The aim of our present study was to investigate the anthropometrical status of athletes and non-athletes. The anthropometric data included 3 types of measurements: basic, girths and breadths. The research was carried out on 20 handball players, 16 volleyball players and 21 healthy non-athlete subjects. The data obtained after applying the One-Way ANOVA indicates the existence of differences between the research groups (p<0.05), depending on weight, BMI, girths (arm span, chest, waist, hip), and breadths (biacromial, biliocristal, transverse chest), while no differences were recorded for height and anterior-posterior chest depth. Our research demonstrated the existence of differences between the non-athletes and athletes, as a result of the targeted selection of the athletes for each post or team.

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The purpose of this study is to highlight the evolution of the explosive strength in the 4-year interval of the backs compartment and the level of adaptation to the game requirements. The hypothesis in this study is that the explosive strength of the lower limbs in rugby backs developed during the past 4 years, trying to keep up with the higher needs in the first Romanian league. Explosive power was measured using the ‘Just Jump System’, which is a plyometric test mat on which the players conducted a set of three tests: squat jump, control movement jump and free jump. The forwards significantly improved their explosive strength in a 4-year period. Although the total body mass got bigger, the players managed to improve their lower limbs’ explosive strength; this fact proves a good physical adaptation to the requirements of the rugby game.   Keywords: Power, jump.

The present study aims to identify if and how motor skills such as speed and agility can be improved by using training activities corresponding to performance in volleyball. The experiment included a total of 16 male athletes (17–18 years old), divided into two groups (control and experimental group). The tests applied in the research were the Illinois test and the Hexagon test, since speed, agility and quickness are essential to high performance in volleyball. After the initial tests, the experimental group became part of a 6-week training programme, designed to learn and master speed and agility drills. The results obtained at the final control tests demonstrated that the indicators of motor skills registered a real progress. This confirmed our working hypothesis stating that physical exercises, motor games and other means, specific to the game of volleyball, can influence the development of motor skills.   Keywords: Agility, speed, performance sport, Illinois test, Hexagon test, volleyball training.

In our present paper we will try to illustrate, for the benefit of those directly involved such as players, teachers and game leaders - some aspects that, by defining new game and training concepts dedicated to juniors II, could prove essential to the progress and present development of volleyball. Based on existing facts, we consider that our present research is necessary and modern at the same time, because of the evolution of volleyball as a sport, and due to the belief that our hypothesis has both theoretical value with consistent chances of generalization, and practical value with immediate applicability, too. Another argument would be the fact that finding adequate solutions for increasing defence efficiency could also lead to great results, since a proper defence strategy has, in most cases, a decisive influence upon the results at the end of the game. Our present endeavour falls into the categories of volleyball theory and method, and we pledge to bring our modest contribution to the development of theoretical material useful to volleyball specialists, that could also help reinventing this particular sport discipline in our country.