In the analysis of this sport, 9 coaches participated, all from Italy.
Average years of coaching experience: 8,6.
| Coordination: 14% |
| Speed reaction: 17% |
| Agility: 14% |
| Balance: 13% |
| Flexibility: 16% |
| Power: 12% |
| Muscle Endurance: 13% |
| Somatotype: 3x Mezomorph, 6x Ectomorph |
| Arms: 5x normal, 3x not important, 1x long. Torso: 6x normal, 2x not important, 1x short. Legs: 7x long, 1x not important, 1x normal. |
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of responses from 9 coaches, all from Italy, with an average coaching experience of 8.6 years, it is concluded that the ideal somatotypes for taekwondo are predominantly Ectomorph and Mesomorph, with 6 coaches favoring ectomorphic traits and 3 supporting mesomorphic characteristics. The data indicates that speed reaction is the most critical attribute for success in this sport, comprising 17% of the necessary skills. Flexibility follows closely at 16%, while coordination and agility are also significant, each accounting for 14%. Balance (13%) and muscle endurance (13%) are important, while power is considered the least significant attribute at 12%.
In terms of body proportions, preferences varied among the coaches: 5 indicated a preference for normal arms, while 3 deemed arm length not important and 1 coach favored long arms. For torso length, 6 coaches preferred a normal torso, while 2 considered it not important and 1 coach preferred a short torso. Regarding leg length, 7 coaches noted a preference for long legs, while 1 considered leg length not important and 1 favored normal legs.
Therefore, the ideal athlete for taekwondo is characterized by a combination of ectomorphic and mezomorphic traits, with a strong emphasis on speed reaction and flexibility, featuring predominantly long legs and a mix of normal and varying torso and arm lengths tailored to meet the specific demands of this dynamic martial art.
