Comparative Analysis of the Indicators of Physical Development, General Physical Fitness of Young Football, Handball and Basketball Players

Abstract

A lot of sport and vigorous games (football, handball, basketball and others) are connected by similar movement actions that are based on the same or similar physical properties and demand similar models of movement, which are performed in different conditions; therefore, physiological requirements differ according to the time and intensity of their performance (Meckel, Gottlieb, Eliakim, 2009). They are influenced by different factors (the surface and size of the field, number of players); however, these sports are similar in terms of aerobic and anaerobic capacity demands for the fitness of players. Despite that aerobic activity prevails in team sports, the main actions are accomplished in anaerobic conditions in competitions (Abdelkrim et al., 2007; Sporis, Vuleta, Vuleta, Milanovic, 2010). The aim of the current research is to explore the results of the indicators of physical development, general and special physical fitness of young football, handball and basketball players, as well as to accomplish their comparative analysis. 22 basketball players, 22 football players and 22 handball players aged 13-14 took part in the research. Their physical development (height, weight) and physical fitness (30 m run, standing long jump, and 10×5 meter shuttle run) were determined. The analysis of research results was carried out using SPSS 19.0 for Windows. The research results on physical development revealed that the tallest were handball players, as well as their scores were the highest. The smallest weight and height were determined among footballers. The results of 30 meter run, standing long jump and 10×5 meter shuttle run of handball players were considerably better in comparison to football and basketball players. The results of basketball players in 30 meter run, standing long jump and shuttle run were lower than the ones of handball and football players. Statistically significant differences were determined in the test of 30 m run and standing long jump between basketball and handball players, and between basketball and football players (p < 0,05), as well as a statistically significant difference was identified in the results of shuttle run between basketball and football players (p < 0,05). The analysis of the physical development and anaerobic capacity results of 13-14 year old football, basketball and handball players revealed the greatest height and weight of handball players, as well as disclosed statistically significantly better results in 30 m run and standing long jump. The weight and height of footballers was the lowest; yet their results in shuttle run were considerably better. It is possible to assume that basketball, football and handball players have similar anaerobic physical capacities. Therefore, the obtained data can be beneficial for coaches in evaluating anaerobic sport activity, the selection process of gifted athletes, as well as adjusting training programmes for young handball, basketball and football players. Keywords: physical fitness, special physical development, physical capacities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/sm.2016.28