Minimizing injury rates in soccer through preselection of players by somatotypes

Incidence and types of injuries were investigated among 180 Nigerian soccer players selected from 6 clubs by a stratified random technique on the basis of somatotypes. The purpose was to identify physique types that are most prone to common injuries in soccer, in the groups during an 8-week duration of intensive training. A total of 552 injuries: sprains and strains (45%), bruises and cuts (30%), dislocations (15%), fractures (5%) and concussion (5%) were recorded sustained by players who participated in the 8-week period of vigorous daily training. The study found that 45% of the meso-ectomorphs (n = 65) and 44% of the mesomorphs (n = 50) sustained injuries while 85% of the ectomorphs (n = 25) and 50% of the ectomesomorphs (n = 40) were injured. The study concluded that soccer players whose somatotypes range between meso-ectomorphic to the mesomorphic builds are less prone to injuries than their more fragile linear counterparts. It recommended that soccer players should be preselected on the basis of somatotypes and in most cases, mesomorphic and meso-ectomorphic types should be finally considered. It proposed that match referees should endeavour to enforce the soccer rules and eschew prejudice to prevent frustration-aggression reactions which are good causes of injuries to players.