There are many components of fitness that are important for success for hockey players. One of these would be body size and composition - anthropometry.

The athleticism in international hockey players has improved greatly over the past 10 – 20 years following the increase in physiological demands of the game and improvements in training (Lythe and Kilding, 2011). The higher levels of athleticism have implications for physique requirements for successful players. However, data that has been published show a large diversity in the physique of athletes who play field hockey (Podgorski and Pawlak, 2011).

Morphoanthropometric analysis of athletes differs according to playing position (Calo et al. 2009, Scott, 1991). Male players appear to be ecto-mesomorphic in comparison with females' more endo-mesomorphic physique (Scott 1991), with goalkeepers and backs (defensive players) having the highest endomorphic ratings (Reilly & Borrie 1992). A negative correlation has been seen between ectomorphy and sustained hockey skill accuracy, showing a disadvantage to a linear physique (Reilly and Bretherton 1986). (see about measuring somatotype)

feet of hockey players body size and shape is important for field hockey

Anthropometric Tests

  • Height — being taller and with a larger arm reach would be considered advantageous, giving the players a longer reach in tackles and reaching the ball. Taller longer legged players may correlate with greater running speed, while smaller players, with a lower center of gravity may be more agile.
  • Arm span - a longer arm reach would be an advantage for players, giving them greater reach in tackles and for reaching for the loose ball, and even more advantageous for goal-keepers.
  • Body weight - measuring body mass is a simple measure that can monitor changes in body fat, though any potential changes in muscle mass need to be accounted for.
  • Skinfolds - Excess body fat would affect the hockey player's ability to move freely around the field, and the extra weight will increase fatigue. Body fat is often measured using the skinfold method, using either the sum of a certain number of sites, or using equations to convert the skinfold measures to a percentage body fat level. There are also other methods to more directly measure body fat levels.
  • Girths — the measurement of girth can be used to supplement the weight and skinfold measures, to monitor changes in body shape.