Search

For male soccer players, the anthropometric profile and physical performance is already known but in women it is not well documented, the knowledge of these differences can qualify the training. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of Brazilian professional female and male soccer players; and (ii) analyze the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness measures per sex. A cross-sectional study including 92 professional soccer players 44 women and 48 men was conducted. After one week of the end of the pre-season, the players from four different teams were assessed to anthropometric profile assessments and physical performance tests (e.g., jumping, linear sprint, change-of-direction and aerobic based test). Comparisons, correlation, and effect size analysis were performed between groups. Apart from the age and change-of-direction test, all other anthropometric and physical performance variables were significant different between women and men. Men were significantly faster than women in the 20 m linear sprint test (8.87%; p <.001; d = 2.382). The sum of skinfolds was correlated with some physical performance variables; however, body mass and body height were corrected with physical performance only for female soccer players. Thus, men performed better than women for most physical tests and presents differences in the anthropometric profile. Finally, coaches should consider that the anthropometric and performance profile are correlated differently between female and male soccer players. Thus, coaches should consider gender-specific parameters to create goals about the anthropometric and physical performance profile of players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of its rules has made the demands of different court in-game role more specific in terms of skills. However, it is unclear whether players in the U19 men's volleyball already have specifics according to their in-game role. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the training profiles, anthropometric profiles, and physical performance profiles of male volleyball players aged under 19 at different in-game role. The 353 volleyball players (16.89 ± 0.76 years) were evaluated prior to the Brazilian U19 men's state team championship games. The training profiles were evaluated using a questionnaire; the anthropometric profile was obtained by analyzing the body mass, body height, and arm span; and the physical performance profile was measured by changes in direction, sprint, block jump reach, and spike jump reach tests. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare players' in-game role, with a significance of α<0.05. Opposite hitters and middle blockers had less experience with volleyball (p < 0.001), but higher values for the anthropometric profile measurements (p < 0.001). In addition, the block jump reach and spike jump reach from these in-game role were higher than the setters and liberos (p < 0.001). Thus, male players in the U19 category of volleyball already have some specificities, and profile assessments can be performed to assist in choosing their in-game role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify parameters that best discriminate between selected and non-selected players for the Brazilian under-19 men's volleyball team and propose mathematical models to identify high-performance players. To this end, 18 selected (16.89±0.96 years) and 138 non-selected (16.91±0.74 years) players for the under-19 team were assessed for the training profile, anthropometric profile, and physical performance level. The discriminant function analysis was used to build the models, with a significance of α<0.05. The spike jump reach showed a greater correlation with the discriminant scores obtained in the two models (r=0.701; r=0.782). The 10 variables included in Model 1 helped identify 88.9% of the players selected in their group of origin; Model 2 – obtained by the spike jump reach and duration of playing experience – identified 83.3% of the players selected. Therefore, coaches should be aware that differences between the selected and non-selected players are multi-factorial, with the spike jump reach being the most relevant assessment factor. Furthermore, good players for the selection can be identified using the two models: Model 1 promises greater success with ten assessments, whereas Model 2 allows the identification of suitable players for the under-19 men's volleyball team with only two simple assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]