Introduction: Volleyball has become one of the most widely played participant sports in the world (Tillman, 2004). Participation requires expertise in many physical skills and performance is often dependent on an individual's ability for controlled movement during the game. Regular exercise is necessary to develop and maintain an optimal level of health, improve posture performance and appearance. Anthropometry with training is able to fulfill most of these criteria and is the most widely used method of physique assessment in sports science. However, questions remain about the benefits that fitness and anthropometric profiles can elicit from volleyball training responses in elite and novice levels volleyball male players. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the anthropometric profile, and physical fitness elements to establish performance standards for these athletes. Methods The study group included 15 elite volleyball male players. Player profiles included: history of training (8.41± 1.88 years), age (17.41± 0.4017 yr), height (186.91± 3.55 cm),weight (79.16 ±5.04 cm), body mass index (B.M.I) (22.63 ± 0.84 kg/m2) compared with 15 novice volleyball male players, history of training, (2.91 ± 1.37 yr), age (17.75 ± 0.398 yr), Ht (179.66 ± 3.02 cm), wt (77.75 ± 4.9 kg), (B.M.I) (24.08 ± 1.44 Kg/m2). All athletes were members of a competitive volleyball team at the Alexandria Club. All athletes underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass index (B.M.I), body surface area, height, weight, body muscular-Power (overhead medicine ball throw), speed (20 m run), agility, fitness test and maximal aerobic power (Harvard step test). Other measures included: isometric hand grip, sit-ups, push-up test and calf, chest, girth. Results / Discussion Elite and novice players showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for all variables measured. The findings could be used for the selection of volleyball players. These results indicate the value for sports scientists and conditioning coaches to take the anthropometric measurements into account when designing individualized specific training programmes, Coaches should train these qualities to improve the playing performance of volleyball players.
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