ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELITE U.S. WOMEN??S COLLEGIATE FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS

Abstract

Limited information is available on the anthropometric and performance profiles of female field hockey players in the United States. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess anthropometric and performance characteristics of thirty-seven elite female collegiate field hockey players. The tests included circumference and limb lengths, margaria-Kalamen stair test, 50-yard dash test, Queen's College step test, grip strength, Illinois Agility test, field hockey specific skills tests, coordination test and body composition assessment. Mean (± SD) height, weigth, body composition and predicted oxygen consumption were 164.26 (± 5.17) cm, 63.06 (± 8.60) kg, 17.29 (± 3.79) % and 42.87 (± 9.08) ml.kg-1.min-1, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > .05) between any of the player positions in height, limb length, 50-yard dash time, predicted VO2max, grip strength, agility, or in the field hockey specific tests. There were significant correlations (p < .05) between mid-thigh girth and anaerobic power (r = .57), body composition and agility (r = .49) and body composition and anaerobic power (r =.46). There were significant differences (p < .05) between the offensive (wings & forwards) and defensive players (goalkeepers, midfielders & backs) in weight (58.84 ± 5.12 kg vs. 66.67 ± 7.01kg), body composition (15.65 ± 2.74% fat vs. 18.68 ± 3.32% fat), anaerobic power (98.94 ± 9.21kg-meters/sec vs. 108.81kg-meters/sec) and coordination test scores (128.11 ± 8.44 points vs. 120.60 ± 14.21 points). Results of this study indicate that there are similarities amongst the defensive and offensive players and provide a profile of an elite collegiate field hockey player in the United States.