Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics in Different Levels of Young Team Handball Players

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness and selected anthropometric characteristics between selected (SP) and non-selected (NSP) for the Greek preliminary national team male (n=88) and female (n=73) young handball players. Results revealed that compared to NSP players, male SP players presented higher values in ball velocity (p=.001) standing long jump (p=.016), 30-m sprint (p=.034) and estimated VO_2max (p=.018), while female SP players presented higher values only in ball velocity (p=.009) and standing long jump (p=.045). Male SP players were taller (p=.042) and had larger arm span (p=.031). Taking into account the different playing positions, significant differences (in favor of SP) were found between SP and NSP male backs in stature (p=.008), hand spread (p=.042), arm span (p=.019) and ball velocity (p=.005). Female SP revealed higher values in stature (p=.041) and arm span (p=.046). For wings, significant differences were found in ball velocity (p=.007), 30-m sprint (p=.039) and estimated VO_2max (p=.002) between SP and NSP male players (in favor of SP) and in estimated VO_2max (p=.019) between SP and NSP female players. For pivots, significant differences were found only in ball velocity (p=.001) between SP and NSP females (in favor of SP). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found between SP and NSP male and female goalkeepers. Current results suggest that physical and anthropometric characteristics should be included in any testing procedure of junior handball players.