Do anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities of highly trained junior badminton players differ according to age and sex?

Background: In all age groups of handball players, anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities are important prerequisites to fulfilling the playing demands. However, there is no study that has compared anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities between junior and adult handball players by the same research design containing field tests. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities between junior and adult top-level handball players using various field tests. Relationships among physical capacities were also examined. Methods: Ten male junior (18 ± 1 years) and eleven adult (26 ± 1 years) field handball players competing in the U19 Bundesliga and DKB Handball-Bundesliga, respectively, were tested for body height, mass, fat, and fat-free mass as well as 30 m speed and 22 m change of direction (COD), squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ), one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, core strength-endurance, and interval shuttle run test (ISRT). Magnitude-based inferences, effect sizes (ES), and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were computed for statistical analyses. Results: Juniors had a very likely lower body height, mass, and fat-free mass and likely lower 1RM bench press and ISRT performance (ES: 0.7 - 1.2). Contrary, juniors had a likely to very likely superior speed, COD, and SJ and most likely superior core strength-endurance performance (ES: 0.5 - 1.6). While speed, COD, and jump capacities were large to very large correlated in juniors (r = -0.55 - 0.86), they were mostly unclear correlated in adults (r = -0.05 - 0.79). Overall explained variance among speed, COD, and jump capacities was likely higher in juniors (51%) than adults (17%) (ES: 1.7). Conclusions: This study shows that differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities, and also in relationships among physical capacities, are evident between junior and adult top-level handball players, indicating different physical needs to play handball.

Handball performance is influenced by age, anthropometric characteristics, technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical abilities. The aims of this study were (i) to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between adolescent handball players across age categories, and (ii) to determine which anthropometric and maturity variables have the greatest relative importance in fitness for this sport. Seventy-nine male handball players drawn from a team in the elite Tunisian Handball league [U18 (n = 10); U17 (n = 12); U16 (n = 17); U15 (n = 18); and U14 (n = 22)] volunteered for the investigation. Assessments included sprint performances; change in direction tests (T-half test and Illinois modified test); jumping tests (squat jump; counter movement jump; countermovement jump with aimed arms; five-jump test); medicine ball throwing; handgrip force; back extensor force and selected anthropometric measurements. The individual’s age category affected all measurements, with U17 and U18 players showing larger body measurements and significantly better absolute results on all physical tests than U14, U15 and U16 contestants. Scores for the majority of physical performance tests were closely inter-correlated. We conclude that U17 and U18 players show significantly better absolute results than the younger players on all physical tests. Multiple linear regressions, using block-wise entry, indicate that age is the strongest predictor of jump and sprint performances. Several anthropometric characteristics, including body mass, standing height and lower limb length were closely correlated with performance test scores, but after allowing for age only body mass added to the prediction of jumping ability.

This study evaluates the anatomical profiles, jump, sprint, power outputs, endurance, and peak blood lactate levels ([LA]peak) of handball players of two age groups—U17 (n = 77) and U19 (n = 46)—and analyses the role of training in their physical abilities. Vertical jump performance was determined by counter movement jump (CMJ) and counter movement jump with free arms (CMJFA) tests. A running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) determined the relative power output (watts/kg body weight) and absolute power output (watts) of the players. Sprint performance over 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m distances was evaluated. An incremental shuttle run test (40 m) was designed to determine aerobic threshold (AeT), anaerobic threshold (AnT), and [LA]peak. All parameters were measured for pivots, wingers, backs, and goalkeepers of each group. The U19 players were significantly heavier than the U17 group, but both the groups were nearly equal in height. The U19 group jumped higher than the U17 members, although the only significant difference (p = 0.032) was observed between the wingers of the groups in CMJ. Sprint performance varied marginally between the groups and only U19 pivots were found to be significantly (for distances of 5, 10, and 30 m: p = 0.047, p = 0.018, and p = 0.021, respectively) faster than U17 pivots. No difference in relative power output between the groups was noted, although the U19 players recorded higher absolute power outputs. Maximal velocity and velocities at the AeT and AnT were almost similar in the groups. Distance covered by the groups at the intensities of AeT and AnT varied only little. Higher [LA]peak was observed in the U19 players. U19 players failed to convert their superior power into speed and jump. The training pattern of the handball players needs to be revised so that U19 players may develop faster and be more enduring than the U17 group.

