Somatotype, Body Composition, and Physiological Characteristics of Iranian Adolescent and Junior Elite Male Handball Players in Different Playing Position

The purpose of the present study was to compare the somatotype, body composition and physiological characteristics of Iranian national adolescent and junior elite male handball players according to their playing positions. Players were categorized as Wings (n=10), Backs (n=11) pivot (n=11), Centers (n=10) and Goalkeepers (n=8). Average age of the players was 17.0±2.3. The anthropometric features (using caliper and anthropometry Meter under ISAK standards) and physiological variables such as aerobic power (1 Mile Run), anaerobic power (Monark Wingate Testing Ergometer) and grip strength (Dynamometer) were evaluated. To compare these variables among the playing positions, one-way ANOAVA was used. The results showed that the wing players were the shortest with average height of 180.0±5.6 which was significantly different than other players (P≤0.05). Aerobic power was significantly different between wing players and pivot, pivot players and Centers, Centers and goalkeepers, goalkeepers and wing players (P≤0.05) (goalkeepers > pivots wings > Centers(. It appears that Iranian national adolescent and junior elite male handball players are in appropriate physical and physiological conditions. Considering the especial activites, physical and physiological requirements of each position, this study is useful for emerging team handball nations in improving as a reference in the detection or identification of players in different positions.