Physical and Performance Characteristics of Successful High School Football Players

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the performance and physiologic characteristics of a "suc cessful" American high school football team, and to compare the present values with values reported for other groups of high school, college, and professional players. For descripti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of sports medicine 1994-11, Vol.22 (6), p.859-862
Main Authors: Williford, Henry N., Kirkpatrick, Jane, Scharff-Olson, Michele, Blessing, Daniel L., Nai Zhen Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipose Tissue
Adolescent
Athletes
Biological and medical sciences
Body Height
Body Weight
Football - physiology
Football players
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
High school football
High school students
Humans
Linemen (Football)
Medical research
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Oxygen Consumption
Physiological aspects
Running backs (Football)
School sports
Sports medicine
Sports training
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
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Summary:The purpose of this investigation was to determine the performance and physiologic characteristics of a "suc cessful" American high school football team, and to compare the present values with values reported for other groups of high school, college, and professional players. For descriptive purposes, players were divided into two groups: backs (N = 8) and linemen (N = 10). Maximal aerobic power (VO 2 max) was determined from a maximal treadmill test, and body composition was evaluated by hydrostatic weighing. Maximal strength values were evaluated by one-repetition maximum bench press and squat test; the sit-and-reach test was used to measure flexibility. Speed and power were evaluated by a vertical jump and a 36.6-meter sprint. Results indicate that compared with other groups of col lege and professional players, as the level of compe tition increases so do height, weight, and fat-free weight of the players. Similar maximum oxygen consumption values were found for the present group when com pared with other groups of these players. From the strength and power standpoint, football players at all levels are becoming stronger. Incorporation of strength training programs has greatly improved strength and performance profiles of football players at all levels of competition.
ISSN:0363-5465
1552-3365
DOI:10.1177/036354659402200621