Movement,
Fitness Profile Health Adolescent
Of Malaysian & Exercise,Squash
3, 39-47, 2014
Players
FITNESS PROFILE OF MALAYSIAN ADOLESCENT SQUASH
PLAYERS
Oleksandr Krasilshchikov
Exercise & Sports Science Programme
School of Health Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Squash is an indoor game that is the second fastest racket sports if compared to
badminton and tennis. Squash game puts a high demand on physical fitness of
elite players which requires a quick development of high force, rapid changes of
direction and fast reaction. The objective of this study was to develop the physical
fitness profile of Malaysian junior state squash players. Sixty five 10 to 18 years
old male Kelantan state squash players were tested with seven skill-related fitness
tests. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data collected from the tests. A
one-way ANOVA was used to detect statistical differences between groups. A post-
hoc test (LSD) was performed to determine differences in in the variables between
groups. The data was collected for flexibility, speed, muscular endurance, power
of upper and lower extremities, agility and cardiovascular endurance. There were
significant differences in the mean speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of
lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and predicted VO2max
between 13-15 and 16-18 years of age groups when compared to 10-12 years old
players (p<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in speed, muscular
endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities,
flexibility and VO2max between 16-18 and 13-15 year old players (p<0.05).
Key words: squash, fitness, adolescent players
INTRODUCTION
Squash is an indoor game that is the second fastest racquet games if compared to badminton and
tennis. It is a complex sport that requires superior coordination, endurance, speed and power
(David, 1992). Cardiovascular endurance, local muscular endurance, speed and speed endurance
are collectively referred to as the energy system demands critical to a sport of squash (Wollstein &
Ellis, 1995).
Squash game puts a high demand on physical fitness of elite players which requires a quick
development of high force, rapid change of direction and fast reaction. Squash at elite level has
been reported as being predominantly aerobic with a major speed (alactic anaerobic) component
and a small but variable lactic acid (anaerobic) component (Sharp, 1988).
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is defined as a capacity to perform activity and it makes reference to full range of
physiological and psychological qualities (Ortega et al, 2008). Factors associated with physical
fitness in squash include aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, strength, speed, flexibility, balance and
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Movement, Health & Exercise, 3, 39-47, 2014
coordination (Rensburg et al., 1982). The most important qualities for squash are cardiovascular,
strength and flexibility because they are the foundation for the development of all others (Wollstein
& Ellis, 1995).
Physical fitness for squash consists of cluster of items. Among the most important is cardiorespiratory
fitness and muscle endurance (combination of the ability to deliver appropriate anaerobic and
aerobic power together with and equally important ability to recover). Another one is strength and
speed-related and consists of muscle strength (particularly important to have a strong abdomen and
lower back with reasonable grip strength that is not below the threshold level) and muscle speed
(particularly off- the mark speed of movement and racquet speed). Flexibility (especially elasticity/
flexibility of quadriceps and hamstring, mainly to help prevent injury) and low percentage body fat
(counting 7-12% for men and 18-27% for women at elite level) are of equal importance among the
fitness components (Sharp, 1988).
Physiological demands of Squash
Squash is considered the most physiologically demanding of the four racquet sports where players
are active 50% to 70% of the playing time. Squash, reportedly requires intermittent activity with
frequent bursts of near-maximal intensity play (Kingsley et al., 2006) and although activity during
play is intermittent, heart rate response during competitive match play can be equivalent to about
90% of individual maximum heart rate. Squash matches last up to three hours (Steininger & Wodick,
1987) and therefore a high level of energy reserve for anaerobic glycolysis and aerobic processes is
required (Blanksby et al., 1973). Both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems are highly taxed during
squash match play for energy supply (Girard et al, 2007). Because of the high aerobic demand of
the game, a physiological characteristic that is greatly associated with success in squash at elite
level is a performer’s maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) which is commonly used as an indicator
of an individual potential for endurance performance. Adequate aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels
have a serious impact on all squash skills (i.e. consistency of technical skill production, efficiency
of tactical and anticipatory thought processes), it is therefore desirable to elevate fitness levels to
enhance overall performance and reduce the risk of injury (Wollstein & Abernethy, 1998).
Squash is often regarded as a moderate to high intensity game (Montpetit, 1990) which demands
a high level of specific fitness (Locke et al., 1997). To become a champion in squash, players need
both wide range of skills and high standard of fitness (Chin et al., 1995).The game also demands
fast reaction, quick acceleration, fast arm, leg and whole body movements and an ability to change
direction quickly (Reilly and Halsall, 1995).
Objective of the Study
The objective of this study was to develop the physical fitness profile of Malaysian junior state
squash players.
