Abstract:
Anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness are the key predictors for
identifying talent in junior volleyball players. However, volleyball players and
coaches in Ethiopia, particularly junior volleyball players in the west Gojjam zone of
Ethiopia were not familiar with these parameters. Hence, the purpose of the study
was to compare whether there exists a significant mean difference between junior
volleyball players in the West Gojjam, Ethiopia and international players with
respect to some selected anthropometric characteristic and physical fitness traits.
Further, examine the relationship between the anthropometrics characteristics and
physical fitness traits of players. In this study, 54 junior (U-19) volleyball players
from three volleyball teams participated in the study. Secondary data were also
obtained from the databases of the world championships 2017 on the official FIVB
website and journals and books. A total of 34 anthropometric variables and six
physical fitness components were selected, measured and tested based on the
procedure set by international society for kin-anthropometry, ISAK procedure, and
copper institute respectively. Independent t- test, one sample t- test, one way ANOVA,
Pearson Product Moment correlation test and multiple linear regression method were
used for analysis and Alpha Value of 0.05 was set for statistical significance. The
results of the study reveal that there were significantly difference between junior
volleyball players at the West Gojjam zone of Ethiopia and international players in
some selected anthropometric characteristic and physical fitness traits (p<.001).
There were significant relationship between most of anthropometric characteristics
and fitness traits of junior volleyball players in the west Gojjam zone of Ethiopia (r >
.275, p<.05). The findings suggest that flexibility of lower back and hummestring
muscles of junior volleyball players were predicted by block reach height, waist girth
and abdominal skin folds at about 39.6 %. Upper body strength of players was
predicted by the stature, flexed & tensed arm girth of players. Anthropometric
characteristics which predict strength of abdominal and hip muscles, speed runs,
agility and explosive power of lower extremities were also identified. Volleyball
coach and related bodies should consider this relationship while identifying talented
players.