Somato-physiological profile of under-17 female futsal players

The somato-physiological characterization in sport is an essential tool to assist the elaboration of the training planning. Therefore, the present study aimed to (a) characterize the somatotype and physiological profile in young female futsal players, (b) provide a comparison between playing positions, and (c) test associations between dependent measures. Eighteen Brazil state-level players from the under-17 category participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements (body mass, height and somatotype determination), aerobic fitness (multistage 20 m shuttle run test) and the ability to perform repetitive sprints (Running Anaerobic Sprint Test) were assessed. These procedures were divided into two 24 h apart sessions. A Bayesian statistical approach was adopted. The results indicated the predominance of the endo-ectomorph somatotype for players and a negative and moderate correlation between body fat and maximum rate of oxygen (VO 2MAX ) (r = -.54; BF 10 = 3.34). Despite the association between a high percentage of body fat and poor performance, the physiological profile presented by the athletes seems to be enough for futsal demands (VO 2MAX : 34.73 ml.kg -1 .min - ; maximum power: 371.16 W; and maximum speed: 21.1 km.h -1 ). Interestingly, participants presented a homogeneous somatotype and physiological profile across playing positions.