Abstract

Eighty five female field hockey players were assessed according to the Heath-Carter method of somatotyping. Comparisons in somtatotype ratings (endo, meso and extomorphy) were made between forwards, halves and backs and between first, second and third grade players. It was found that there were no significant differences in the somatotypes of players by grade of competition. However there were quite distinct differences in the somatotypes of forwards, halves and backs with backs as a group having significantly higher endomorphy ratings than halves or forwards. On the other hand forwards and halves had lower ectomorphy ratings than backs. Further differences were highlighted at higher levels of competition with backs and halves in first grade being more mesomorphic than forwards. Ectomorphy ratings at this level indicated forwards and halves to be more ectomorphic than backs. This was shown by the somatotype ratings of first grade forwards (3.23, 3.50, 2.75), halves (3.22, 4.28, 2.22) and backs (4.00, 4.58, 1.30). In all players mesomorphy was the dominant component. Verf.-Referat