Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Basketball Players Aged 12, 13 and 14

Anthropometric characteristics, encompassing body dimensions and composition, are crucial for assessing athletes' physical readiness and performance, with certain traits often linked to success in specific sports.This study aimed to describe and compare the anthropometric profiles of elite basketball players aged 12, 13, and 14 years.A total of 108 young athletes were evaluated and divided into three groups: G1 (age 14, N=37), G2 (age 13, N=28), and G3 (age 12, N=43).Twenty anthropometric parameters were measured, including six lengths, two breadths, five circumferences, body mass, and six skinfolds.Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, ANOVA with LSD post hoc tests, and normality checks.Findings revealed that body lengths, breadths, circumferences, and mass were highest in the 14-year-old group, whereas skinfold thickness values peaked among the youngest players.Growth in height was more pronounced than increases in body mass in G1 and G2 compared with G3.Breadths demonstrated a slower growth trend, while subcutaneous fat tissue values generally remained within average ranges, showing a slight decrease with age.All longitudinal dimensions were more evident in older groups, with the most pronounced developmental increase occurring between ages 13 and 14.These results indicate significant differences in anthropometric characteristics across the studied age groups, particularly regarding stature and arm span.Such traits, strongly associated with basketball performance, highlight the importance of incorporating anthropometric assessment into the early selection process of preadolescent athletes, as they represent key predictors of success during this critical stage of athletic development.