Performance-Related Fitness (Leaving Cert Physical Education): Revision Notes

Performance-Related Fitness

Components of Performance-Related Fitness

Performance-related fitness includes six components that enhance an individual's ability to perform athletic activities. These components are crucial for achieving high performance in sports.

1. Agility

Agility is the ability to change your direction and the speed at which you are travelling quickly and efficiently.

Dodgeball, gymnastic, basketball and tennis are sports that require good agility, as quick directional changes are frequent.

2. Balance

Balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium when static (stationary) and dynamic (moving).

Balance supports stability and controlled movements and is essential for agility.

Static balance: maintain equilibrium when stationary.

Dynamic balance: maintain equilibrium when moving.

Equestrian sports, gymnastics and surfing require good balance.

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3. Coordination

Coordination is the ability to move two or more body parts in a controlled, smooth and efficient way.

Examples include;

• Hand-eye coordination when catching a ball
• Foot-eye coordination when dribbling a soccer ball
• Synchronising movements in dance It is essential for performing complex physical tasks with precision.

4. Power

Power is the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible.

Power is a scalar quantity. While strength is the maximum force that can be produced, power is proportional to time.

Power is the product of speed and strength.

Examples include a sprint start, a shot put or a long jump.

5. Speed

Speed is how fast a body is moving in relation to time.

6. Reaction Time

Reaction Time is how quickly the brain can initiate a response to a stimulus.

The stimulus can be visual, auditory or touch. Factors such as age, gender, fatigue and distraction impact reaction times.

Examples include:

• Reacting to the starting pistol in a race
• Goalkeeper responding to a shot on goal
• Dodging in martial arts