ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the physical qualities of experts, non-experts, and novices. Researchers have also used the results from physiological and anthropometric testing to conduct discriminant analyses. In a study of amateur players, it was found that better tacklers had superior acceleration over 10 meters and faster change of direction speed. The superior playing performance of elite team sport athletes is often attributed to the greater physiological capacities of these athletes. Although successful performance in team sports is dependent on well-developed physiological capacities, players also require the ability to exhibit high levels of skill under pressure and fatigue. The chapter focuses on the physical qualities that discriminate experts and novices, it is important to recognize that physical qualities are rarely expressed independently of skill and skillful performance is dependent on well-developed physical qualities. The goal is to maximize transfer of learning from the training environment to the high-pressure environment of competition.