A Comparative Study of Selected Anthropometric and Motor Fitness Variables of Football Players' Playing Positions

Anthropometric and fitness based analysis often lead to psychophysical assessment of an individual. Aspects related to motor fitness and Anthropometry can aid in the assessment of soccer players and classify them into highly performing and non highly performing individuals. 150 male soccer players of age group 18-25 years from different universities inclusive of those with a good performance record and vice versa in the previous years of their games were considered for this study. These players were classified on the basis of their playing positions using convenient sampling approach (Defenders - 50; Midfield – 40, Forwards – 40 and Goal keepers - 20). These variables were acquired using calibrated standard equipment with the aid of predefined test procedures. The readings obtained were analyzed and statistically assessed with a confidence level of 95% using various approaches. Significant differences were found in these classification with respect to parameters such as height, agility, speed and speed endurance among soccer players of different playing positions. Using this data, a generic equation was framed which could easily aid in the classification of a given player into highly performing and non-highly performing player