Abstract

In order to find the characteristics of physique and physical fitness of the field hockey players, data were collected from the Japanese Womens Team members in anthropometric measurements and physical fitness test over an eight-year period starting 1978. From the data collected for this study the following observations were made: 1. From the data obtained during the last eight years, the tendency to increase or to improve was observed in the mean values of their physique and functional test items. 2. The Japanese National Womens hockey players were superior in agility, especially, side-step-test but inferior in muscular strenght, flexibility and cardio-respiratory functions to national players in other activities; their physique were smaller than others. 3. When compared with hockey players of foreign countries, it was observed that Japanese Womens hockey players were smaller in physique and inferior in muscular strength and cardio-respiratory functions. 4. When individual measurements of three years span were compared longitudinary, upper arm girth, muscular strength of upper limb and trunk had increased and jumping reaction time had improved, but not too many differences were observed in flexibility and cardio-respiratory function during the three years. Verf.-Referat