Effects of Age and Playing Position on Field-Based Physical Fitness Measures in Adolescent Female Netball Players

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of age and playing position, controlling for maturity, on physical fitness indicators in 303 adolescent female netball players aged 12.0 to 15.9 years. Assessments included estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) via the 20 m shuttle run test, 10 m and 20 m sprints, change of direction speed (CODS) using the 505 test, and muscle power via the medicine ball chest throw (MBCT) and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ). Participants were grouped by age (12 to 15 years) and playing position (non-circle and circle players), with age at peak height velocity as a covariate for maturity. Results revealed that, at 15 years, CMJ height was greater than at 12 years and 13 years (p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.048). MBCT distance increased across age groups (p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.323). Age had no impact on sprints, VO2max, or CODS. Non-circle players outperformed circle players in the 10 m sprint (p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.016) and 20 m sprints (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.025) and displayed higher VO2max (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.036). Circle players were taller (p = 0.046, partial η2 = 0.014) and heavier (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.040) than non-circle players. Playing positions showed no differences in CMJ and MBCT. In adolescent female netball players, only muscle power is influenced by age, while non-circle players exhibit superior aerobic fitness and speed compared to circle players. Coaches may be able to utilize the distinct age and playing position traits of adolescent netballers to inform player selection and design targeted training programs.