An investigation of ability levels peculiar to branches of sports for children with somatotype structures appropriate for playing sports(a case study of ankara province).

The purpose of this study is to guide elementary school students, whose somatotype structures are identified as appropriate for sports, into branches of sports according to their ability levels peculiar to sports. 890 elementary school students (472 boys and 418 girls) studying in Ankara whose somatotype structures are identified as appropriate for branches of sport participated in this study. Mean ages of female and male students are found to be 9.43±0.52 and 9.5±0.56 years, respectively. In order to identify students? physical characteristics, their body weights and heights were measured. Students? motor skills were identified by applying a series of tests including vertical jump, standing long jump, and 20 meter run. Students? body mass index and anaerobic power values are calculated as well. Furthermore, ability test batteries for basketball, handball, volleyball and soccer were used to determine students? ability levels peculiar to sports. These four ability test batteries were administered to all the female (472) and male (418) students and following findings were attained. 188 female and 168 male students in basketball, 149 female and 144 male students in handball, 159 female and 147 male students in volleyball, and 162 female and 182 female students in soccer received very high or high scores. In addition to this, 156 female and 168 male students received intermediate, low or very low scores. In conclusion, it is considered that the students who received very high or high scores in the ability test batteries can be successful in branches of sport that their somatotype structures are appropriate for. The study suggests that by also considering the students? interests and aspirations, school administrations and parents need to be informed to better guide the students into branches of sports in which they can be successful. Key words: child, sport ability, ability assessment, somatotype, branches of sports.