Positional difference in selected Anthropometric characteristics among Soccer players of North-East: A quantitative approach

Abstract

Anthropometric characteristics play a critical role in determining positional suitability and performance efficiency in soccer. The present study examined positional differences in selected anthropometric variables among inter-university male soccer players from the North-Eastern region of India. A total of ninety players aged 18-23 years, who participated in the All India Inter-University East Zone Football Tournament 2024, were selected as subjects. Based on their playing positions, the participants were classified into goalkeepers (n = 15), midfielders (n = 40), and forwards (n = 35). Standardized procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) were followed to measure height, body weight, arm length, leg length, chest girth, and calf girth. Descriptive statistics were computed to determine mean and standard deviation, and one-way analysis of variance was applied to assess positional differences, with the level of significance set at 0.05. The results revealed that goalkeepers exhibited greater height and body weight compared to midfielders and forwards. Significant positional differences were observed in arm length, leg length, and chest girth. Goalkeepers demonstrated significantly longer arm and leg lengths than forwards, while midfielders showed intermediate values. Chest girth differed significantly across all playing positions, with goalkeepers recording the highest values, followed by midfielders and forwards. In contrast, no significant difference was found in calf girth among the three positional groups. The findings indicate that soccer players from the North-Eastern region display distinct anthropometric profiles according to playing position. These positional differences highlight the importance of anthropometric assessment in talent identification, positional assignment, and the design of position-specific training programs in university-level soccer.