Abstract
Talent identification programs usually monitor several parameters, once of which is kinanthropometry. There are a variety of anthropometric techniques that are used in talent identification. With respect to youth sport performance, the focus of this chapter was upon the use of techniques to assist with talent identification and performance within the adolescent (from 8–18 years for girls and 10–22 years for boys) phase of growth as competitive sport is not a regular occurrence in children <8 years old. Using evidence from a variety of studies, information has been provided about how sports have used kinanthropometry for talent identification purposes taking into consideration physical growth and maturation, absolute size and proportionality, somatotyping and body composition. The sports covered include individual sports (cycling, figure skating, gymnastics, rock climbing, track and field), field sports (cricket, hockey, soccer), contact team sports (American football, Australian rules football, rugby), court sports (badminton, basketball, handball, netball, tennis, volleyball), weight classified sports (judo, taekwondo, sumo wrestling, weightlifting) and water sports (rowing, sprint kayaking, swimming). Athletes are characterised by a combination of body composition/body size traits which are believed to influence the chance of success in any given sport therefore it is suggested that the measurement of kinanthropometry is a crucial tool in the search for information to assist coaches and athletes in the quest for success at the highest level in sport.