The somatotype of medium class Italian basketball players.

The aim of this observational study was to determine the somatotype of average basketball players (BP) and to compare them with the values found in relevant literature. Thirty-eight Italian members of "B" and "C" BP league teams were measured according to the Health/Carter anthropometric somatotype method. Since our group was, on average, made up of mesomorphic-ectomorphs (2.2-3.2-3.8), it appeared to be quite well suited to the sporting activity undertaken. However, the comparison carried out for the anthropometric variables and the somatotype scores found for higher level athletes, show that their physique lacks some of the characteristics needed to excel.