Differences in Health- And Skill-Related Fitness Components Between Basketball and Football Players

Abstract Introduction. Players require a combination of health- and skill-related fitness components for achieving success in sports. These components include muscle strength, power, aerobic fitness, speed, agility etc. which are essential for optimal performance. The present study aimed to find if any differences exist between the health- and skill-related fitness components among basketball and football players. Material and Methods. The study included 94 basketball and football players (n = 47 each). Their height, weight, BMI, skinfold thickness, percentage body fat, percentage lean body mass, aerobic fitness, lower limb power, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and agility were recorded using the standard methods. Results. Football players had better aerobic fitness (statistically significant at p < 0.05), muscle strength and endurance (non-significant), lower body power and agility than basketball players. No significant differences were observed in the health-related physical fitness components between the players except suprailiac skinfold (p <0.05). Football players had better aerobic capacity and percentage lean body mass in comparison to taller and heavier basketball players who had higher lower limb power and agility in comparison to football players. Conclusions. There were no significant differences for health-related components between football and basketball players. However, football players had better aerobic fitness, lower body power and agility than basketball players.