Original scientific paper
Position Specific Morphological Characteristics of Top-Level Male Handball Players
V. Srhoj
M. Marinović
N. Rogulj
Abstract
With the aim of determining the common morphological features of senior male handball
players and of analyzing their specificities i.e. the probable variation between the
four playing positions (back court players, wings, pivots, goalkeepers), 25 anthropometric
measures were applied to the sample of 49 players, members of three top-quality
handball teams. The basic descriptive parameters were calculated and then an analysis
of variance and a cluster analysis were performed. A mesomorphic, athletic body- type
was obtained with a marked longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, but also with a balanced
ratio between the skeletal system and muscle mass and with low values of subcutaneous
fat tissue. Back court players and goalkeepers are superior in terms of outstanding
skeletal dimensions and circumferences. Line players, i.e. wings and pivots, have
somewhat lower longitudinal measures, whereas pronounced voluminosity and a slightly
higher fat tissue value differentiate pivots from players in other positions. Cluster
analysis revealed a greater homogeneity in the morphological profiles of the samples of
line players (wings and pivots) than in the profiles of backs or goalkeepers. The obtained
position-related differences in morphological characteristics of players suggest that the
experienced players from the sample were earlier successfully subjected to the selection
process and oriented to a particular playing position because of the observed correspondence
between their body-type and specific kinesiological demands of the position in
question. Therefore, in top-quality team-handball it would be recommendable to select
players whose morphological profiles are as compatible as possible with positional specificities
in the demand for the game.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
28262
URI
Publication date:
17.6.2002.
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