Positional differences in anthropometric characteristics of Indian national-level basketball players

Abstract

Research Purpose: This study aimed to identify and interpret the key anthropometric determinants that distinguish national-level Indian basketball players across three positional roles Point Guards (PG), Shooting Guards (SG), and Centers (C). The research sought to establish how specific physical attributes contribute to positional specialization and can serve as objective indicators for talent identification and player classification in elite basketball. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was implemented with 60 male national-level basketball players (20 per position), aged 20-25 years. Anthropometric measurements height, arm span, leg length, and palm span were collected following standardized protocols using a stadiometer and flexible measuring tape. Each measurement was recorded twice, and mean values were used for accuracy. Statistical analyses included One-Way ANOVA and Welch’s test (p