engleski

Age differences among the Croatian female young pivots in the indicators of basic and handball-specific physical fitness

PURPOSE: The aim of the research was to determine and analyse differences among the Croatian female pivots of a younger-cadet, cadet and junior age (U14, U16, U18) in several basic and handball-specific physical fitness indicators. METHODS: The sample of 23 participants, female circle runners or pivots was drawn out of the population of members of the Croatian handball clubs recognized as promising players within their respective age group. Eighteen tests, defining four latent dimensions: agility, power, dynamic strength and flexibility, were chosen to assess basic and handball-specific motor abilities of the young pivots. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to establish global and individual differences among the age groups. RESULTS: The significant global age differences were established in three variables: at the level of p<0.01, in two variables assessing power of throwing and dynamic relative strength of arms, and at the level of p<0.05 in the variable assessing dynamic relative strength of the legs. Significant differences were established only between junior and younger cadet pivots since no significant difference was observed between cadets and younger cadets. Only one variable differed junior pivots from their cadet colleagues (p=0.01): bench press with 50% BW (MRSBP5). CONCLUSIONS: The significant global age differences were obtained only in the three indicators of arm and leg strength (explosive and dynamic), 161 primarily due to the differences between juniors and younger cadets. The differences originated from different growth and maturation stages.

female young pivots ; Croatian ; physical fitness ; age differences

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