Somatotype profiles of Slovak and Saudi Arabian male soccer players according to playing positions

Abstract

Morphological configuration of the human body is influenced by many factors. In addition to genetic, they are also environmental factors and cultural differences. The aim of this study is to compare the morphological configuration of men´s body of Slovak and Saudi Arabian soccer players and find out the differences between soccer players, depending on the playing positions. The study sample consisted of 50 Slovak soccer players aged 19 - 26 years (21.28 ± 1.46), includes 18 defenders, 13 forwards, 6 goalkeepers and 13 midfielders and 50 Saudi Arabian soccer players aged 18 - 25 years (20.12 ± 1.77), includes 16 defenders, 20 forwards, 4 goalkeepers and 10 midfielders. We used the Heath-Carter method that categorizing people into 13 groups according to dominant physical component. The results indicated that soccer players are different according to playing positions. Slovak defenders and forwards were balanced mesomorph, Slovak goalkeepers were endomorphic mesomorph and central type was dominant for Slovak midfielders. For almost all Saudi Arabian soccer players were dominant mesomorph-endomorph, with the exception of the defenders who were endomorphic mesomorph. On average, the dominant somatotype of Slovak soccer players was balanced mesomorph (2-8,4-1,2-4), of Saudi Arabian soccer players mesomorph-endomorph (3-8,4-3,1-4). It seems that the somatotype of soccer players varies depending on the country as well as the playing positions. Therefore, it is necessary to examine anthropometry also with regard to geographical and cultural differences. In addition, regular evaluation of the soccer player's somatotype can help coaches implement exercise elements that increase sports performance. Keywords: anthropometry, body height, body weight, BMI, playing positions