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Fitness Profile Of Malaysian Adolescent Squash Players
METHODOLOGY
Subjects
Sixty five male Kelantan state squash players were tested with seven skill-related physical fitness
tests. Twelve of the players were ranked among best 16 in the national level. Subjects in this study
were 10 to 18 years old and had two or more years of competition experience at the National level.
The research data were collected between 2005 and 2012 at the Kelantan state squash coaching
centre.
According to their age subjects were divided into three groups:
o Group 1 - 10 to 12 years old (n= 10)
o Group 2 - 13 to 15 years old (n= 32)
o Group 3 - 16 to 18 years old (n= 23)
Ethical clearance was obtained from the human ethics committee, USM Health Campus, Kubang
Kerian prior to the commencement of the study. Required consent forms were signed by the subjects
and their coaches.
Tests battery
Height: Subject height was measured by using SECA 206 mechanical measuring tape with
measuring range 0 to 220 centimetres and 1 mm gradation. SECA 206 mechanical measuring tape
was hanged on the wall with height over the floor of 200 centimetres. Subjects were instructed to
remove their shoes and socks before measuring the height and to stand properly with assistance
from the measurer before the height value was taken. Height was recorded to the nearest 0.5 cm.
Weight: TANITA weighing scale was used in this test to measure weight of the subjects with the
capacity of 440lb and readability of 0.2lb (0.1 kg). Subjects were instructed to remove their shoes
and socks before measuring and put out anything that can influence the weight reading from the
pockets. The subjects were instructed to stand properly on the scale. Weight was recorded to the
nearest 0.1 kg.
30 meters sprint: The subjects were instructed to perform the warm-up before the test was
conducted in order to prevent the injury. The test required subjects to run a sprint over 30 meters
thrice with timing of the best effort recorded to the nearest one hundredth of a second. Subjects
were instructed to start the test with a stationary position with one foot is in front of the other and
subject’s front foot behind the starting line. The time was measured with a stop watch when subject
crossed the finishing line.
Sit-ups in 30 seconds: Subjects were briefly explained the correct technique of performing sit-ups
with chest crossed arms and knee bent at 45˚ with a partner holding the feet during the test. The
test starts when instructor blows the whistle and finishes in 30 seconds time. Number of completed
sit-ups counted within the 30 second time interval was recorded.
6x10m shuttle run: Before the test conducted, subjects were given an instructions and explanations
on the test protocol. This test required subject to perform six successive 10 meter sprints with
turning in the opposite direction after each straight 10m run. The flat surface with approximately
30 meter distance was used in this test. 10 meters distance was marked with cones at starting line
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Movement, Health & Exercise, 3, 39-47, 2014
and the end of 10 meters. The subjects were to sprint from the starting line to the opposite line, step
behind the line with one foot and run back to the starting line to step out the line with one foot. The
10 m runs were repeated for five times, with the sixth run completed by running across the starting
line. The time was recorded to the nearest one hundredth of a second.
Standing broad jump: During this test, standing broad jump mat was used with the subjects
standing with feet comfortably apart behind the line. Subjects were asked to jump maximal distance
and were allowed to perform counter movement prior to take off with arm swing. The best of three
jumps was recorded to the nearest cm. The distance from the take-off line to the back of the heel
closest to the take-off line was recorded.
Medicine ball toss: This test required the subject to throw the medicine ball (1 kg) by using the
dominant hand as far as possible with the correct technique. Subjects were instructed to hold the
medicine ball right on the shoulder as starting position and throw the ball similar to a standing shot
putting technique. Subjects were allowed three attempts to toss the medicine ball in and the highest
throw value was recorded to the nearest centimeter.
Sit and reach test: Flex-Tester (Novel Products Inc.) was used in this test in order to measure
subject’s flexibility. Subjects were instructed to do gentle stretching before the test to prevent injury.
After two or three warm up trials, three trials were carried out in the continuous slow movement
without jerking and knees bending with maximum value of reach by two arms recorded to the
nearest centimeter.
Bleep test: This test was involving continuous running between two lines 20 meter apart in
accordance to pre-recorded beeps. Subjects were instructed to stay behind one of the lines facing
the second line and begin running when instructed by the CD playback. The subjects continues
running between two lines and turning when signalled by the recorded beeps. After about one
minute, a sound indicated an increase in speed and the beeps will close together and the same
continues for each minute or level. If the line is not reached in time for each beep, the subject
must run to the line turn and try to catch up with the pace within two more beeps and if the line is
reached before the beep sounds, the subject must wait until the beep sounds. The test is stopped if
the subject fails to reach the line for two consecutive ends.
Statistical Analysis
Statistical analyses were performed using a commercial software package (SPSS version 20.0 for
Windows). Results were expressed in means ± standard deviation. A one-way ANOVA was used
to detect statistical differences between groups. A post-hoc test (LSD) was performed to determine
differences in in the variables between groups. The differences were considered significant at
p<0.05).
