Influence of Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Fitness Variables on Basketball Performance: A Review of Contemporary Scientific Evidence

Abstract

Basketball is one of the most physically demanding and technically complex team sports, requiring the integration of anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness, technical skills, tactical intelligence and psychological preparedness. This review examines the influence of anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness variables on basketball performance, with particular emphasis on adolescent and Under-17 athletes. Anthropometric factors such as height, arm span, leg length, body mass, body composition and muscular girths provide structural advantages that influence shooting, rebounding, defensive coverage and movement efficiency. Similarly, physical fitness components including speed, agility, muscular strength, explosive power, endurance, flexibility, coordination and reaction time determine an athlete’s ability to execute basketball-specific skills effectively during high-intensity competition. The review synthesizes current scientific literature demonstrating that neither anthropometric characteristics nor physical fitness alone can accurately predict basketball performance; rather, their interaction plays a decisive role in competitive success. Furthermore, adolescence represents a critical stage for talent identification because biological maturation significantly affects physical growth and athletic performance. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive athlete assessment using integrated anthropometric and fitness evaluations for talent identification, player selection and individualized training programme development. Such multidimensional assessment provides coaches, sports scientists and physical educators with valuable information for optimizing player development and improving competitive performance.