Theoretical Foundations

Training: a systematic process, carried out on the basis of scientific findings, the objective of which is the all-round development of physical, coordinative, psychological and intellectual capacities, as well as technical skills, as a means of establishing the conditions for sporting performance.

Fitness: the sum total of all the factors that determine sporting performance; the term is also used to denote psychological and physical capacities, which are:

Endurance - the capacity to resist fatigue

Strength - the capacity to overcome resistance through muscular contraction

Speed - the capacity to make rapid movements or to advance quickly

The above three basic physical qualities also exist in hybrid forms (power-endurance, power, speed-endurance), which suggests they are mutually dependent.

Flexibility - the range of possible movement around a joint

Dexterity - manipulative skills and physical coordination

The above two are also part of the definition of fitness. Being in good condition means having the ability to react and adapt, a good sense of control, direction and balance, good reasoning power, nimbleness and agility.

Coordinative capacities: more or less synonymous with dexterity

Psychological capacities or qualities: include phenomena such as strategic memory, alertness and attentiveness, together with speed and precision of sensor-motor reactions, all of which combine to produce intellectual capability.

This group of qualities, signified by the general term "mental sphere", has become a focus of attention in recent years, and is always trotted out as an explanation when no physical cause can be found for a particular event or phenomenon. Nevertheless, there is no doubting the close, perhaps decisive relationship between physical and mental fitness.

Technical skills: the sequences of move or actions developed on the basis of a sportsperson's physical and psychological abilities that have to be performed in the course of a particular sporting activity. Over time, and with continuous pratice, they become a virtually automatic part of the motor processes.

Tactics or tactical behaviour: to be discussed in greater detail later. Also part of training process.

To summarize: Training is a systematic process designed to improve fitness, technical skills and tactical awareness as well as mental and psychological capabilities.