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Does Aerobic Capacity Change According to Position in Football Players?

Aerobic capacity plays an important role in football as it influences players' physical performance and long-lasting endurance levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the aerobic capacity levels of football players playing in different positions according to the positions they play. The study group consisted of 83 football players in super amateur league. Football players playing in 8 different positions voluntarily participated in the study (goalkeeper: n= 8, defender: n=13, left back: n=9, right back: n=7, midfield: n=24, left winger: n=7, right winger: n=7 striker: n=8). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT1) was applied to determine the aerobic endurance parameters of the players. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to compare the distance travelled, average speed (km/h) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the test parameters of the players in different playing positions, and this difference was found to be between the left back players, goalkeepers, and stoppers (p<0.05). It was determined that goalkeepers had the lowest average aerobic capacity in the distances travelled by the players by position, while back players and wingers had high aerobic capacity averages. According to these results, we can say that the aerobic capacities of football players vary according to their positions, and the physiological demands of the position played by back players and wingers are effective in the distance travelled and the football players have different aerobic capacities.

Statistical analysis of the Champions League winning team in the 2022-2023 competition season

The research analyses the performance of the CSM Bucharest women’s team during the current competition season across all four competitions in which the team participates. At the time of the paper’s elaboration, 38 games had been played, and the analysis of the games was conducted by reviewing recorded matches, scrutinizing the "match papers" completed by the team's assistant coach in real time during each game, and also using the statistics provided by the European Handball Federation and the Romanian Handball Federation. Offense performance: The team averaged 57 possessions per game, scoring an average of 31.5 goals with an overall shooting efficiency of 53%. Out of a total of 1224 goals scored, when analysing the goals scored by each player from the perspective of the position occupied in the field, left-back players accounted for the highest percentage at 28%. Left wing players and right back players scored 15% each, closely followed by the line players, with 14%. The middle back player scored 8% of all goals, the same percentage being registered also for the penalty shoots. Défense performance: The team achieved an average saving percentage of 34,5%. The average number of goals received per game was 26.2. Out of 996 received goals, the team received the most from the 6-meter line, 28%, followed by fast breaks (21%) and long-distance shots (20%).

Perbedaan Kemampuan Shooting Sepak Bola Pemain Depan, Tengah dan Belakang SSB Bintang Jaya Kebumen

The aim of this research is to determine the differences in shooting ability between the front, middle and back football players of SSB Bintang Jaya Kebumen. The population in this study were senior SSB Bintang Jaya players aged over 17 years. The instrument used by researchers in collecting data was the shooting test on goal. The data analysis used in this research is the analysis of variance ( anova) test and the Tukey test to find out where the differences are. From these results it can be seen that Fhit > F(v1,v2) namely 482.,5 > 3.34 so Ho is rejected, meaning there is a significant difference between the shooting abilities of the front, middle and back players. As a result of the analysis and testing of the research hypothesis, the conclusion from the calculations that have been carried out is that there is a significant difference between the front, middle and back players in terms of shooting ability, where the front players have better shooting ability than the middle and back players. Keywords: Shooting, Football, Kebumen

A deep dive into the use of local positioning system in professional handball: Automatic detection of players' orientation, position and game phases to analyse specific physical demands.

The objective of this study is to automate and analyse the quantification of external load during an elite men's handball match. This study was carried out using data from a local positioning system and inertial measurement units. The literature review leads us to assume that physical demands are different depending on position, player specialty and phases of the game. In order to do this analysis, raw data was used from professional competitors of a Spanish club during National and European competition matches. First, a game phase algorithm was designed to automate phase recognition. Then, a descriptive evaluation of the means and standard deviation was performed with the following variables: total distance, total time, total Accel'Rate, the percentages of distance and time per speed and displacement direction. A Kruskal Wallis test was applied to normalized distance and normalized Accel'Rate. Defensive play showed the highest values on covered distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m). However, normalized distance showed significant differences (p<0.05) across all phases with defensive play (558.8 ± 53.9 m/10min) lower than offensive play (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min), offensive transition (1671.3 ± 242.0 m/10min) or defensive transition (1604.5 ± 242.0 m/10min). Regarding position, wing players covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at the second highest intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min) after offensive back players (1105.0 ± 84.9 m/10min). Significant difference in normalized requirements were found between each playing position: goalkeepers, wings, versatile backs, versatile line players, offensive backs and defensive backs (p<0.05), so a separation between offensive or defensive specialists is plausible and necessary. In conclusion, as physical demands differ for each game phase, activity profile among players is modulated by their playing position and their specialty (offense, defense or none). This study may help to create individual training programs according to precise on-court demands.

