PhysiqueSomatotype Objectives Consider the link between body type

Physique/Somatotype Objectives • Consider the link between body type and somatotype • Consider the three types of somatotype that exist • Consider the most suitable body type for a role or position in a particular sport.

• Physique (the form, size and development of a • • person’s body) is closely linked to body type. It is something that you are born with and develops naturally. It is determined genetically. Therefore you have little control over it. Body shape, composition and musculature can be improved but you cannot make drastic changes such as increasing your height or your basic bone structure. Body composition: the %age of body weight that is fat, muscle and bone. Musculature: the system or arrangement of muscles on the body.

• People come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Body type or physique can greatly affect performance in different activities. • Body type is also known as somatotype which was identified by an American called William Sheldon. • There are three types of extreme Somatotype: - Ectomorph Mesomorph Endomorph Somatotypes: different body types based on shape, most commonly ectomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph.

• Your somatotype may mean you are more suited a certain sport or activity than others. • Some activities will be more difficult with little chance of success.

ECTOMORPH Ectomorphs have the following characteristics: Long, slender and thin Very little muscle or body fat Narrow hips and shoulders Thin legs and arms A narrow chest and abdomen Thin face and high forehead

Ectomorph • Owing to their slight build they are not suited to power events but can succeed at endurance events and gymnastics where their slight frame is an advantage.

Mesomorphs have the following characteristics: Very little body fat A muscular body Broad shoulders and narrow hips A large head Strong forearms and thighs

Mesomorph • An extreme mesomorph can excel in speed, agility and strength sports as well as being suited to swimming. • Their body type makes them suitable for most sports at a high level.

Endomorphs have the following characteristics: Pear shaped body A lot of body fat A lot of fat on the upper arms and thighs Wide hips and narrow shoulders Fairly slim wrists and ankles Short legs in relation to their trunks.

Endomorph • Endomorphs will have difficulty in weight bearing aerobic exercises such as distance running but in sports such as rugby, their bulk will have an advantage in certain playing positions such as pack members in the scrum. • Trunk: the middle part of your body (midsection)

So which is which? ?

Which somatotype? • All performers are made up of elements of these three extreme somatotypes. • Most people have a mixture of mesomorphic, endomorphic and ectomorphic characteristics. • A person’s somatotype can be graded using a scoring system. They are given 3 scores between 1 and 7, according to how well they conform to each of the extreme somatotypes. • 1 is a low score, 7 is a high score. For example: 1, 7, 2 Low endomorph High mesomorph Low ectomorph

Which Somatotype? • Everyone is a mixture of all three basic body types, with most ratings 3 4 4 or 3 5 2 or close to that. • Your somatotype could be well suited to a particular sport or you could be particularly unsuited to another!!! • It makes sense for you to identify this early in the sport rather than having to keep trying to overcome the limitations of your body.

Potential! • In the 1990’s the Australians ran national programme called Sport Search. All schoolchildren were measured and their somatotypes and levels of fitness were matched to certain sports. • In the past much of eastern Europe ran similar programmes and often very young children were taken to sports camps and trained in the sports which their somatotypes suggested that they could excel in.

• Examples of this would be female extreme ectomorphs would be trained as gymnasts – why? • Extreme endomorphs would be suited to weightlifting so they would be put on a training regime to bulk up muscle. • Extreme mesomorphs would be well suited to swimming or basketball or high jump – all top performers in these sports are over 6 feet tall

Mesomorph Most sports favour the strong, muscular limbs and low body fat of the mesomorphic shape. The American swimmer, Michael Phelps, has a classic mesomorphic body shape. © EMPICS Ltd The mesomorphic shape is the most common body shape among elite performers.

• So does Rebecca Adlington • Now try to name 2 men and 2 women who are also mesomorphs

• There are of course lots of sports where you can succeed whatever your somatotype and also it is worth remembering that some aspects of your body type can change as you grow and develop – such as height and weight. • Your true somatotype will not be established until you are fully grown.

Somatotypes in sport Certain somatotypes tend to be found in certain sports. The ideal somatotype for a performer will depend on their sport or event. In some cases, the position that they play in a particular sport might also be important. Consider, for example, the various body sizes and shapes in a rugby team.

Somatotypes in sport

Key Terms • Body composition: the %age of body weight • • • that is fat, muscle and bone. Musculature: the system or arrangement of muscles on the body. Somatotypes: different body types based on shape, most commonly ectomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph. Trunk: the middle part of your body (midsection)

Examiner’s Tip! You not only need to know categories of somatotypes but you also need to know specifically how a particular body type could affect the choice of and its suitability for a particular event or activity.