Components of fitness Basketball is going to be used as the example of applying components of fitness to a training programme.

Basketball-Components of fitness Cardio-respiratory endurance is required in general so that one can keep producing energy aerobically and to perform tasks involving the whole body for extended periods of time such as a game. Speed (anaerobic capacity): is required so that during a game one can put the body parts into motion quickly and sustain high intensity efforts eg for a fast break or on defense to catch an attacker. (Note: this component is closely related to muscular strength and power.

Basketball-Components of fitness Agility: is required for changing direction quickly and retaining balance eg in turning, dodging, weaving, pivoting all required in the game of basketball. Coordination: hand-eye coordination is required to ensure tasks can be performed smoothly and accurately such as passing, dribbling and shooting in basketball.

Basketball- Muscular endurance: is required so that the muscles in the legs can work for long periods of time at less than maximum effort eg for running up and down the court for the duration of a game. Muscular Power: is required to use strength quickly to produce an explosive effort eg in jumping, dunking, three point shots, jump shots, and being quick off the mark etc… in the game of basketball.

Basketball- Muscular strength: is required to exert against a resistance in a single maximum contraction eg jostling for position in basketball.

Basketball- There are obviously too many components to include in a training programme therefore priorities need to be made. This may be done by focusing on weaknesses through testing, skill analysis, knowledge of weaknesses or coaching. It could be driven by inherent needs of the sport eg specialist requirements such as speed, agility and coordination over general components such as cardio-respiratory and muscular endurance (this can also depend on the stage of the season/year). It could also be positional eg a point guard may focus on agility, speed and coordination and a forward may focus on muscular strength and power.

Basketball- In terms of components of fitness, what ever activity/activities you choose to apply this to you should measure progress by pre testing and testing at stages during your programme so that success of goals can be measured.