Influence of the pivot player on the effectiveness of back players in team-handball

In handball there is a consensus among the experts on the importance of the pivot player in the team's tactical effectiveness, not only because of his direct participation in the actions to finish off the attack, but also because of his influence on the actions of the rest of the players. In addition, playing in this specific position, most of the actions are carried out without the ball and take place inside the defensive system. These reasons make his influence on the outcome very difficult to analyze. In order to assess it, the present study has been carried out by collecting, through the observational instrument known as Influence of the pivot in the final situation, data from a sample of 1815 offensive sequences given in the medal matches of five top-level masculine tournaments. Different descriptive and correlational statistical analyzes were applied, among which the use of Chaid's decision tree technique stands out. It is concluded that the presence of the pivot in direct relation with the ball holder when the sequences are finished increases the probability that the back players will shoot, as well as increasing their effectiveness. Consequently, the influence of the pivot proves to be decisive for the game outcome.

Perbedaan kemampuan shooting pemain depan, tengah, dan belakang pada tim sepakbola liga 3 Persikama

This study aims to investigate and determine the quality differences in the shooting ability of Persikama's forwards, midfield players, and defenders. The core of the problem of this study is that the difference in shooting ability between the front, middle and back players is unknown, researchers measure aspects of accuracy and speed. This research is of a quantitative type with a comparative descriptive method because it compares the shooting abilities of soccer players in 3 different positions. The number of subjects of this study were 15 players. Researchers used observation and shooting ability tests as data collection instruments. The data analysis technique used to test the hypothesis is ANOVA. Based on the results of the study, the order of accuracy of the first player's shooting ability from the best is the midfielder, defender and forward player. While the order of the speed of the best shooting ability is the front player, the back player, and the mid player. Although the results of the ANOVA test prove that the probability value obtained for each is more than a significance value of 0.05, thus indicating or concluding that there is no significant difference in the shooting abilities of the fore-players, midfield players and persikama defenders.

Journalism as a Strategic Action Field: How to Study Contestations and Power Dynamics between Professional Journalism and Its Challengers

This paper argues the benefits of approaching the ongoing contentions and power dynamics in journalism as a strategic action field (JSAF). This meso-level, actor-centered analytical framework offers insights into how contestations in journalism are decided by the social skills of key stakeholders. JSAF distinguishes between three types of social actors (incumbents, governance units, and challengers), enables comprehension of their position and power, and explains why some actors succeed and others do not in different political and cultural contexts. It expands the traditional focus of incumbents in journalism studies by underlining the social skills of often-neglected back players in journalism (e.g., governance units such as associations, centers, and professional networks) and by foregrounding the social skills of challengers. This enables us to study challengers as strategic actors, investigating their motives, ambitions, interactions, and communicative skills to mobilize support and alliances to improve insights into who and what is contesting journalism today. The need for a JSAF approach comes from the increased contentions and conflicts between professional journalism and various peripheral actors, exemplified by the power dynamics between professional actors and alternative media.

Injury Occurrence in Amateur Rugby: Prospective Analysis of Specific Predictors over One Half-Season.

Background and objectives: The incidence of injuries in rugby is extremely high, but studies have rarely examined the predictors of injury in amateur players. This study aimed to systematically analyse sports and injury factors as potential predictors of musculoskeletal injuries in senior-level amateur rugby players. Methods: The participants in this study were 101 senior-level rugby players from Croatia (average of 24.64 years old). At baseline, all participants were tested on sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters (age, body height and mass), consumption of dietary supplements, preseason injury status and training volume, and sport factors (position in game). Data on injury occurrence (dependent variable), prevalence of pain, training status, and characteristics of the played match were surveyed prospectively once a week during the three-month period (one half-season). Results: The logistic regression revealed a higher injury occurrence in forward players of the 1st row, 2nd row (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.64-15.69), and center (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.28-14.31), with reference to outside back players. When observed univariately, higher body mass, higher level of competition, more weekly training sessions, self-perceived pain, and playing with pain were significant injury risk factors. The multivariate logistic regression identified pre-season injury (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.52), higher level of the game/match (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.76), higher body mass (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and pain prevalence (OR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.22-7.70) as multivariate predictors of injury occurrence over the season. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that among sport factors, the playing position, level of competition, and training exposure represent major injury risk factors. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of injuries, special emphasis should be placed on the specific tackling technique of forward players, which could both increase their situational efficiency and protect them from injuries. Additionally, perceived pain, injury history, and playing with injury were noted among injury factors as the ones that can be predictors of future injuries. In that manner, it is important that coaching and medical staff monitor players with previous injuries and with pain symptoms in order to act preventively against injury occurrence.

