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Abstract: Oddsson, HR, Friðgeirsdóttir, KÝ, Hafliðadóttir, L, Einarsson, IÞ, Kristjánsdóttir, H, and Saavedra, JM. Differences in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed in young football players according to performance level, playing position, and relative age effect: a population-based study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the differences, both in male and female players, in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed based on the players' level and position on the field; (b) whether there is a relative age effect based on the players' level, and (c) whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect and the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed parameters. Eight hundred twenty-six football players (15.76 ± 2.60 year old, 75.7% male) participated in the study. Players were grouped into elite and nonelite, as well as based on their field position and birth quartile. Nonparametric tests were used to study differences by level and by position or trimesters. Chi-square goodness of fit analysis was performed to know the association between elite and nonelite players regarding the relative age effect. Physical fitness parameters and kicking speed were higher in elite players than in nonelite players (5.834 ≥χ2 ≤ 48.079; p < 0.001). There were differences in anthropometric and physical fitness parameters and kicking speed depending on the player's position: goalkeeper vs. outfield players (7.648 ≥χ2 ≤ 26.078; p < 0.001) except in jump tests. There was a relative age effect in elite male players (χ2 = 26.313; p < 0.001) but not in female players, and it was related to anthropometric and physical fitness parameters. This population-based study offers insights into the variables that differentiate elite from nonelite players at young ages, with differences in the relative age effect between male and female players, which can be used by coaches to identify key performance variables., (Copyright © 2024 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Saavedra, JM, Kristjánsdóttir, H, Einarsson, IÞ, Guðmundsdóttir, ML, Þorgeirsson, S, and Stefansson, A. Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, and throwing velocity in elite women's handball teams. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2294-2301, 2018-The aims of this study were (a) to analyze anthropometric, physical fitness, and throwing speed in women elite handball players of different ages and (b) to develop a multivariate model explaining handball performance from a multidimensional perspective. Eighty women handball players (18.2 ± 4.0 years in age) from national team selections participated in the study. The players belonged to A Team, under-19, under-17, and under-15 national teams. All were evaluated by basic anthropometry, physical fitness tests, and handball throwing speed. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to establish the differences between teams with a Bonferroni post hoc test. For each team, a discriminant analysis was performed to determine the predictor variables of performance. Pearson's simple correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the variables. The results of this particular study showed that (a) between the A Team and the U19 team, there were only differences in mass, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and yo-yo test, (b) the A Team and U19 predictive models correctly classified 76 and 90% of the samples, respectively, with the variables involved being mass and body mass index (A Team) and 30-m sprint and 7-m throwing speed (U19 team), and (c) the 7- and 9-m throwing speeds were correlated with each other and with stature, mass, CMJ, and medicine ball throw (0.367 ≤ r ≤ 0.533; 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05). These results could help improve coaches' knowledge of elite female teams, in particular, in the country where the study was conducted and in others of similar characteristics.