Physical profiles and ability levels of 9-12 years age table tennis players related to their branch

The aims of this study were to describe the motoric skills, visual skills, branch-specific skills, anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of top-level male table tennis players, to compare the first 12 top-level table tennis players with the lower ranked players, and to establish profile chart for total of 112 top-level table tennis players.A total of 112 top-level table tennis players, aged between 9 and 12 years participated in this study. The athletes were divided into three groups, the first 12 (Group A, n=12) and the lower ranked players (Group B, n=47) and (Group C, n=53). In the analysis and comment of the data, Regression Analysis, One Way Variance Analysis (ANOVA) Test were used.Tukey Test was used to determine the difference among the groups. Significant differences were found for motoric skills (agility, speed, long jump, shuttle and vertical jump) and Visual skill (near saccadic) among the groups. There were no significant differences in branch-specific skills, anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype among the groups. A mesomorph ? endomorph somatotype was registered for total of 112 top-level table tennis players. But analysis, taking into account, revealed a balanced ectomorph somatotype for the first 12 players, and a mesomorph - ectomorph somatotype for B group and a mesomorph - endomorph somatotype for C group. Although the influence of anthropometric characteristics on table tennis performance is not clear yet, it seems obvious that a mesomorph - ectomorph predominance can play a decisive role in any sport, On the other hand, high levels of body fat could have a negative effect on sport performance, Analysis, taking into account, revealed agility, speed, long jump, balance, vertical jump, shuttle and near saccadic are useful for table tennis. Regarding to somatotype assessment, balanced ectomorph was the most important component in the first 12 players. In the present study, a greater body fat mass were observed lower ranked players than first 12 players. Although these differences may be the consequence of a normal growth, it is advisable to integrate educational and nutritional strategies in order to maintain an adequate body fat content.Key words: Table Tennis, Anthropometric, Somatotype, Motor Ability, Saccadic