Anthropometric profile of the top-class female handball players participating in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to try to determine the factors that differentiate the height, weight, BMI, and age of high-level female handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Material and methods: The recorded study material was analyzed in the context of the position in the game, RAE, the continental location of the represented country, and geographical region. Statistical tests were used: Student’s t-test, ANOVA using the b-Tuckey post-hoc test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The results show that the position of the game differentiates the height and body mass, and the effect size is large. Differences occur for all positions in the game. Interactions were shown within the body weight, BMI, and age of the athletes. The highest average heights, weights, and BMIs are found in female players playing in the pivot, while the lowest are found in right wing. Conclusion: The factors that most strongly differentiate the height and weight of female players are the nominal position in the handball game. Center backcourt players are characterized by lower height and weight values than left back players, so it is necessary to determine average values separately for the mentioned positions in future analyses. The results indicate the presence of numerous interactions involving RAE, which indicates a substantive need for studies at other levels of play to confirm their occurrence.

Hydration status and running performance during cool and hot training sessions in rugby union forwards and backs.

Rugby showed a high incidence of exertional heatstroke. Different physiques and running performances between the forward and back players (FW and BK) may result in different heatstroke risks. This study aimed to compare the hydration status, running performance, and perceived heatstroke symptoms (PHS) between cool and hot environment training (HT and CT) in university rugby union FW and BK. Thirteen university rugby players (seven forwards and six backs) participated in this study. During both conditions, players were allowed to drink water and sports drink, and the amount of fluid intake was recorded. Body mass was measured pre- and post-training, and weight loss was calculated. Sweat loss was calculated based on body mass and fluid intake. During training, running performance was measured using GPS. The presence of PHS was assessed using a questionnaire administered after training. Fluid intake and sweat loss were higher in the HT as opposed to the CT, and FW showed higher fluid intake and dehydration than BK. However, there were no significant differences in weight loss observed during data collection. Running distance per minute and maximum speed were higher in BK than in FW, but there was no significant difference between conditions. Although a significant weight loss was not observed between conditions, the number of PHS was higher in the HT. Although BK had a higher running distance and maximum speed than FW during training, a higher cycle of fluid intake and sweat loss was observed in the FW than that in the BK.

Peak Locomotor Intensity in Elite Handball Players: A First Insight Into Player Position Differences and Training Practices.

Fleureau, A, Rabita, G, Leduc, C, Buchheit, M, and Lacome, M. Peak locomotor intensity in elite handball players: a first insight into player position differences and training practices. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 432-438, 2023-The aims of the study were to (a) describe the peak locomotor intensity sustained during handball matches and (b) compare them with small-sided games (SSGs) programmed during training in elite handball players. Small-sided game ( n = 342) and match ( n = 121) data were collected among 11 players (25 ± 7 years, 191 ± 8 cm, 89 ± 12 kg) belonging to an elite French Handball team. Players' locomotor activity was recorded using 20-Hz Local Positioning System. Peak total (TD[m]) and high-speed running distance (HS[m]) and mechanical load (Accel'Rate [a.u.]) were calculated during different time periods (1-15 minutes different rolling averages). A plot of log (locomotor variables) against log (time) allowed to obtain a straight line with a slope and an intercept for each variable. Between-position differences during matches and difference between matches and SSGs were assessed with linear mixed model and magnitude-based decisions. Almost certainly higher peak locomotor intensity (intercept) was found in Wingers (TD: 156 ± 13; HS: 96 ± 12; Accel'Rate: 13 ± 3) compared with other playing positions for TD (Back players: 127 ± 10; Pivots: 136 ± 13), HS (Back players: 56 ± 9; Pivots: 57 ± 11), and Accel'Rate (Back players: 11 ± 2; Pivots: 11 ± 2). However, no clear between-position difference was found regarding the slope. Additionally, none of the SSGs format produced an overload in peak locomotor intensity in comparison with matches (TD: 138 ± 16; HS: 66 ± 20; Accel'Rate: 12 ± 2). Because reaching the peak locomotor intensity sustained during match is not possible using SSGs, practitioners should consider using isolated conditioning drills (e.g., short or long intervals, repeated sprints). Moreover, specific attention should be paid for Winger's work supplementation because they present the highest peak locomotor intensity in the team.

