Somato type on Sprinting and Jumping Performance in Handball Youth Project Trainees

Abstract

Background: Sprinting and jumping are crucial components of handball performance, and somatotype is believed to influence these qualities. Evidence on this relationship in youth handball trainees, particularly in Ethiopia, remains limited. Aim: To examine how somatotype components relate to sprinting and jumping performance in Under-17 male handball trainees. Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was used with 22 trainees selected through census sampling from the Bahir Dar University Sport Academy youth projects. Somatotype was assessed using the Heath–Carter method. Performance was measured with a 30-meter sprint, vertical jump, and standing long jump. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression with a significance level of p < .05. Results: Endomorphy was associated with slower sprint times, r(20) = .52, p = .01, and lower vertical, r(20) = –.46, p = .03, and standing long jump performance, r(20) = –.49, p = .02. Mesomorphy correlated with faster sprinting, r(20) = –.60, p = .003, and higher vertical, r(20) = .58, p = .005, and long jump scores, r(20) = .62, p = .002. ANOVA showed significant differences between somatotype-dominant groups for sprinting, F(2,19) = 12.45, p = .001; vertical jump, F(2,19) = 10.13, p = .001; and long jump, F(2,19) = 8.74, p = .001. Regression models explained 63–68% of the variance in performance, with mesomorphy emerging as the strongest predictor (p < .05). Conclusion:Mesomorphy contributes positively to sprint and jump performance in youth handball players, while higher endomorphyhinders these qualities. Ectomorphy showed no meaningful influence. Somatotype may be a useful tool for training design and talent identification in youth handball programs.