players and a centre forward. endurance and strength (Asić, personal for four quarters of 5 minutes. Each team Such an arrangement of players and their communication, November 7, 2009). consisted of 11 players, of which 7 were roles had been significantly influenced The third stage covers the period active players and 4 were reserves. Ball by football. Tactics in the forward areas from 1950 to 1969. The first significant possession was limited to 1 minute. The mainly consisted of passing a ball from intervention in the rules of the game new rule allowed player changes after a to centre forward, which with which was a revolution for the further goal or between quarters. In this period various shots tried to score. Tactics in the development and improvement of water there has been further progress in tactics. defense was based on the coverage of all polo was made in this period. Among The player changes allowed frequent players in the game and preventing them many other rule changes, one was game system changes. The possibility from passing a ball to the centre forward. introduced allowing play to continue of frequent changes was effective in The predominance in the game was uninterrupted after the referee had a game against inferior swimming often the result of the duel of central whistled an ordinary foul (Lord, 2008, p opponents. Under these conditions a defender and centre forward (Petanjek 51). The new rules contributed to a faster better prepared team had the ability & Šimenc, 1988, p 7). In the control of game (Juba, 2008, p 58), in which the to counterattack and dictate a higher centre forwards, central defenders mostly players had to be physically strong and tempo of the game. According to the tried to be quicker and regain the ball good swimmers (Lord, 2008, p 51). Until rules of 1967, the third consecutive heavy possession or tried to block a shot with 1956 the water polo usually played with foul resulted in a penalty. The numbers one hand. Towards the end of this period leather balls which were red in color, very of tactical combinations in games water polo was stagnating as a sport, heavy, slippery and asymmetrical, which became much smaller, because players which was understandable, because further slowed down the game. At this sometimes played to achieve the ejection World War 2 had just ended (Petanjek stage the yellow and rubber ball was of an opponent, rather than scoring from & Šimenc, 1988, p 7). By the end of this formally introduced. ​​That ball was rough combinations in the game. The winning stage the play system was enriched by and did not absorb water. A ball with new team had a good goalkeeper, trained to

“Naše more” 60(1-2)/2013. - Supplement, pp. 17-22 19 defend the penalty throw and a player new 45 seconds attack. The repertoire of of the game extended to four quarters of who was a specialist for a penalty shot. technical elements to manipulate the ball 8 minutes each. The seven meter line was This stage produced a game with a lot in the form of passing and shooting at introduced that allowed a direct shot on of contact and fouls. Sometimes the goal was great. Man-up tactics particularly the goal after a foul. After few years the game was rife with cruelty and brutality. took into account the best use of time line of seven meters was moved to five Water polo stagnated in this period in all for making scoring attempt. The team meters. A penalty throw moved from four elements of the game, and was especially that came into the possession of the ball meters to five meters.A block with both poor in tactical variants of defense and after the unused man-up generally held hands within four meters of the goal by attack (Petanjek & Šimenc, 1988, p 11). the ball in possession until the end of any defence player except the goalkeeper The fourth stage covers the period time provided for the exclusion. Defense was judged a major foul. A new rule was from 1970 to 1986. Towards the end of tactics, beside the pressing defense, introduced to change players during the third stage spectator interest in water often included zone defense, which the game and have a “time out”. All rules polo decreased, so in 1970 the new rules successfully neutralized centre forward changes were made to speed up the were introduced. Thus, in 1970 FINA play. Zone plays mostly produced a game game, and in turn these made the game suspended the rule of a penalty after with no fouls and with the intention of more attractive. Re-entry of ejected the third consecutive heavy foul. The developing a collective counter attack players immediately after the change game tactics model changed in this stage after ball steals. Individual defense tactics of possession, the possibility of direct because the new rules limited the right related to the development of skills to shooting at goal after a foul from the 5 of possession of one team to 45 seconds. cover an opponent without unnecessary meters line and the possibility of flying According to the new rules an ejected fouls. Defense tactics with a man-down changes and prohibition of blocking player could enter back into the game developed and perfected the movement with both hands all contributed to the after one minute or after the score. These of players in certain playing positions. The acceleration of the game. From 2005 the rule changes significantly influenced the new rules in 1977 brought many changes ball deflected out of the