Relationship between aerobic fitness and metabolic power metrics in elite male soccer players.

The aim was to assess the relationship between aerobic fitness and metabolic power metrics in elite male soccer players, and the possible differences that playing positions might impose during match play over new metabolic power metrics. Sixty-two elite professional male soccer players (13 central backs, 13 side backs, 22 midfielders, and 14 forwards) took part in the study. Players were monitored during eleven months of full training (including pre-season and in-season) and over all official matches (Serie A matches, Italy Cup matches). Aerobic fitness tests were conducted one week after the start of the preseason, and 8, 24 and 36 weeks after the beginning of the Championship. Players’ aerobic fitness and metabolic power metrics were considered as the mean of all seasonal testing and of pooling data of 38 championship matches and 3 or 6 Italy Cup matches for all the calculations respectively. The velocity at 4 mmol·L-1 (VL4) was significantly related to metabolic power metrics match variables with correlation ranging from trivial to very large (r = 0.32 to r = 0.89). Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that speed at VL4 was sensitive in detecting high metabolic power distance (HMPD) changes in all but central back players as revealed by area under the curve (central back .78, 95%CI .47 to .95; full back .93, 95%CI .64 to 0.99; midfielder .88, 95%CI .67 to 0.98; forward .90, 95%CI .62 to 0.99). This study’s findings provide further evidence for the ecological validity of aerobic fitness in elite male soccer players. Players having a HMPD cut-off equal to or higher than > 1450 m for central backs, > 1990 m for full backs, > 2170 m for midfielders and > 1670 m for forwards may be considered as possessing superior aerobic fitness status. In light of this study’s findings, the VL4 test may be considered a valid test to evaluate meaningful information for direct generic aerobic training in soccer players.

Injury pattern based on player positions in Japanese university handball: a cross-sectional study of 2056 players.

Although it is evident that the risk of injury in handball varies according to player position, it is unclear whether the characteristics of these injuries also differ. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the position-associated injury profiles of university handball players in Japan. A total of 2056 participants who played in the 2018 and 2019 Japanese National University Handball Championships were included in this cross-sectional study. A self-reported injury questionnaire regarding demographic and injury-related information was administered. The overall prevalence of injury during the one-year period preceding the questionnaire was 44.1%, and back (47.9%) and line (49.2%) players exhibited a higher proportion of injuries than players in other positions (P<0.001). The ankle, knee, and shoulder/clavicle were the most common body regions affected by traumatic injuries, and knee and shoulder/clavicle injuries differed based on player positions (P=0.033). Conversely, overuse injuries predominantly affected the lumber spine/lower back, knee, and foot/toe, although there were no significant differences between player positions (P=0.188). In terms of injury mechanism, line players exhibited a higher proportion of contact injuries and goalkeepers had a higher proportion of non-contact injuries than that of other positions (P<0.001). Back and line players experienced more injuries than players in other positions. Depending on the player position, there were significant differences in the prevalence and patterns of injury. Therefore, injury prevention measures need to consider the characteristics of injuries based on player positions.

Injury Profile in Professional Handball Players During 4 Consecutive Seasons According to Playing Positions: A Longitudinal Study.

