Recent research compared agility, body composition, power, and strength of NCAA Division-I (D-I) and Division-III (D-III) female athletes. The female subjects assessed included field hockey, softball, and volleyball athletes. Researchers tested and evaluated athletes in the areas of; body composition, agility, power, and vertical jump. Strength was measured by assessing max bench press and max squat.
Researchers concluded that D-I softball and volleyball athletes were stronger, faster, and more powerful than D-III athletes. Researchers also noted that female volleyball athletes had very similar body composition which may stem from training styles and programs. Coaches may want to investigate and implement the specific strength and conditioning training cycles and programs of these elite athletes across other female sports.