playground by development of tactics in the defense in tactics. The new limit on the time of defensive players after an attacker’s shot, and attack, especially on men-down attack from 45 to 35 seconds required is treated as a free throw for defending and man-up tactics. The game seemed quicker transfer of the ball to the attack team, which also contributed to a more faster and more interesting. This stage field, and quick transfer of all players to dynamic game. Restriction of possession could be marked as a stage of balance the offensive half court. The attack phase to 30 seconds significantly reduced the between attack and defense. The referees required a lot of rapid and sudden tactical time for preparation and organization of judging criteria favored the attackers, combinations. As a result, water polo position attack. The main characteristic of while defenders were heavily penalized became a dynamic, fluid and high tempo this period was high intensity water polo uncompromisingly for holding, sinking game, as never before. The defense phase games with high energy consumption or pulling back an opponent. According put a high demand on being “clean”, i.e. among participants in the game. There to Nitzukowski (2009, para. 2), after the without any major fouls. Two referees was a high rhythm and tempo to the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, many were introduced at this stage. From 1981 game, but at the same time static play in countries playing water polo sensed the playing time was prolonged and the the attacking positions still dominated the game was in jeopardy and made game lasted four quarters of 7 minutes. and there was a lot of bodily contact a conscious effort to improve water From 1986 the punishment of an ejected with much of the game “on the border polo through better and clearer rule player was reduced to 35 seconds. The of an incident”. Nowadays there are very interpretations and a few important excluded player could return to the game little driving and tactical combinations rule changes. During most of the1970s even before the time expiration if his in the phase of position attack. The water polo was a great time for players team would regain possession of the ball. reason for this is the fact that the judicial and spectators alike. Ball transfer to the The fifth stage covers the period from interpretation of water polo often opponent’s goal was fast. In a relatively 1987 to 2012. This stage can be marked tolerates a major foul in the form of a pull short period of time the players were as a high intensity game. Professionalism back, sink and hold, which contributed trying to create the opportunities for of water polo at this stage increased the to the selection of players according scoring. The attackers were particularly volume and intensity of training. This to energy requirements but with only active in the interrupted play when led to a significant increase in the total secondarily water-polo skills. This further they tried to extort an ejection for one swimming intensity in the game and resulted in the reduction of water polo minute from an opposing player. In this improved readiness for contact in the technical elements which made the case, the team with the man-up had the game. At this stage, training with weights game less attractive. Teams were trying right of a new attack for 45 seconds. and exercise equipment gained much to create multi skilled players, plus some Teams paid close attention to the tactics greater significance, which contributed specialists players who had a particular of attack completion with the aim of to the remarkable development of role in the game. At this stage, clubs making powerful and precise shots from all forms of strenght in water polo. started to select high players (Lozovina medium and large distances toward the According to the rules of 1991 the & Pavičić, 2004, p 205) with high upper corners of the goal, forcing the ejection time of a player reduced to 20 levels of psychomotor abilities (speed, goalkeeper to reject such shots back seconds. The new rules also allowed the explosive strength and coordination). into the playground or for a corner. In goalkeeper to score. Possession of the The technology and methodology, this case the attacking team obtained a ball was limited to 30 seconds. Duration at this stage of development, had

20 M. Hraste et al: Where is today’s Water Polo Heading? An Analysis of the Stages of Development of the Game of Water Polo caused a transformation of the skills and all players other than the penalty is twice as long as in the games of required, especially procedures for the performer and goalkeeper must be basketball, football and ice hockey. This development of relevant anthropological outside the penalty area, which is 16 surprising fact is caused because in a characteristics, as well as the adoption, meters). water polo match there are on average improvement, stabilization and -- Eliminate the rule “of a new 35-second” approximately 120 ordinary fouls which automation of technical and tactical of ball possession after the ejection is three times more than in football, four knowledge, without which it was not of a player. With this rule the man-up times more than in basketball, and even possible to successfully perform in a time would last much shorter. This twelve times more than in ice hockey!! game where each player in the team would increase the