The injury profile of each playing position in handball is a key factor in being able to improve the injury risk management process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to longitudinally analyze the differences in professional handball players' injury profile according to their playing position (ie, goalkeeper, back, wing, and line). Injury incidence and burden would be higher in back players compared with the other playing positions, while ligament and knee would be the most common injury type and location. Prospective cohort design. Level 4. Sixty-eight male handball players belonging to the same professional team participated in this study over 4 consecutive seasons. Injury incidence and injury burden were recorded as well as the severity, type, and location following the International Olympic Committee consensus statement. Although nonsignificant differences in injury incidence were found according to playing position (rate ratios [RRs] from 0.43 to 2.47; P > 0.05), back players reported the highest burden (60.65 absence days/1000 h; RR from 0.12 to 7.75;P < 0.05), with wing players showing a greater burden (54.29 absence days/1000 h; RR from 0.09 to 4.91; P < 0.05) in comparison with goalkeepers (12.19 absence days/1000 h) and line players (13.10 absence days/1000 h). Muscle/tendon injuries and sprains presented higher incidence and burden than other type of injuries, and a greater incidence and burden was reported for knee injuries in all playing positions. The highest injury incidence and injury burden is in back players in professional handball. This study provides comprehensive information on the injury profile of professional handball players, which can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches when developing specific injury risk management programs.

Injury pattern according to player position in Japanese youth handball: A cross-sectional study among 2377 players

ObjectiveAlthough the incidence and pattern of injuries in youth handball have widely been investigated, it is unclear whether the characteristics of injuries differ on the basis of player position. This study aimed at revealing the player position-based injury profile in Japanese youth handball players. DesignCross-sectional. SettingInjury questionnaire. ParticipantsOverall, 2377 participants who played in the 2018 and 2019 Japanese National High School Handball Championships were included. Main outcome measuresPrevalence, body region, type, severity, and mechanism of injuries were collected through a questionnaire. ResultsThe overall prevalence of injury within the previous year was 46.7%, and the proportion of back players (52.8%) who sustained at least one injury was higher than that of players in other positions (p < 0.001). Differences in player positions were found among overuse injuries by body region, with a higher proportion of the lower leg and knee in wings and backs, respectively (p = 0.047). Among traumatic injuries, a higher proportion of ligamentous rupture in backs and fracture in lines were seen (p = 0.011). ConclusionThere were significant differences in the prevalence and patterns of injuries between player positions. Therefore, injury prevention programmes should consider the characteristics of player positions.

Head Impact Characteristics Based on Player Position in Collegiate Soccer Athletes

The study objective was to determine the magnitude and frequency of head impacts in NCAA Division III soccer athletes based on player position and type of play (offense, defense, transition). Across player position, male and female soccer defenders sustained the most head impacts (males IR = 18.89, 95% CI = 16.89–20.89; females IR = 8.45, 95% CI = 7.25–9.64; IRR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.87–2.67). The study revealed a nonstatistically significant interaction between sex, player position, and type of play for both linear (p = .42) and rotational accelerations (p = .16). Defenders sustained the majority of the head impacts in the study sample, suggesting preventative initiatives should be focused on back row players.

Using Anthropometric Data and Physical Fitness Scores to Predict Selection in a National U19 Rugby Union Team.

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of anthropometry characteristics and physical fitness performance between rugby union players (17.9 ± 0.5 years old) recruited (n = 39) and non-recruited (n = 145) to the Portuguese under-19 (U19) national team, controlling for their playing position (forwards or backs). Standardized anthropometric, physical, and performance assessment tests included players’ body mass and height, push up and pull-up test, squat test, sit-and-reach test, 20 m shuttle run test, flexed arm hang test, Sargent test, handgrip strength test, Illinois agility test, and 20-m and 50-m sprint test. Results showed that recruited forwards players had better agility scores (p = 0.02, ES = −0.55) than the non-recruited forwards, whereas recruited backs players had higher right (p < 0.01, ES = 0.84) and left (p = 0.01, ES = 0.74) handgrip strength scores than their counterparts. Logistic regression showed that better agility (for the forwards) and right handgrip strength scores (for the backs) were the only variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being recruited to the national team. In sum, these findings suggest that certain well-developed physical qualities, namely, agility for the forwards players and upper-body strength for the back players, partially explain the selection of U19 rugby players to their national team.

