Differences in fitness level and morphological characteristics between female volleyball players of different team status

The aim of this research was twofold. First, we tried to investigate the possible differences in fitness level and morphological characteristics between the group of starters and the group of substitutes. Second, we tried to develop a model of the top-level female volleyball player according to the playing position. Thirty-nine female volleyball players, members of senior and junior national teams, were assessed using fourteen tests (ten tests were used for the fitness level assessment and four tests were used for the assessment of morphological characteristics). Student's t-test for independent samples was employed to inspect possible differences among groups. Significant differences (p < 0,05) were detected for the following variables: body height (TV), standing reach height in block (BLDOHVAT) and standing reach height in spike (SMDOHVAT), block reach (SKBLOK) and spike reach (SKSMEE). We can conclude that starters achieved notably higher results in variables describing the longitudinal body dimensions as well as the explosive strength (jumping performance). The results of one player (setter) were chosen for the purpose of defining the model values in the observed variables as this player was proclaimed as being the best in his playing position at important international competitions.