Measurement and Evaluation
Somatotypes
Identify the three body types and their sporting strengths.
In the 1940s W.H. Sheldon described three somatotypes, named after the embryo's three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. Body type is still used to plan training.
Endomorph: short limbs, large mass, pear-shaped, rounded head, much fat on the body, upper arms and thighs; gains weight easily; good at pure strength sports, rugby and rowing (large lungs); less suited to agility, speed and long running.
Mesomorph: wedge-shaped, broad shoulders, narrow hips, muscular arms and legs, little fat; gains muscle easily and responds well to training; suits most sports needing strength, speed and agility.
Ectomorph: long, slender, narrow shoulders, hips and chest, thin limbs, little muscle or fat; dominates endurance sports and gymnastics; less suited to power sports.
Very low body fat can harm health; in female endurance athletes it can stop periods and cause iron deficiency. Most people are a mix of the types.
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