Introduction: The aim of this study was:1) to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers and 2) to investigate the potential association between these characteristics and countermovement jump metrics. Method: Forty-two national level Indian swimmers (18 females and 24 males) who regularly compete in national and/or international competitions, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat %, fat mass and lean body mass for all athletes were also calculated. A CMJ test was performed to measure vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative peak power output. Results: The Pearson correlation analysis of body composition variables and CMJ measures revealed a very large negative association between body fat percent and vertical jump height (R = - 0.726; p = 0.000) and between body fat percent and relative peak power (R = -0.757; p = 0.000); a large negative association between body fat percent and peak power (R = - 0.577; p = 0.000) and between fat mass and relative peak power (R = -0.560, p = 0.000); a moderately negative association between fat mass and vertical jump height (R = -0.490, p = 0.001); a very large positive association between lean body mass and peak power (R = 0.862, p = 0.000); and a large positive association between lean body mass and vertical jump height (R = 0.599, p = 0.000) and a large positive association between lean body mass and relative peak power (R = 0.530, p = 0.000); and a moderately positive association between BMI and peak power (R = 0.413, p = 0.007). Conclusion: There are significant differences in anthropometric characteristics when analyzing the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers which could be attributed to the specific demands of each event. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition differences influence swim performance and vary according to gender, age and maturation status. A robust and significant positive correlation exists between lean body mass and vertical jump height suggesting that an enhancement of an individual's lean mass seems to have a positive impact on lower body power production in swimmers. Individualised training plans that focus on lower limb strength will have a potential positive effect on swim performance.

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric and physical characteristics of elite 15-, 16-, and 17-year-old male soccer players by playing position. We recruited 238 players under 17 years of age from Chinese professional soccer clubs. The measurements included body height and mass, body girth and length, and body composition. The countermovement jump (CMJ), T-test, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1) were used to assess physical ability. The results revealed that the U16 and U17 players had significantly greater body mass (p < 0.05), body height (p < 0.05), muscle mass (p < 0.05), lower limb length (p < 0.05), and chest girth (p < 0.05) than did the U15 players. Significant differences in calf girth (p < 0.001), thigh girth (p < 0.05), and Achilles tendon length (p < 0.05) were observed between the U17 group and U15 group. Additionally, the U16 group and U17 group both scored significantly better than the U15 group on the 5-m sprinting test, 20-m sprinting test, 30-m sprinting test (p < 0.001), single left jump test with arm swing (p < 0.001), single right jump test with arm swing (p < 0.001), T-test (p < 0.001), CMJ test (p < 0.001), and YYIR test (p < 0.001). Furthermore, U17 players performed significantly better on the CMJ test (p < 0.001) and YYIR test (p < 0.001) than U16 players did. This study revealed significant differences in body height, body mass, muscle mass, chest girth, lower limb length, ankle circumference, calf length, Achilles tendon length, 20-m speed, 30-m speed, and YYIR test results among the six playing position groups. Goalkeepers and central defenders had significantly greater body heights than players at other playing positions. Goalkeepers scored significantly lower on the YYIR test than players in other positions did. These findings revealed the anthropometric and physical characteristics of elite 15-17-year-old male soccer players in China, helping soccer coaches better understand the anthropometric and physical characteristics across ages and playing positions when selecting youth soccer players and optimizing soccer training programs. Moreover, youth soccer players can gain insights into their own strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to develop training for personal improvement.

This study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities (1) between under (U) 17, 19, and 21 years old elite junior soccer players, and also (2) between starting and nonstarting players within each age group. Ninety-two male elite German junior field players were tested for height, mass, fat, and fat-free mass as well as aerobic endurance, squat (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ), linear sprint, core strength-endurance, and one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance. According to their age and competitive match playing times, the players were divided into the mentioned different groups. Magnitude-based inferences and effect sizes (ES) were computed for statistical analyses. The fat-free mass, SJ and CMJ, 1RM bench press, and linear sprinting performances increased likely to most likely from U17 to U21 players (ES: moderate to large), whereas the body fat, core strength-endurance, and aerobic endurance performances remain constant. The fat-free mass, 1RM bench press, and linear sprinting performances were likely to most likely higher in U21 starting compared to nonstarting players (ES: moderate to large). Our study shows that contrary to endurance, power associated capacities differ between different aged and starting-nonstarting elite junior soccer players. This outcome should be considered for training, testing, and talent selection procedures in elite junior soccer players.

