Anthropometric and physical indicators among Jordanian female soccer according to playing position

Abstract

Introduction: Soccer requires specific indicators to help achieve athletic accomplishments, including anthropometric measurements linked to physiological capacities and significantly influencing fitness levels. Objective: This study aimed to explore the anthropometric and physical measurement values among Jordanian female soccer players and to identify differences in these values according to playing position. Methodology: Thirty-two players on the Jordanian women's national soccer team participated in this study. The age, height, and body mass of the participants (mean ± SD) were 21.5 ± 4.1 years, 163.8 ± 6.8 cm, and 56.02 ± 6.7 kg, respectively, were assessed during the competitive (2022-2023) seasons. The study's goals were accomplished by applying means, standard deviations, and One-Way ANOVA analysis to examine the impact of playing position on the dependent variables. Results: The study findings revealed that the average skinfold thickness was (70.28± 3.89) mm, while the midfield players were the tallest compared to other playing positions (1.66± 0.06) m. They also achieved the best time in the Zig Zag test (21± 1.63)s. On the other hand, the forwards achieved the highest level of kicking accuracy and the 30-meter sprint tests (4.68± 0.41) and (31.21±1.67)s, respectively. The results showed a positive correlation between the body mass index and the results in the Illinois test (0.37). Discussion: These findings are primarily aligned with the results of previous studies. Conclusions: Based on the study results, future studies that increase the sample size and include other anthropometric tests and measurements can be conducted.