Relationship of selected anthropometric variables with performance of long jumpers

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between selected anthropometric variables and the performance of male long jumpers. Fifty district-level long jumpers aged 12–16 years from Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts served as the subjects. Key anthropometric variables including height, weight, total leg length, thigh circumference, calf circumference, foot length, and foot girth were measured using standard techniques. Performance was assessed through the standing broad jump test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between each variable and performance at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between performance and the following anthropometric variables: height (r=0.593), weight (r=0.613), leg length (r=0.491), thigh circumference (r=0.281), and calf circumference (r=0.414). However, no significant correlation was found between performance and foot length (r=0.043) or foot girth (r=0.090). The results suggest that certain anthropometric factors-especially those related to limb length and muscle mass-play an important role in long jump performance, while others like foot dimensions may not significantly influence outcomes. These findings can assist coaches and physical educators in talent identification and sport-specific training.