Vigh-Larsen, JF, Haverinen, MT, Panduro, J, Ermidis, G, Andersen, TB, Overgaard, K, Krustrup, P, Parkkari, J, Avela, J, Kyröläinen, H, and Mohr, M. On-ice and off-ice fitness profiles of elite and U20 male ice hockey players of two different national standards. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3369-3376, 2020-Differences in body composition and performance were investigated between elite and U20 male ice hockey players of 2 different national standards. One hundred seventy-nine players were recruited from the highest Finnish (n = 82) and Danish (n = 61) national level, as well as from 1 U20 team from Finland (n = 19) and Denmark (n = 17). Body composition and countermovement jump performance (CMJ) were measured off-ice in addition to on-ice assessments of agility, 10- and 30-m sprint performance, and endurance capacity (the maximal Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Ice Hockey Test, Yo-Yo IR1-IHmax). Large differences in on-ice performances were demonstrated between Finnish and Danish elite players for agility, 10- and 30-m sprint performance (2-3%, P ≤ 0.05), and Yo-Yo IR1-IHmax performance (15%, P ≤ 0.05). By contrast, no differences (P > 0.05) were present between elite players for CMJ ability or body composition. However, elite players possessed more body and muscle mass than U20 players. Finally, the Finnish U20 cohort had a similar performance level as the Danish elite players and superior 10-m sprint performance, whereas the Danish U20 level was inferior to the other groups in every performance assessment (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, on-ice speed and endurance differ markedly between elite players of 2 different national standards with no distinction in body composition or CMJ ability. Moreover, the most consistent difference between U20 and senior elite players was related to body and muscle mass. These results highlight the usefulness of on-ice assessments and suggest the importance of on-ice high-intensity training in elite players in addition to training targeted the development of lean body mass in youth prospects.

Fink, B, Zabaloy, S, Loturco, I, and González, JG. Linear sprint and vertical jump performance in female rugby union players: An exploratory analysis across age groups and playing positions. J Strength Cond Res 40(1): 118-126, 2026-This study aimed to (a) determine the distance needed to reach maximum velocity (Vmax) in female rugby union players during a 50-m linear sprint, considering age categories (i.e., under-14 [U14], under-16 [U16], under-18 [U18], and Seniors) and playing positions (i.e., forwards and backs); (b) examine differences in linear sprint performance and countermovement jump (CMJ) height across age categories and playing positions; and (c) explore the associations between sprint times, Vmax, and CMJ height, using players' body mass as a covariate. Eighty-five female rugby players (U14: n = 22; 13.45 ± 1.06 years, U16: n = 23; 15.39 ± 0.78 years, U18: n = 21; 16.19 ± 0.68 years, Seniors: n = 20; 24.35 ± 5.16 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects completed a 50-m linear sprint and CMJ test on the same day. Results showed that younger players (i.e., U14, U16, U18) reached Vmax at 15-20 m whereas Seniors did so at 20-25 m. Backs showed a higher Vmax than forwards in U14, U16, and Senior categories (p < 0.05; effect size [ES] > 0.85), and greater CMJ height in U14 (p = 0.028; ES = -1.01). Likewise, lower sprint times (from 5 to 20 m) and higher CMJ height were observed in Senior compared with their younger counterparts (p < 0.05). Similarly, Senior forwards showed lower sprint times (from 20 to 50 m) and higher CMJ height than U14 players (p < 0.05; r: small to moderate). Regarding associations, CMJ height was significantly related to all sprint measures (p < 0.05). In conclusion, younger female rugby players require shorter distances to reach Vmax than Seniors, and these results emphasize the importance of assessing vertical jump and sprint performance, given the associations observed across all measures.

