Anthropometric Profiles and Somatotypes of Female Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Players

The aim was to compare anthropometric profiles, body composition, and somatotypes of female volleyball players grouped according to player status (National League Divisions) and function. The study assessed 62 volleyball players and 12 beach volleyball players (mean age, 23.58, s = 7.74 years). Anthropometric measures included height, body mass, body circumferences and diameters, adipose skinfold thickness. Data processing using a dietetic software package provided body mass index, fat mass percentage, arm muscular area, thigh muscular area, and somatotype. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 22. Division B volleyball players were taller than those in Division C (169.19, s = 6.68 cm vs. 165.40, s = 6.19 cm; P < 0.05), but showed lower arm muscular area (34.77, s = 3.57 cm2 vs. 40.06, s = 7.27 cm2; p < 0.05) and mesomorphy (3.40, s = 1.21 vs. 4.84, s = 2.10; P < 0.05). For player functions, blockers were the tallest (172.38, s = 4.18 cm; P < 0.05) and showed the highest ectomorphy (3.08, s = 1.02; P < 0.05), setters showed the highest fat mass percentage (26.38 %, s = 2.99 %: P < 0.05), and 'liberos' showed a more compact mesomorphy (5.46, s = 2.13) and low ectomorphy (1.58, s = 0.90). The anthropometric data showed few significant differences between the volleyball Divisions, suggesting that promotion up the Divisions is due to technical ability rather than physical qualities. The anthropometric profiles of the players varied according to their functions within their volleyball team.