Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the anthropometric body composition and training variables of elite and good netball players and to examine many of these variables in relation to playing position. Twenty-nine netball players were divided into two groups according to their playing standard. Of these, seventeen were elite young England players and twelve netballers were good county standard. Skinfold measurements, bone widths, limb circumferences, height and weight were measured, somatotype and body composition were calculated, and each subject gave details of her training program. Significant differences in the variables between the elite and good players suggest that the most able netball players have tall, balanced physiques, high in lean body weight but lower in adipose tissue. They train significantly more often, have been training longer, and in addition to ball skill training they do sprint and long distance running, bounding and weight training to improve their strength and fitness. Examination of many of these variables in relation to playing position on the netball court indicate that the tallest, heaviest players are the attackers and defenders. The centre court players, although shorter and lighter, had the lowest levels of adiposity as measured by total skinfold and absolute fat, lower bone widths and lower limb circumferences. Verf.-Referat