Aim of studyThe aim of the study was to examine the differences between professional football players from leading and average teams in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities. The sample of participants included 55 professional football players from the Serbian Super League, the top-tier national football competition.MethodsThe sample was divided into players representing the leading team (LT; n = 29) and the average team (AT; n = 26) in the Serbian championship. A total of 16 parameters were measured, including 5 anthropometric parameters and 11 variables of motor abilities, assessing sprint and acceleration performance, agility, explosive power, and endurance. Based on the independent t-test, it was determined that the leading team has a significantly lower fat percentage (0.016) compared to players from the average team.ResultsRegarding motor abilities, a difference has been observed on the side of the LT compared to AT in sprint performance, such as 20 m (0.001), and 30 m sprint (0.005), as well as acceleration index 10/20m (0.006). However, in contrast, the AT achieved better results in agility zig-zag (0.000) and zig-zag with a ball test (0.000), as well as index zig-zag (0.038). Additionally, the AT had better results in the test of explosive lower extremity power - CMJ (0.005). There were no differences between players in other anthropometric and motor performances.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that while the leading team demonstrates superior sprinting and acceleration capabilities, the average team excels in agility and explosive power of the lower extremities. Although certain differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities were observed between the LT and AT groups of football players, further research is needed to examine these differences in more detail and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Adaptations and acute physiological effects of various resistance training programs in adolescent and elite athletes

Professional soccer players from the first team (1st team, n = 27), under twenty-one (U21, n = 21) and under eighteen (U18, n = 35) squads of an English Premier League soccer team were assessed for whole body and regional estimates of body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Per cent body fat was lower in 1st team (10.0 ± 1.6) compared with both U21 (11.6 ± 2.5, P = 0.02) and U18 (11.4 ± 2.6, P = 0.01) players. However, this difference was not due to variations (P = 0.23) in fat mass between squads (7.8 ± 1.6 v 8.8 ± 2.1 v 8.2 ± 2.4 kg, respectively) but rather the presence of more lean mass in 1st team (66.9 ± 7.1 kg, P < 0.01) and U21 (64.6 ± 6.5 kg, P = 0.02) compared with U18 (60.6 ± 6.3 kg) players. Accordingly, fat mass index was not different (P = 0.138) between squads, whereas lean mass index was greater (P < 0.01) in 1st team players (20.0 ± 1.1 kg · m−2) compared with U18 players (18.8 ± 1.4 kg · m−2). Differences in lean mass were also reflective of higher lean tissue mass in all regions, for example, upper limbs/lower limbs and trunk. Data suggest that training and nutritional interventions for younger players should therefore be targeted to lean mass growth as opposed to body fat loss.

Rites, AA, da Silva, RCF, de Souza, EB, dos Santos, RP, Pinto, VS, Paulucio, D, Miranda, H, Gomes, DV, and Lattari, E. Differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness based on playing position in elite youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 40(1): e41-e49, 2026-To examine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness based on playing position in elite youth soccer players, a comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 male players in the U13-14, U15-16, and U17-20 categories. The players were grouped as lateral defender (LD), central defender (CD), midfielder (MF), and attacker. During the first visit, anthropometric assessments, squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ) were conducted. On the second visit, 48 hours later, a 20-meter sprint test and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test were performed. Height, body mass, lean mass, vertical jumps, 20 m sprint, and V̇o2max all increased with advancing age (p ≤ 0.001). A main effect of position (p ≤ 0.001) showed that CD had higher stature, body mass, and lean mass than players in other positions. In addition, CD exhibited higher values than LD for SJ and CMJ height (p < 0.05). The U17-20 group exhibited greater SJ and CMJ peak power than the U15-16 and U13-14 groups (p ≤ 0.001 for all comparisons). In addition, CDs outperformed all other positions in SJ peak power and showed higher CMJ peak power than LDs and MFs across all age categories. This study demonstrated that height, body mass, lean mass, vertical jump performance, sprint speed, and V̇o2max all increased with advancing age in youth soccer players. Central defender consistently exhibited higher values for these physical characteristics than players in other positions, including LD, particularly in SJ and CMJ performance.

