INVESTIGATION on the Relation among the Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Field Test of Female Softball Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relevance of body composition and physical fitness to field tests representing the performance of women’s softball players. The subjects of the study were 22 players from women’s softball teams located in “D” city, and they signed a consent form after confirming their willingness to participate voluntarily. The correlation analysis of Pearson was conducted to determine the relevance of field tests(three items: bat speed, throw distance, and base running) to body composition(10 items) and physical fitness(14 items). Results: In field test and body composition, female softball players showed a positive correlation with the forearm circumference in bat speed, and base running with the muscle-related variables(muscle mass and LBM), and the fat-related variables(fat ratio and abdominal fat ratio) showed negative correlation. Results: In field test and body composition, women s softball players showed a positive correlation with the forearm circumference in bat speed, and base running with the muscle-related variables(muscle mass and LBM), and the fat-related variables(fat ratio and abdominal fat ratio) showed negative correlation. In field test and physical fitness, there was a correlation between throw distance and lower limbs muscular endurance(repeating jump), response(standing long jump and vertical jump), agility(side step), and flexibility(trunk forward flexion). Base running showed a significant relevance with muscular strength(grip power), muscular endurance(sit up), response(standing long jump and vertical jump), agility(side step), and flexibility(trunk forward flexion). Body composition and physical fitness were divided into muscle-related and fat-related variables. To sum up, the continuous management of physical composition and the increase in basic and professional physical fitness of female softball players are important factors in improving performance and preventing injury.