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Archive > Year 2012, Number 4

Physiological profile of national-level junior American football players in Australia


Authors

Lockie Robert, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science & IT, University of Newcastle

Abstract

This study profiled National-level junior American football players from Australia. 36 subjects (age: 16.6 ± 0.8 years; mass: 81.8 ± 20.6 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.07 m), comprising: three quarterbacks (QB); three running backs (RB); seven wide receivers (WR); three tight ends (TE); six linebackers (LB); seven defensive backs (DB); and seven linemen (offensive and defensive – LM), were tested. Measurements included height; mass; 40-yard sprint; vertical jump; pro-agility shuttle; standing broad jump; three-cone drill; and backwards overhead medicine ball throw. Means were calculated by position, and positions were grouped as offensive backfield (OBF: QB, RB, WR, TE), defensive backfield (DBF: LB, DB) and LM. A 1-way analysis of variance found significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between position groups. Data were also compared to normative values. LM were bigger, and did not perform as well in the tests. OBF and DBF players were superior in speed (40-yard sprint: LM = 5.78 ± 0.55 s; OBF = 5.07 ± 0.27 s; DBF = 5.14 ± 0.23 s), agility (pro-agility shuttle: LM = 5.74 ± 0.41 s; OBF = 4.63 ± 0.29 s; DBF = 4.63 ± 0.17 s), and power (vertical jump: LM = 0.40 ± 0.08 m; OBF = 0.56 ± 0.09 m; DBF = 0.53 ± 0.09 m). Australian players tended to be smaller and scored lower in the tests, when compared to similar-aged American players. Australian RB were comparable to American RB in speed and agility. To prepare for college football, Australian players must increase mass, speed, and power.

Keywords

Gridiron, high school athletes, physical testing, speed and agility, power

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