Performance indicators characterisation of a world champion underwater rugby team in the final stages of competition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v70.113928Keywords:
Ball possession, Observational design, Offensive strategies, Performance analysis, Underwater rugby, World ChampionshipsAbstract
Introduction: Underwater rugby is a team sport with unique physiological and spatial characteristics. Despite its increasing international competitiveness, there is limited evidence on performance analysis. This study aimed to examine the performance indicators of the Colombian men’s team during the final phase of the 2019 World Championship.
Method: A nomothetic, longitudinal observational design was used, analyzing 2,515 sequences of offensive and defensive actions across three matches (quarter-final, semi-final, and final). Data was collected using a validated, expert-reviewed ad hoc instrument focused on passes, possession, and offensive efficiency. Descriptive statistics and heat maps were used to interpret spatial and tactical dynamics.
Results: Colombia demonstrated high pass completion rates and possession dominance (over 60% of total time, and more than 75% in the offensive zone). Offensive play primarily utilized central and wall zones for passing. Offensive efficiency varied: 14.8% in the quarter-final, 3.84% in the semi-final, and 6.8% in the final. The team showed tactical consistency, maintaining clear patterns of ball distribution and territorial control.
Discussion: The analysis revealed a strategy based on game control through possession and targeted use of key areas of the pool. Despite positional dominance, low goal efficiency indicates a need for improvement in offensive finishing. The findings provide useful insights for training and tactical planning, highlighting the value of performance analysis in emerging sports such as underwater rugby.
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