Relationship between anthropometric characteristics and basketball-specific skills among South African university players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Anthropometric characteristics are commonly considered important determinants of performance in basketball. Variations in body size and composition may influence the execution of fundamental technical skills such as passing, shooting, and dribbling. Despite their practical relevance, the extent to which these characteristics relate to specific skill performance remains of practical interest in university players. This study aimed to examine the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and sport-specific skills among university-level basketball players in South Africa. Materials and Methods. The study included 32 players (18 males and 14 females; mean age 21.71 ± 2.34 years). Selected skills were assessed using the AAHPERD standardized test battery. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests for sex differences, and Pearson correlation coefficients to examine relationships among variables. Results. The results among female players showed that body mass and body fat percentage (BF%) were strongly and negatively correlated with passing (p < 0.01). Females' muscular mass showed a strong negative correlation with shooting (p < 0.01). It also showed moderate negative correlations with left-hand control dribbling and a positive correlation with right-hand control dribbling (p < 0.05). Among male players, body height (p < 0.01) and leg length (p < 0.01) were strongly and negatively associated with passing skill. Males' muscularity was positively correlated with left- and right-hand dribble control time (p < 0.05). Body fat percentage was positively correlated with shooting skill (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between somatotype scores and basketball-specific skills in either group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, for female players, lower body fat percentage and greater height significantly predicted better passing skill (R² = 0.71, p = 0.016). For male players, muscular mass was the only significant predictor (R² = 0.43, p = 0.097). Conclusions. The findings indicate that certain anthropometric characteristics, such as lower body fat percentage and greater muscular mass, may support basketball skill performance. However, overall success depends largely on technical skill proficiency. Skill execution is driven more by correct technique than by body characteristics alone. This highlights the importance of skill-focused training programs designed to enhance neuromuscular development in South African university basketball players.