Identification and justification of the components of fitness

Netballers therefore usually carry out fartlek training which means 'speed play' it's a method of training in which we vary pace and training conditions, since in netball we wouldn't constantly be running at one particular speed. Having good stamina as a netballer is beneficial, it reduces chance of fatigue within a game which enables players to perform to there highest levels, for example if a player was tired in the last quarter of a game due to fatigueness they may lose a 50-50 ball leading to the opposition to gain position and score.

Speed: ' is the ability to change direction of the body at speed'

It is very important to have speed in netball; passing and footwork require speed so that the opposition do not intercept balls or break down play as they would if play was slow. Furthermore Netballers also need to be fast when picking up loose balls.

A situation in netball where speed is essential for both teams is in centre passes, the attack need to compete with the defence to receive the ball in the centre third whilst the defence have to try and win it back possession. You may gain an advantage if you have more fast twitch fibres in your muscles, which gives more powerful contractions very quickly. The amount of fast twitch fibres the body has is genetically determined.

Strength: is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to overcome force or resistance'

There are three types of strength: Explosive strength, static strength and dynamic strength.

Static strength: 'is described as the maximum force that you can exert over one single contraction'

This is where there is little movement at the limbs and your muscle length contains constant. This is not applied to netball as we rarely need to hold a fixed position using strength, you might hold a position in marking you player however there is no opposing force like there would be in a rugby scrum for instance.

Explosive strength: ' is described as the maximum force used in one movement with a combination of speed and force'

Performers with a high amount of fast twitch fibres will have better explosive strength. This component applies to netball, as players need it for defending when using the maximum force of your muscles in your leg to defend a shot, defenders also need it so that they can jump for every rebound at the highest point and therefore clear the ball from the area. Shooters in netball may also need good explosive strength when shooting from distances and need to get max power into their shot (but this may vary depending on techniques.)

Dynamic strength: 'is the repetition application of force (muscle contractions)'

This type of strength is rarely used in netball as we are constantly changing pace and are never maintaining a constant speed.

Suppleness (flexibility): 'the ability to move our joints through there full range of movement'

Having good flexibility is significant in netball because defenders need excellent stretch to mark well and the team as a whole need good reach to intercept and break down play. This is why it is essential that netballers take out a good warm up including ball skill, stretches both static, passive and dynamic, this will elasticise tendons, ligaments and the muscles and therefore avoid injury.

Agility: ' is the ability to change direction at speed, and is speed and co-ordination combined' it is classified as a specific type of fitness

Agility is a very important part of netball, being able to carry out footwork effectively with speed and accuracy is important so that when you land you are already adjusted your body to release the ball again, and are not pivoting constantly this slows down the play. It is also important to be agile when dogging, when the player is trying to lose the defender and vice versa in marking when marking trying to keep up with the dogging player.

Reaction time: ' it the ability to respond to a stimulus quickly'

Reaction time is an essential part of netball and a lot of training is done to improve reaction time.

A skill in netball where reaction time is important is when taking a toss up where the umpire places the ball in position (between the two players and releases the ball) the players have to react quickly to grab the ball.

Netballers also need good reaction time to intercept passes made in the centre pass to stop the opposition counter attacking.

Balance- 'the ability to remain equilibrium when stationary or moving'

Staying equilibrium is important, keeping your landing foot (for footwork) still so that the umpire doesn't pull you up for it.

Furthermore shooting in netball requires being relatively equilibrium and when defending it is important that you try and keep balanced when marking a player or leaning over at full stretch, holding the balanced position otherwise you get penalised for it and have to stand by the players side as a punishment and the shooter gets a free pass or shot (if shooter).

Summary

Components of fitness can be split into two types 'heath related fitness' fitness needed to take out everyday activities and still have enough energy left for emergencies' these are needed for everyday life and for all. The other is 'specific fitness' these are more skill related which is therefore more sports specific, such as agility, reaction time. Netball requires most of the components from both types of fitness.

Sunita Singh