Components for Physical Fitness

1. Speed

- Speed is distance over time. We are all aware of kilometres per hour, or miles per hour. Running speeds are sometimes mentioned in metres per second. Speed is obviously extremely important in all forms of racing, but also in team and goal related sports when someone has the chance to 'runaway' from the opposition.
-The ability to move the entire body or a body part rapidly. Important in motor activities such as, basketball, baseball, soccer, and track.

2. Power

- Power is the ability to exert force quickly. A simple equation for power is: muscular strength X speed = Power. You can be very strong but not as powerful someone who is weaker but faster in the way they react. Power must have a speed component applied to it if you are trying to increase this.
-The ability to transfer energy into force at a rapid pace (a.k.a. explosive body movement). Necessary in such activities as sprinting or hitting a baseball or tennis ball.

3. Agility

- Agility is the ability to change direction rapidly. It is a necessary sport skill to run around opposition team members. It is trained by doing specific agility drills using cones and involves running sideways and forwards and backwards. Choose movement patterns that are specific to your sport.
-The ability to change the direction or the position of the body rapidly. Depends on the elements of speed and power.

4. Reaction Time

- Relates the time elapsed between stimulation and the beginning of a reaction to it.

5. Balance

- Being bipeds, we must always remain in a state of balance at all times or risk falling over. Some sports need more balance than others (e.g. gymnastics) but all sports need some amount of balance.

-The ability to maintain neuromuscular control of the body position. Important in most neuromuscular tasks, but is critical in activities such as gymnastics, springboard diving, and activities where an opponent attempts to upset you, such as in football or hockey.

6. Coordination

- Ability to organize complex movements effectively.
- The ability to perform complex motor skills in your sport. Running while kicking, passing, or catching a ball is extremely skilful and must be practised to be developed.

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