Reliability of the 30-seconds crossbar jumps water polo test in female players

Monitoring performance of sport-specific skills is important for elite athletes. The 30 second cross bar jump test is a commonly used assessment tool in water polo, assessing players’ ability to repeatedly elevate their body out of the water. The study aimed to examine the reliability of this test. Thirteen elite female water polo players performed the test on two separate occasions. Correlation (r = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.26-0.93), coefficient of variation (CV = 11.6%, 95%CI = 7.7-23.6) and limits of agreement (95% limits of agreement = ± 3.3 jumps, 95%CI = 0.6-3.4) found between the two occasions indicated that the test was not sensitive enough for monitoring performance changes in elite female water polo players. Additionally, no correlation of anthropometric characteristics was found with crossbar jumps. It is suggested the 30 seconds crossbar jumps test is not a reliable test and should not be used by water polo coaches for evaluating the ability of players to repeatedly jump out of the water.