Position-Specific Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition of Female Field Hockey Players

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and somatotypes of female field hockey players. Methods: The study involved 30 female athletes aged ranges 13-21 years from the Giri Center in Hisar, Haryana. The anthropometric measurements were conducted in accordance with the protocols of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was employed to assess body composition, while somatotype was determined using the Heath-Carter method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and somatotype indices to explore positional differences. Results: Results showed significant differences in physical attributes based on player positions. The study found significant correlations between height and lean body mass (r=0.639, p≤0.05), indicating the influence of height on muscle development. The anthropometric analysis showed that goalkeepers had notably higher skinfold measurements, signifying greater subcutaneous fat levels, corresponding to lower aerobic demands. Conversely, forwards exhibited substantially lower fat percentage (18.48±3.23%) and higher lean body mass (41.85±4.45 kg), emphasizing their requirement for agility and speed. Goalkeepers showed significantly higher mean shoulder breadth (40.51±1.81 cm, p≤0.0001) and knee height (51.56±2.10 cm, p≤0.0001). Additionally, somatotype analysis revealed that most players were classified as ectomorphic-endomorphs (mean indices of 4.47-1.95-3.31), with fullbacks displaying higher mesomorphy (mean 2.82). Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for tailored training programs specific to player positions to optimize performance, reduce injury risks, and enhance team effectiveness.