misinterpretations due to natural day-to-day fl uctuations in body weight, especially in water weight. A baseline weight is one of the fi rst assessment measures taken, but an appropriate weight range cannot be established until information is known about the individual athlete’s height, body build, and body compo- sition, as well as the sport and position played.1,5
BODY COMPOSITION
Body composition assessment is necessary to set an appropriate weight range and to monitor changes in lean body mass and storage fat. An accurate assessment is critical, as explained in Chapter 9. However, the most accurate measures are not readily accessible or aff ordable to most athletes. Many have access to only one method, which will need to be repeated over time to track any changes. Body composition cannot predict success in any sport, but it can aff ect optimal performance.3
Table 11.2
lists the body composition of competitive athletes in some sports as reported in the scientifi c literature.1,5 T ese fi gures are only guidelines and should be used cautiously.
Table 11.2 Estimated Body Composition of Selected Well-Trained Athletes5 Sport
Men Baseball, collegiate Baseball, professional Basketball, professional All positions All positions Centers Forwards Guards Cycling, road, professional Football (American), college (NCAA Division I) Long distance Defensive backs Receivers Quarterbacks Linebackers Defensive linemen Off ensive linemen Ice hockey, elite Judo, national team Rugby, professional Running, elite Forwards and defensemen All weight classes All positions Middle distance Long distance 11.0–17.0 8.5–12.0 9.0–20.0 7.0–14.0 7.0–13.0 7.0–10.0 7.0–14.5 9.0–16.5 14.0–22.0 12.5–23.5 14.5–25.0 18.5–28.5 10.0–11.5 8.5–19.0 9.0–20.0 8.0–16.5 12.0–18.0 Continued on next page Position or Distance % Body Fat