López Mariscal, S, Sánchez Garcia, V, Fernández-García, JC, and Sáez de Villarreal, E. Acute effects of ballistic vs. passive static stretching involved in a prematch warm-up on vertical jump and linear sprint performance in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 147-153, 2021-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of introducing passive static and ballistic stretching in a standard soccer match warm-up. The variables addressed were the counter movement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump, and the 40-m linear sprint. The sample was composed of 33 male subjects, divided into 2 age groups. U16 and adult players formed the groups, to cross check whether there were differences between them. Each group was further subdivided into 2 groups regarding the type of stretching carried out during the stretching phase. Before the warm-up, the tests previously described were assessed. In the experimental phase, standard stretching was carried out, consisting of an initial phase in which players had to execute continuous running; a general phase in which players had to make articulate moves; a technical phase in which players had to execute exercises with the ball; a 5 vs. 5 small-sided game was carried out during the tactical phase; and in the final phase, activation exercises and sprints were carried out by the players. Eventually, the same variables were assessed again once the warm-up was finished. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 types of stretching included in the prematch warm-up. It can be concluded that ballistic and passive static stretching (<10 seconds) did not cause, under these circumstances, any effect in the assessed variables related to soccer performance (linear sprint, CMJ, and Abalakov). This has to be considered by coaches when devising soccer-related warm-ups.

Acceleration, sprint and agility performance are crucial in sports like soccer. There are few studies regarding the effect of training on youth soccer players in agility performance and in sprint distances shorter than 30 meter. Therefore, the aim of the recent study was to examine the effect of a high-intensity sprint and plyometric training program on 13-year-old male soccer players. A training group of 14 adolescent male soccer players, mean age (±SD) 13.5 years (±0.24) followed an eight week intervention program for one hour per week, and a group of 12 adolescent male soccer players of corresponding age, mean age 13.5 years (±0.23) served as control a group. Pre- and post-tests assessed 10-m linear sprint, 20-m linear sprint and agility performance. Results showed a significant improvement in agility performance, pre 8.23 s (±0.34) to post 7.69 s (± 0.34) (p&lt;0.01), and a significant improvement in 0-20m linear sprint, pre 3.54s (±0.17) to post 3.42s (±0.18) (p&lt;0.05). In 0-10m sprint the participants also showed an improvement, pre 2.02s (±0.11) to post 1.96s (± 0.11), however this was not significant. The correlation between 10-m sprint and agility was r = 0.53 (p&lt;0.01), and between 20-m linear sprint and agility performance, r = 0.67 (p&lt;0.01). The major finding in the study is the significant improvement in agility performance and in 0-20 m linear sprint in the intervention group. These findings suggest that organizing the training sessions with short-burst high-intensity sprint and plyometric exercises interspersed with adequate recovery time, may result in improvements in both agility and in linear sprint performance in adolescent male soccer players. Another finding is the correlation between linear sprint and agility performance, indicating a difference when compared to adults.

BackgroundBadminton requires high-intensity lower limb explosive power and agility for executing rapid lunges, jumps, and directional changes. Complex training (CT) combines heavy resistance exercises with plyometric activities to enhance maximal strength and explosive performance through post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). However, limited research exists on CT effects in adolescent female badminton players.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of an 8-week complex training program on lower limb explosive power and movement agility in adolescent female badminton players.MethodsThirty-two adolescent female badminton players were randomly allocated into complex training group (CT group, n = 16, age: 15.69 ± 0.95 years) and resistance training group (RT group, n = 16, age: 15.63 ± 1.15 years). The CT group performed resistance exercises (75%–85% 1RM) paired with plyometric exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the RT group completed traditional resistance training with the same frequency. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral jumps, sprint tests (5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m), hexagon test, modified 505 change of direction (COD) test, on-court COD test, and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).ResultsSignificant group × time interactions were observed for SJ, CMJ, unilateral jumps, sprint performance (5 m, 10 m, 20 m), and agility tests (all p < 0.05). The CT group showed greater improvements compared to RT group: SJ (1.83 cm vs. 0.95 cm, Cohen’s d = 1.196 vs. 0.642), CMJ (3.64 cm vs. 1.27 cm, Cohen’s d = 1.949 vs. 0.681), 5 m sprint (0.18s vs. 0.06s improvement, Cohen’s d = 1.889 vs. 0.667), hexagon test (1.29s vs. 0.03s improvement), and COD performance. Both groups significantly improved IMTP with no between-group differences (p > 0.05).ConclusionAn 8-week complex training program elicited significantly greater improvements in lower limb explosive power, sprint acceleration, and multidirectional agility compared to traditional resistance training in adolescent female badminton players. These findings suggest CT is an effective, sport-specific training intervention that capitalizes on the heightened neuromuscular plasticity of adolescent athletes.