Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position

Tahir Hazir

doi:10.2478/v10078-010-0052-z

Abstract

Physical Characteristics and Somatotype of Soccer Players according to Playing Level and Position The purpose of this study was to assess the physical characteristics of soccer players according to playing level and position. A total of 305 professional male soccer players [Turkish Super League (SL) (n = 161) and Turkish First League (FL) (n = 144)] were involved in this study. All data were gathered at the beginning of preparatory period of mid-season. Height, weight, flexed and tensed upper arm and calf girths, humerus and femur biepicondylar breadths, and four skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, supraspinale, and medial calf) were measured. Somatotypes were estimated using the Heath-Carter method. SL players were older (p≥0.002), and heavier (p≥0.007) than FL players, while height (p ≤ 0.497) was similar between SL and FL groups. There were significant differences for BW (p≥=0.000), and height (p≥0.000) between playing positions. Goalkeepers were taller (p≥0.000), and heavier (p≥0.001) than other players. Midfielders were shorter (p≥0.013) than other players, however, they were lighter than forwards (p≥0.008). The mean somatotype of the overall players was 2.4-4.8-2.3 (0.9-0.8-0.7) in SL and was 3.0-4.5-2.6 (0.9-0.9-0.8) in FL. SL players were more mesomorphic (p≥0.01), less endomorphic (p≥0.000), and less ectomorphic (p≥0.001) than FL players. Except for goalkeepers, there were significant differences in paired means between whole somatotype means of the SL and FL according to playing positions. The results of the present study demonstrate that both physical characteristics and somatotype of players were significantly different between playing levels and positions. Although the somatotype of soccer players in both levels was dominated by the mesomorph category, players at the higher playing level were more mesomorphic, and less endomorphic and ectomorphic than players at the lower level at all playing positions.

Highlights

IntroductionSoccer is a team sport that depends heavily on aerobic endurance and short-term, high intensity intermittent activities (Rampinini et al, 2009; Bangsbo et al, 2006; Mohr et al, 2003; Rienzi et al, 2000; Bangsbo et al, 1991), needing high levels of performance, combined with high levels of technical and tactical skills, and particular physical and physiological characteristics (Kalapotharakos et al, 2006)
No significant interaction effect was observed for the physical characteristics between playing level and position (p≥0.643)
The main finding of the study showed that the physical characteristics and somatotypes of soccer players are heterogeneous in relation to their playing levels and positions

Summary

Introduction

Soccer is a team sport that depends heavily on aerobic endurance and short-term, high intensity intermittent activities (Rampinini et al, 2009; Bangsbo et al, 2006; Mohr et al, 2003; Rienzi et al, 2000; Bangsbo et al, 1991), needing high levels of performance, combined with high levels of technical and tactical skills, and particular physical and physiological characteristics (Kalapotharakos et al, 2006). As in other team sports, soccer involves different playing positions with different physical requirements (Mohr et al, 2003; Rienzi et al, 2000; Bangsbo, 1994). In order to compete at an elite level, soccer players are expected to possess morphological and physiological characteristics that are applicable both for the sport of soccer and to their playing position. 1 - Hacettepe University, School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Beytepe-Ankara, 06800, Turkey. Authors submitted their contribution of the article to the editorial board. Accepted for pinting in Journal of Human Kinetics vol 26/2010 on October 2010

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