PLAYERLOADTM AND HEART RATE RESPONSE TO SMALL-SIDED GAMES SPECIALIZED TO ADDITIONAL FIELD PLAYER RULE IN HANDBALL

Aim. This study aimed to investigate PlayerLoad and heart rate responses of handball-based small-sided games which specifically designed with additional field player rule. Materials and Methods. Thirteen well-trained female handball players (2 goalkeepers, 2 pivots, 4 wings, and 5 backs) participated in this study. A total of eight Small-sided games (SSGs) on two different training days with separated at least 48-hour were conducted. SSGs executed with the inclusion of two each 5 vs 6 and 7 vs 6 handball specific games that mimic the numerical inferior or superior situations in game-play. PlayerLoad, acceleration, deceleration and change of direction were established by a wearable IMUs and heart rate monitored with a chest band. Results. There was no significant difference between PlayerLoadtotal, PlayerLoadmin-1, HRmax, HRavr, and HIE parameters during the SSGs that separated by two testing days. No significant differences were found in PlayerLoadtotal, PlayerLoadmin-1, HRmax, and HRavr, parameters attained from the main and opponent team. Results showed no significant differences between all 5 vs 6 and 7 vs 6 SSGs. There was a significantly lower PlayerLoadtotal in the goalkeepers than backs, wings and pivots. The mean and maximum heart rate of back players was significantly lower than wings and pivots. Conclusion. Current study set out the examiner that if tactical innovations in playing situations numerical inferiority or superiority situations 7vs6 and 5vs6, will make the difference in players’ physical efforts. Because of the raised usage of this tactical variations, recent studies only focused to technical variables of playing with no goalkeeper and additional field player. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain clear knowledge how to affect the players as physically. Hence, a definite need for revision of the training demands of the goalkeepers in handball.

Morphobiomechanical peculiarities of football players aged 11–13 years

Background. Modern sports practice, numerous scientific studies show that the world sports peaks can be conquered only by especially talented athletes who, firstly, have a pronounced natural inclination to achievements in a particular sport, and secondly, who managed to implement them in long-term improvement process. Materials and Methods. The number of respondents involved in the observational experiment stage was n = 130 players of 11–13 years old. The paper used professional scientific and methodological literature reviews, pedagogical observation; anthropometry, adolescent’s posture analysis was performed using "Torso" program, mathematical statistics methods. Results. The videometry results, which are confirmed by an orthopedist, established the dynamics of functional state deterioration of musculoskeletal system. The study that examined the body length parameters in young players with different posture types, determined that among athletes aged 11–12 years, the highest body length values were in players with scoliotic posture and round back. In athletes aged 12–13 years, the highest average body weight values were typical for players with round back posture type and the lowest for flat back players. Conclusions. Characteristic posture features of the studied contingent have been established: normal posture was observed in 50% of football players aged 11–12, and 42.85% of football players aged 12–13. The most common functional musculoskeletal system disorder in young athletes is scoliotic posture, which is found in 26.66% of 11–12 year old players and 28.57% of 12–13 year old players. The second in the number of detected functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young football players is a round back observed in 16.67% of 11–12 year olds and 17.15% in 12–13 year old athletes. The data obtained indicate that the problem of functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young athletes is more acute than ever.

Optimal Body Composition and Anthropometric Profile of World-Class Beach Handball Players by Playing Positions

Profiling of beach handball players is required to optimize sports performance, talent identification, and injury prevention. The study aimed to describe the anthropometric characteristics, somatotype, and body composition of elite male and female beach handball players classified by playing positions. Thirty elite beach handball players (15 male, 15 female) of the Spanish National Beach Handball Team, which ranked fifth and first in the VII World Championships, respectively, were categorized as front (wings/specialists), back (pivots/defenders) players and goalkeepers. Independent from position, male players showed larger values of anthropometric characteristics, girths, breadths, and absolute components of body composition than female players. Contrastingly, skinfolds, and body fat mass percentage were higher in female players. All these results were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) with large to extremely large effect sizes (d = 1.4–5.4). The position-related differences indicated that male back players were taller (p = 0.008; ηp2 = 0.56), heavier (p = 0.016; ηp2 = 0.50) and showed larger arm span (p = 0.036; ηp2 = 0.42) than front players. In contrast, female goalkeepers showed larger body mass (p = 0.007; ηp2 = 0.57) and BMI (p = 0.035; ηp2 = 0.43), whereas back players showed higher muscular mass than goalkeepers (p = 0.022; ηp2 = 0.47). The present study provides anthropometric reference values of elite beach handball players, and indicates differences between playing positions, providing normative data for talent identification of male and female players.