The descriptive analysis further served to generate general sample means and standard deviations
for seven parameters tested which are related to flexibility, speed, muscle endurance, power of upper
extremities, and power of lower extremities, agility and cardiovascular endurance. Descriptive
statistical analysis was used to generate score of the sample according to the age group.
42 S p o rt J o u rn a l by M i n i str y o f Ed u cat i o n Ma l aysi a
Fitness Profile Of Malaysian Adolescent Squash Players
At the later stage of the analysis, in order to develop fitness norms, data was converted into standard
scores. With the T-scores value ranged from 0 to 100 and based on traditional percentiles, the raw
data was transformed in T- score grades based on 5 categories, namely: excellent, good, average,
below average and poor.
RESULTS
Age Group Physical Fitness Profile
Results presented in Table 1 show the means and SD for variables tested in this study for the
various age groups.
Table 1: Descriptive statistics for various age groups (mean ± SD)
Variables Group 1 (n=10) Group 2 (n= 32) Group 3 (n=23)
30 meters run (sec) 5.64± 0.32 4.98± 0.37 4.51± 0.28
Sit-ups / 30 sec (reps) 11.78± 8.50 33.77± 7.37 40.68± 11.77
6x10m shuttle run (sec) 18.18± 0.84 15.63± 0.82 14.90± 0.58
Standing broad jump (cm) 146.00± 14.76 187.03± 24.29 212.09± 28.78
Med ball toss (m) 5.87 ± 1.23 10.91 ± 2.48 13.48 ± 2.26
Sit and reach (cm) 1.40 ± 1.19 7.90 ± 7.59 13.75 ± 6.94
VO2Max (ml/kg/min) 35.31 ± 4.23 42.84 ± 6.36 48.01 ± 4.67
There was a statistically significant difference between groups in 30m run as determined by one-
way ANOVA (F(2,59) = 38.51, p = .000). A LSD post-hoc test revealed that the running time
was statistically significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1, and in group 3 as
compared to group 2 (p = .000 in all three pairs).
Statistically significant difference between groups was determined in sit-ups performed in 30
seconds (F(2,59) = 30.98, p = .000). The post-hoc test revealed that the number of sit-ups was
statistically significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1 (p = .000 for both pairs),
and in group 3 as compared to group 2 (p = .01).
There was a statistically significant difference between groups in 6x10m shuttle run as well (F(2,58)
= 62.57, p = .000). The post-hoc test revealed that the running time was statistically significantly
lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1 (p = .000 for both pairs), and in group 3 as
compared to group 2 (p = .001).
There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the standing broad jump (F(2,60)
= 24.56, p = .000). The post-hoc test revealed that the distance jumped was statistically significantly
higher in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1 (p = .000 for both pairs), and in group 3 as
compared to group 2 (p = .001).
Statistically significant difference between groups was determined in 1kg medicine ball toss
(F(2,60) = 39.10, p = .000). The post-hoc test revealed that the distance tossed was statistically
significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1, and in group 3 as compared to group
2 (p = .000 for all three pairs).
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There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the sit and reach test (F(2,56) =
10.53, p = .000). The post-hoc test revealed that the distance reached was statistically significantly
higher in group 2 as compared to group 1 (p = .021), in group 3 as compared to group 2 (p = .004),
and in group 3 as compared to group 1 (p = .000).
As of VO2Max, a statistically significant difference was there between groups (F(2,61) = 18.95, p =
.000). The post-hoc test revealed that the oxygen consumption was statistically significantly higher
in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1 (p = .000 for both pairs), and in group 3 as compared to
group 2 (p = .001).
As mentioned, data collected in this study was on a later stage converted into standard scores by
using SPSS version 20.0. The T-scores value ranged from 0 to 100 and was based on traditional
percentiles, the raw data was subsequently transformed into T- score grades based on five categories.
That allowed developing norms and standards for grading physical fitness of squash players for
both assessment and selection purposes. Table 2 presents developed norms for speed (30m run) and
endurance (predicted VO2Max).
Table 2: Norms and standards developed for various age groups in speed and endurance
Speed (30m run, sec) Endurance (VO2max, ml/kg/min)
Test/ grade
10-12 13-15 16-18 10-12 13-15 16-18
Excellent <4.21 <3.88 <3.68 >49.54 >61.92 >62.02
Good 4.21-5.00 3.88-4.61 3.68-4.23 40.09-49.54 49.21-61.92 52.69-62.02
Average 5.01-6.80 4.62-5.35 4.24-4.79 30.63-40.08 36.49-49.20 43.35-52.68
Below 6.81-8.61 5.36-6.10 4.80-5.36 21.16-30.62 23.76-36.48 34.00-43.34
Average
Poor >8.61 >6.10 >5.36 <21.16 <23.76 <34.00
Results presented in Table 3 include norms and standards, developed for the adolescent squash
players to meet the requirements of assessment and selection in power of lower extremities (standing
broad jump) and upper extremities (1kg medicine ball toss).
