Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Indian National Football Players

Abstract

Background: No profiling studies have been done on the Elite Indian Football players. The purpose of the study was to study the physical and physiological characteristics of Elite Indian Football Players. Methods: In order to explore the physical and physiological characteristics of elite Indian football players and compare these results according to playing positions 28 current and past Indian under/22 years national players (height 1.73 ± 0.03 m; body mass 71.8 ± 2.5 kg; age 25.1 ± 1.1 years) underwent a series of anthropometric, physical and physiological assessments including skinfold assessment, isokinetic knee extensors and flexors strength, vertical jump, maximal ball kick velocity, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Illinois agility test, and sprint performance. Results: Positional differences influenced results. Body fat was lowest (16.0 ± 0.7%) for forwards (p < 0.01) who were also most agile. Midfielders were strongest (p < 0.01) and the most aerobically fit players (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between isometric strength and jumping performance (r = 0.37) and kicking velocity (r = 0.43) were found. Body fat was well correlated to agility (r = 0.70), dynamic knee flexion (r = 0.78) and extension (r = 0.76) strength, and maximal ball kick velocity (r = 0.42). Conclusion: Position specific characteristics appear to exist and need to be considered for training purposes. However, results suggest that currently Indian players are not meeting physical and physiological standards expected for professional international footballers.