The aim of this study was to analyze the somatotypes of top young race walkers in Europe. For the analysis of their somatotype, the Heath-Carter method was used.  By applying digital anthropometry and computer programs, the somatotypes of 44 participants aged 15 to 17, sports walkers of both genders (21 boys and 23 girls), were determined. Based on the analysis, extensive data were obtained on the somatotype of top young race walkers, where a large number of groups emerged. Among the boys, there are three groups of somatotypes: ectomorph-mesomorph (1.8-6.7-4.1), mesomorph-ectomorph (1.4-4.2-5.6) and mesomorph-ectomorph (1.7-5.1-5.1). The results showed that as many as 7 different groups of somatotypes can be found among the girls: endomorph-mesomorph (4.5-7.9-2.4), ectomorph-mesomorph (3.5-6.4-4.3), central (3.1-3.7-4.0), balanced mesomorph (3.5-6.0-3.6), balanced ectomorph (2.7-1.6-6.4), mesomorph-ectomorph (3.3-5.0-4.7), mesomorph-ectomorph (2.7-4.4-5.2). The analyzed somatotypes of top young race walkers indicate the considerable heterogeneity of the group of participants. The intermediate somatotype among the males is defined as ectomorph-mesomorph (1.7-6.1-4.5), whereas the intermediate somatotype among the females is defined as a central somatotype (3.5-5.5-4.0).

Anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities are the most influential factors for the achievement of top sports results. The sample of participants consisted of elite female handball players (n = 19, mean age: 27.67 years ± 6 months), the members of the Serbian senior national team. In this research, their body constitution, i.e. their somatotype was studied. The somatotype was determined according to the methodology of Heath-Carter, using the computer software Somatotype 1.2. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using Statistics v.10. The prevailing somatotype among the female handball players in all positions is the mesomorph somatotype. The obtained results are consistent with the aforementioned characteristics of the mesomorph type conditioned by the specific requirements of the game of handball. Each handball player developed their own musculature and strengthened their skeletal-joint system owing to the contact game and the movements that handball requires.

The aim of this research was to define the optimal kinematic parameters of performance of the Clear hip circle to handstand on uneven bars (KOVT). The optimal kinematic model defined in this case study represents an example of the successful performance of the Clear hip circle to handstand on the uneven bars. The exercise was performed at the 39th and 40th World Cup in Artistic gymnastics in Maribor (SLO). The kinematic parameters were specified by the APAS 3-D video system (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA), using 16 anthropometric reference points and 8 body segments (Foot, Ankle, Knee joint, Hip joint, Wrist, Elbow joint, Shoulder joint and Head), in which one of the points represents the center of gravity of the body. The female gymnasts (N=15), mean age 17.5 yrs, who performed one Clear hip circle on the uneven bars performed two KOVTs in their gymnastics routine, while the rest performed one KOVT on the uneven bars, mean age 17.5. The main method in this research was kinematic, and the additional one was statistical. Optimizing the technique of successful performance of the KOVT is important for detecting different styles of the technique that occur in female gymnasts.

This study purpose was to determine the level of motor competence and differences in motor skills of preschool girls aged 5 to 7 from Serbia according to participation in organized physical activities.  Materials and methods. Ninety-one girls aged 5-7 years (mean  ± 6.4) were divided into three subsamples: control group, rhythmic gymnastics and sports school. Girls were assessed with the MABC-2 test. Descriptive statistics analyzed the basic characteristics of participants according to the level of motor competence. Furthermore, Pearson’s χ2 test for contingency tables, MANOVA and discriminant analysis were employed to find differences in motor proficiency among groups.  Results. Significant differences have been found in girls attending rhythmic gymnastics in aiming & catching on the upper bound of moderate effect size (p < 0.001, η2 = 139), and total test score moderate effect size (p = 0.006, η2 = 0.105) compared to girls who did not participate in organized physical activity. The discrimination coefficient explained the differences in girls in aiming and catching, with a contribution of 41.4%, balance skills with 24%, and a total test score of 22.9%. According to the level of motor competence, 61% from the control group and 40% from the sports school group scored below average in aiming & catching. The total test score of ≥ 50 percentile was achieved by 68.3% of girls in the control group, 84% in the sports school group, and 96% in rhythmic gymnastics.  Conclusion. This study confirms that sports practice contributes to the development of motor capabilities and influences individual differences in children’s scores. Our findings can contribute to understanding how important it is to promote object control skills games for girls and older preschoolers generally.

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