Purpose. The aim of this paper is to show the morphological diversification of field hockey players from the national teams of China, Malaysia, Poland, and Switzerland. Basic procedures. The anthropomorphical measurements were taken in the group of field hockey players representing China, Poland, Malaysia, and Switzerland. In order to compare the analyzed characteristics the mean values were normalized and presented on the charts. Then the typological differentiation of the competitors was conducted, according to Heath and Carter`s system. Main findings. (1) In comparison with non-practicing population the field hockey players were shorter, slimmer and their skeletons were much heavier. (2) Secondly, the body build of individual competitors was assessed. Body height and body mass of European and Asian competitors differed significantly. Moreover, the Chinese competitors - the best in the championships - were characterized not only by the lowest body height and body mass, but also by the most massive skeleton. (3) The given information about body build describes the players` somatotypes. Although, all the groups under study had mesomorphic body build, the Chinese representatives had the highest values of that characteristic. The Swiss representatives, who were the last, had the lowest values of the analyzed characteristic. Conclusions. The differences in the morphological characteristics of individual teams refer to their final position in the ranking. This suggests that the morphological factor is one of the determinants which facilitate the selection process and success in sport. Therefore, the properly realized training process should be supported by many specialists, including anthropologists.
© Copyright 2007 Human Movement. Termedia Publishing House. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.