Body composition and performance variables differences in female volleyball players by age-group and playing position

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the age and inter- and intra-position differences in the anthropometric variables and physical performance in young female players of Brazilian women's volleyball. Fifty-eight female volleyball players participated, divided into 3 age groups: (a) 14 and under (n=20; mean age = 12.6±0.7 years), (b) between 14 and 17 (n=31; mean age = 15.6±1.2 years), and (c) over 17 (n=7; mean age = 18.9±0.9 years). In addition, the players were also divided according to their positions: setters (n=7), opposites (n=13), passer-hitters (n=17), middle blockers (n=12) and liberos (n=9). Anthropometric characteristics, flexibility, strength / resistance abdominal muscles, pushups, explosive power of the arms, jumping abilities, shuttle run and 20-m sprint tests were evaluated. Analyses showed differences among age and playing positions for the height and bone mass (p0.05). However, differences were found among for age groups horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint, with players >17 performing better than <14 and between 14-17 years of age (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the height, bone mass and horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint are age dependent, while physical performance independent on the playing positions.

Keywords

• anthropometric measures
• athlete
• physical characteristics, volleyball