ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN WOMEN PLAYERS OF NETBALL AND HANDBALL

Abstract

The present study investigates and compares the physical fitness components and anthropometric characteristics of women athletes participating in netball and handball. A total of 60 female players (30 netball and 30 handball), aged 19–25 years, were randomly selected from various colleges affiliated with Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women University, Vijayapura, Karnataka State, India. Key anthropometric parameters, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage, along with physical fitness variables such as agility, speed, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, were assessed using standardized procedures. The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Netball players exhibited superior agility and flexibility, whereas handball players demonstrated greater muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. These results underscore the sport-specific physical demands and provide critical insights for coaches, trainers, and sports scientists in developing targeted conditioning programs and effective talent identification strategies for female athletes.