combination and By applying the new rules suggested was given a defined role to complement imagination of an attack and avoid above, it would significantly reduce the the tactics selected by each team for the stereotypical “man-up” play. This rule number of ordinary fouls and the amount particular game (Hraste, 2010, p 9). would force the players to move of time lost in the phase of transition. The sixth stage of changing rules faster and more often trying to force With these new rules, the water polo will cover the period from 2013 to 2020. the defender to make a major foul games should develop a new dimension During this period, the rule changes will at an earlier stage of transition and of attractiveness and creativity. A good probably improve the structure of the position attack. In this way attackers example of an attractive and creative water polo game with the aim of trying to would be allowed more time to water polo match was the experience of establish equilibrium between attack and prepare an attack with a man-up. The the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic defense phases. The authors of this paper assumption is that the shortening of Association) league in the period from have ideas how to change the existing the time to implement man-up attack 1940 to 1970 (Wigo, 2012 c, para. 2). rules in water polo as follows: would force the players into riskier During this period the schools and the -- Increasing the possession of the passing play. Playing a riskier game university’s’ water polo in the United ball from 30 to 35 seconds. Since would contribute to a bigger number States were playing using rules that were the transition from defense into an of forced errors which would further significantly different from the FINA attacking position lasts on average make the water polo game more water polo rules (Wigo, 2012 d, para. 1). between 15 and 18 seconds, by interesting. Thus the further development of water increasing the possession time this -- The introduction of bonuses for a polo is most likely to propose new rules rule would allow more time to create number of ordinary fouls for each and their interpretation would facilitate a an attack. Under the current rules a quarter, which would lead to a six balance between attacking and defensive lot of effort goes into forcing multiple meters penalty shot. Water polo is a positions in both the positional and the fouls to allow a direct goal shot. This collective sport in which an ordinary transition game (Hraste, 2010, p 11). is reducing the possibility of good foul is awarded too often. In today’s combination play and the beauty of water polo ordinary fouls break up performance. the game which makes the game CONCLUSION / Zaključak -- Restoring the penalty shot to 4 slower and less interesting (Wigo, Throughout history it was not always meters. “The Four-meter shot” was 2012 a, para. 3). The introduction possible to achieve rapid formulation a synonym for water polo, and the of the bonus (the accumulated and adaptation of new rules and trends current rules did not reduce the number of ordinary fouls) would for water polo games. By analyzing the efficiency of a penalty shot probably force players not to make development of water polo as a sport -- Establishment of a 6 meters line unnecessary ordinary fouls. In such one can see the presence of continuous instead of 5 meters line. Establishing circumstances, the defensive players change (Aleksandrović & Donev, 2008, a line of 6 meters would partly reduce would react strongly in situations of p 16). The first changes were directed the possibility of receiving a forced direct danger of scoring which would at standardization of the rules, while foul and a shot after the foul behind lead to an exclusion foul or penalty the subsequent changes were made to the line of 5 meters. The line of 5 which would not go into the bonus improve the dynamism and attraction of meters is too close to the goal which total of ordinary fouls. the sport which enabled and encouraged allows players forced shots and the The intention of the new rules is to try progress in both the game and in the search for solutions in the attack is to make water polo more similar to training processes. Improved training less important at the moment. Such other popular team sports using and produced an increase in the tempo the a rule would eliminate disturbance passing a ball. The most obvious need game and the radius of player action. to the four meters penalty performer for changes is when the statistical data In history water polo took elements by moving all other players beyond of water polo matches (the quantity and from other team sports and their styles. the line of six meters. Successful frequency of fouls and information about Today’s water polo bears very little examples already exist in handball the transitional phase) are compared and similarity to the original game. (a penalty throw is taken from seven analyzed with the matches of basketball, Evolutionary achievements brought meters, and all players other than football and ice hockey (Wigo, 2012 b, significant changes to the rules and the penalty shot performer and the para. 3). According to the survey, an hence changes in the tactical game goalkeeper must be located behind average of 60% of water polo matches and in the process of sport training. the line of nine meters) and in soccer, at the higher levels waste time during At the beginning of each stage there the penalty kick is a real “penalty”, the annoying phase of transition which were advances in technical and tactical

