Assessment of Physical Morphology Motor Fitness and Soccer Skill Proficiency in Gorkha National Players

Abstract

Introduction: Soccer performance depends on a combination of physical attributes, motor fitness, and technical skills. Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype influence a player’s agility, endurance, and overall field performance. Understanding players' physical and motor profiles can help coaches design targeted training programs, enhance performance, and identify potential talent. Although more Gorkha athletes are becoming interested in soccer, there hasn’t been much research on their body measurements, fitness levels, or playing skills. The primary objective of the study was to assess the morphological characteristics, motor fitness, and soccer skills of Gorkha national soccer players. Method: The study included 100 male national-level Gorkha soccer players aged 18–30 years. Anthropometric data, including height, weight, skinfold thickness, girths, and skeletal breadths, were collected according to ISAK Level-1 protocols, and somatotypes were calculated using the Heath-Carter method. Motor fitness was evaluated using standardized tests for speed (50 m dash), agility (shuttle run), explosive leg strength (vertical jump), cardiovascular endurance (1000 m run/walk), and strength endurance (sit-ups). Soccer skills specifically dribbling, passing, and shooting—were assessed using the Mor-Christian General Soccer Ability Test Battery. Results: The participants had a mean height of 166.16 ± 4.36 cm and a mean weight of 59.52 ± 5.98 kg. The predominant somatotype was Ectomorphic Mesomorph, accounting for 57% of the players, with mean components of Endomorphy (2.02), Mesomorphy (4.18), and Ectomorphy (2.79). In terms of motor fitness, cardiovascular endurance exhibited the highest variability among participants (Mean: 31.41 ± 10.77), while strength endurance was the most consistent. Regarding soccer skills, dribbling and passing performances were relatively uniform, whereas shooting ability showed significant individual variability (Mean: 20.72 ± 10.83). Conclusion: The study establishes essential reference values for the anthropometry, motor fitness, and soccer skills of national-level Gorkha players. The findings suggest that while these players possess specific morphological traits suitable for the sport, coaches should design targeted training programs to improve areas with high variability, particularly cardiovascular endurance and shooting ability.