Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare several anthropometric and physiological variables between high-level basketball, handball and volleyball players.

Method:

Forty-six Spanish first division professional players took part in our study. Height, standing reach, body weight, body fat percentages (by using Jackson & Pollock equation), vertical jumps (assessed by Bosco tests), 4 m × 5 m agility test and maximal power output in a bench press exercise were assessed.

Results:

A one-way ANOVA, showed that basketball players had significant higher average height and standing reach values (p < 0.01) while volleyball players displayed the lowest body mass and handball players presented the highest body mass values. Body fat percentage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in basketball and volleyball. Jump levels were significantly better in volleyball for the countermovement (p < 0.05) and the countermovement jump with arm swing (p < 0.001). Results of the agility test were significantly better in basketball (p ≤ 0.01). In the concentric actions of maximal power tests basketball players obtained a higher mean power output for all loads (p < 0.05). In the eccentric phase volleyball players presented the lower outcome (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

There is evidence of anthropometric and physiological differences among the high-level team sports analyzed. Its assessment seems capital for the improvement of training strategies and accurate talent identification processes.