Somatotype as a Predictor of Physical Fitness in Young Male Football Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship and predictive value of somatotype components for selected indicators of physical fitness in adolescent male soccer players. A sample of 110 boys aged 13-15 years, engaged in structured training, was included. Somatotype was determined using the Heath–Carter method (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy). Physical fitness was assessed through agility (zig-zag test), muscular endurance (trunk lifts in 30 seconds), explosive strength (standing long jump), sprint speed (10 m, 20 m, 30 m), and aerobic capacity (Leger test). Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression (OLS) were applied. Mesomorphy showed a strong positive association with abdominal endurance (β=0.555; p<0.001) and negative correlations with sprint time at 10 m (r=-0.329; p<0.01) and 30 m (r=-0.258; p<0.05). Ectomorphy was associated with slower sprint times, particularly at 10 m (r=0.418; p<0.01), while endomorphy was negatively related to explosive strength (r=-0.296; p<0.01) and aerobic capacity (β=-0.228; p=0.013). The regression models accounted for 6.9%–21.1% of the variance in the performance tests. Somatotype components are significant predictors of specific physical fitness attributes in adolescent soccer players. Integrating somatotype assessment into training programs may support more effective individualization of training and talent identification.