Body composition and physical performance measures in elite female football players: differences across playing positions and associations with kicking velocity and curve sprint performance

Abstract

This study aimed to: i) analyze the differences in anthropometric, body composition, physical, and technical parameters in elite female football players across distinct playing positions; ii) examine the correlations between kicking velocity (KV) and physical performance, and the relationships between linear sprint and curve sprint (CS) times. Twenty-six female players (n = 26, age: 27 ± 4 years) of an elite football team completed the following assessments: anthropometric, body-composition, squat one-repetition maximum (1RM), 30-m linear sprint, 17-m CS, vertical jump, endurance, and KV measurements. In terms of body composition, only muscle mass was significantly different (P = 0.046) in favor of forwards compared to midfielders. Regarding physical performance, overall, jump and sprint capacities were superior in defenders and forwards compared to midfielders (P < 0.05). Linear and CS times (P < 0.05, r = −0.450 to −0.573) and load at 1 m · s−1 in the squat (P < 0.05, r = 0.508) were significantly correlated to KV. Lastly, moderate to strong correlations were observed between linear and CS times (r = 0.396 to 0.916). In conclusion, in this international team, physical performance was higher for defenders and forwards compared to midfielders, especially in terms of sprint and jump abilities. Additionally, significant relationships were detected between strength- and speed-related qualities and KV.