1Faculty of sport, Department of Institute of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, 1000 Ljubljana
Somatotype Variations Among Young Male and Female Handball Players Across Different Playing Positions
J. Anthr. Sport Phys. Educ. 2026, 10(2), 19-25 | DOI: 10.26773/jaspe.260403
Abstract
This study examined whether young male and female handball players differ in morphological characteristics and somatotype profiles across playing positions. The sample included 124 Slovenian handball players: 68 males (16.85±1.72 years) and 56 females (15.36±1.20 years), grouped as backs, wings, pivots, or goalkeepers. Anthropometric measurements were conducted in accordance with ISAK protocols, and somatotypes were determined using the Heath–Carter method. Positional differences were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate. Significant positional differences were observed in both genders. Male pivots were the heaviest (96.44±11.20 kg) and most robust players, exhibiting significantly greater skeletal diameters and limb girths compared with wings, who were the lightest and leanest. Among female players, backs were significantly taller (174.33±5.20 cm) than wings, while goalkeepers demonstrated the highest endomorphic component (5.04±0.95) and the largest thigh girths. A significant effect of playing position on endomorphy was identified in both male (p = 0.006) and female players (p = 0.032). Overall, the results indicate clear position-related morphological tendencies, with notable differences between male and female players.
Keywords
handball, antropometry, somatotypes, athletic performance
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