“Naše more” 60(1-2)/2013. - Supplement, pp. 17-22 21 characteristics. However, by the end of Water polo is a game that is played in coaches who through personal interviews each stage there was an obvious “lack” water, which naturally, further restricts made an​​ exceptional contribution to the of opportunity for further development the dynamics of the game. According explanation of water polo events in the of the game. The various changes in to Lozovina and Lozovina (2009, p 88) period from 1940 to 1975. the rules of the game influenced the today’s rules and their interpretation do changing structure of the technical and not allow the game to develop its true tactical game. However, in some periods and full potential. Water polo is perhaps REFERENCES / Literatura the reverse happened and the technical in danger of losing its prestigious 1. Donev, Y. & Aleksandrović, M. (2008). History of rule changes in water polo. 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The should be the removal of rough games Luxembourg: LEN. 4. Lord, C. (2008). Aquatic 1908 – 2008. Lausanne: beginnings of water polo were marked resulting in a more “open” playground Federation Internationale de Natation. with diving of water polo players and and acceleration of the game, which will 5. Lozovina, M., & Lozovina V. (2009). Attractiveness low vertical position players in the water. allow a greater degree of skill expression lost in the water polo rules. Sport Science, 2, 85- 89. During the evolutionary process all the during the game. Changing the rules 6. Lozovina, V., & Pavičić L. (2004). Anthropometric players gradually took a higher vertical of the game as suggested here should changes in elite male water polo players: survey position in the water. It can be argued also contribute to the reduction of the in 1980 and 1995. Croatian Medical Journal, 45 (2), 202-205. that today’s top water polo players “float” importance of physical force in the game, 7. Nitzkowski, M. (2009). History of the rules above the water. The attacking part of which would increase the need for the in relation to the physicality of the game. Retrieved February 16, 2010 from: http:// the game was only given its respective implementation of improved technical- www.nswwaterpolo.com.au/coaching. importance in the fourth stage, because tactical knowledge (Hraste, 2010, p 12). php?coachID=336 at that stage the attack was balanced Hypothetically, by changing the rules, 8. Petanjek, D., & Šimenc, Z. (1988). Razvoj vaterpola kroz promjene pravila igre. [Development of the with the defensive game. In the fifth absolute strength will have a smaller effect water polo game through the changes of the stage, as in the first three stages, the on the result of water polo matches, and rules. In Croatian]. Vaterpolski savez Hrvatske, water polo defense again dominated over the speed, precision and coordination Biblioteka – stručni prilozi, 8, 1-18. 9. Wigo, W. (2012 a). Why we need to rewrite the attack. Today’s water polo is a sport with will become more important. The new ? Water polo articles by visiting a lot of contacts in the form of holding, rules create a requirement for technical- coaches, players and referees. Retrieved May 9, 2012 from: http://www.waterpoloplanet.com/ sinking and pulling back, which are not tactical innovation in the game and more HTML_guest_pages/20_guest_wolf_wigo1.html all penalized, even though the rules efficient and skilful play in the phase of 10. Wigo, W. (2012 b). The future of water polo and all provide for them to be major fouls. Thus, the attack. The rules and interpretation sports comparison. Water polo articles by visiting coaches, players and referees. Retrieved May 9, water polo can still be wrestling in the of the rules in most other team sports 2012 from: http://www.waterpoloplanet.com/ water which reduces the attractiveness rooted out the roughness from the HTML_guest_pages/20_guest_wolf_wigo2.html of the game. The water polo game will sport and encouraged the expression 11. Wigo, W. (2012 c). Why FINA rules should be changed and why we should take the lead? Water not be popular and interesting if strength of performance skills, lucidity and polo articles by visiting coaches, players and of the body dominates over skilled imagination, which made the sport much referees. Retrieved May 9, 2012 from: http://www. waterpoloplanet.com/HTML_guest_pages/20_ play. An average of 60% of water polo more interesting. guest_wolf_wigo3.html matches at the higher levels waste time 12. Wigo, W. (2012 d). Historical comparison of the during the annoying phase of transition. evolution of American NCAA rules 13. and FINA water polo rules major differences. This is the reason why, by applying “the ACKNOWLEDGMENTS / Zahvala Water polo articles by visiting coaches, players new rules”, it would significantly reduce The authors wish to thank Vlaho Asić - Mišo and referees. Retrieved May 9, 2012 from: http:// the number of ordinary fouls and the and Mitjan Bonačić, two former Yugoslav www.waterpoloplanet.com/HTML_guest_ pages/20_guest_wolf_wigo4.html time loss in the phase of transition. water polo national team players and

22 M. Hraste et al: Where is today’s Water Polo Heading? An Analysis of the Stages of Development of the Game of Water Polo