Table 3: Norms and standards developed for various age groups in power
Test/ Lower extremities Upper extremities
grade (standing broad jump, cm) (1kg med ball toss, m)
10-12 13-15 16-18 10-12 13-15 16-18
Excellent >193.18 >248.11 >271.75 >9.89 >18.35 >20.26
Good 161.07-193.18 210.84-248.11 233.20 - 271.75 7.28-9.89 13.40-18.35 15.75-
20.26
Average 128.95-161.06 173.56-210.83 194.64 - 233.19 4.66-7.27 8.44-13.39 11.23-
15.74
Below 96.82- 128.94 136.27-173.55 156.07 - 194.63 2.03-4.65 3.47-8.43 6.70-11.22
Average
Poor <96.82 <136.27 <156.07 <2.03 <3.47 <6.70
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Fitness Profile Of Malaysian Adolescent Squash Players
Results presented in Table 4 include norms and standards, developed for the adolescent squash
players to meet the requirements of assessment and selection in agility (6x10m shuttle run) and
flexibility (sit and reach test).
Table 4: Norms and standards developed for various age groups in agility and flexibility
Test/ Agility (6x10m shuttle run, sec) Flexibility (Sit and reach, cm)
grade 10-12 13-15 16-18 10-12 13-15 16-18
Excellent <15.59 <13.18 <13.17 >5.63 >30.67 >34.57
Good 15.59-17.20 13.18-14.81 13.17-14.32 2.84- 5.63 15.50-30.67 20.70-34.57
Average 17.21-18.82 14.82-16.45 14.33-15.48 0.04-2.83 0.32-15.49 6.82-20.69
Below 18.83-20.45 16.46-18.10 15.49-16.65 -2.8-0.03 -4.9-0.31 -7.08-6.81
Average
Poor >20.45 >18.10 >16.65 < -2.8 < -4.9 <-7.07
As it is seen from the table, norms for the 15-17 years of age and 16-18 of age players in agility
are almost similar. It is perhaps because the mean values in both groups are close: 15.63 and 14.90
respectively (Tab. 1); and the minimum to maximum range of the measurements were close for two
groups as well (14.00 to 17.42 and 13.95 to 16.20 respectively).
DISCUSSION
Most studies show that aerobic fitness is important for squash players of various standards (Locke
et al, 1997; Mellor et al., 1995; Sharp, 1998; Todd et al., 1995). It was shown that maximal heart
rate (MHR) in squash players’ match play was close to the age-related maximum (Lees, 2003).
The mean intensity of 86% and 92% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and MHR, respectively
sustained during squash game suggest a predominant contribution of aerobic metabolism to energy
requirements (Girard et al., 2007).
Several studies (Lees, 2003; Mellor, Hughes, Reilly and Robertson, 1995; Reilly & Halsall, 1995)
revealed that low-skill players (much like the younger players in the present study) respond in a
different way than higher skilled players, mainly because of processes of adaptation within the
cardiovascular system. For example, Reilly & Halsall (1995) reported that the heart rate and rating
of perceived exertion (RPE) responses to squash match play were 12–20% higher in recreational
players than in regular competitors.
Furthermore, Brown, Weigland and Winter (1998) while studying the transition from elite junior to
elite senior squash, reported that elite junior players had a 7–9% lesser capacity to consume oxygen
than elite senior players, suggesting that physiological factors, technical and tactical differences
affected the transition.
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CONCLUSIONS
Not many studies were conducted with an objective to determine fitness profile or to create norms
and standards for physical fitness components in squash, and specifically for the adolescent players.
Based on this study, data collected and presented shows the significant differences in each variable
tested based on squash players’ age groups. With the norms and physical fitness standards created
based on this study, young or junior squash players stand a good chance to be fairly graded based
on their age groups and players’ ability will not be overrated or underrated.
Conversion of the normative data to T-scores made the results of this study practically usable to
the coaches in order to grade their squash player’s physical fitness age-appropriately. Additionally,
creating local athletes-based norms is essential, since quite often we are obliged to use norms
imported from different countries, which usually relate to different ethnic groups (Eveleth & Tanner,
1991), leading to improper and sometimes biased judgment and results. This study quantifies
physical fitness profile and provides norms for testing that can help accurately grading Malaysian
youth male squash players according their age group for the assessment and selection purposes.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education for
awarding the Sports Excellence Grant 2010 to USM School of Health Sciences, which made the
conduct of the current research possible.
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