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Physical preparation is an essential component of sports performance at every level. To assist players to achieve their optimal performances coaches should have a basic understanding of how the body functions in terms of physical exercise and the physical requirements of their particular sport.
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The human skeletal system consists of approximately 206 bones which vary considerably in size and shape. The skeleton has five important functions in the body:
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 The muscular system constitutes about 45 percent or our total body mass. Without muscles all actions, including movements as simple as maintaining a normal posture, breathing or walking, would not be possible.
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The Cardiorespiratory System |
The ability to sustain physical activity is dependant to a large degree on the ability of the body to supply oxygen to the working muscles.
The cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) works in conjunction with the respiratory system (the lungs) and these are referred to collectively as one system, the cardiorespiratory system.
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The Components of Physical Fitness |
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There are many components of physical fitness. Most sports are mainly concerned with endurance, speed, strength, power and flexibility. These can be described as follows:
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 To participate in any physical activity, the muscles of the body require energy. This energy is obtained through three distinct energy systems:
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The Role of Warm Up, Cool Down & Stretching |
The aim of the warm-up is to prepare the mind, heart, muscles and joints for physical activity.
Warming up helps to mobilise the joints and reduces the chance of injury to players. Prior to competition, how well the warm-up is organised can have a significant impact (physically and psychologically) on the team’s performance.
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Nutrition & Enhancing Sports Performance |
 Nutrition has an important role to play not only in maintaining general good health, but also in enhancing sports performance. A good performance does not just happen. The ability to train hard and perform well results from the combination of a number of factors, of which good nutrition is one.
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Once the baseline eating plan is established, fine tuning of the player’s eating pattern should be planned appropriate to their needs and goals. The optimum base diet for all sports people is one which is high in carbohydrates and low in fat, and which provides sufficient protein, nutrients and energy content.
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Once the baseline eating plan is established, fine tuning of the player’s eating pattern should be planned appropriate to their needs and goals. The optimum base diet for all sports people is one which is high in carbohydrates and low in fat, and which provides sufficient protein, nutrients and energy content.
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Being well hydrated is critical to athletic performance. By the time a player feels thirsty they are already partially dehydrated. Research has shown that a loss of two percent body weight through dehydration can adversely affect sports performance.
As a general rule, everyone should drink two litres or eight glasses of water daily (in addition to tea, coffee and other beverages). Athletes who are in training may well need more, particularly in hot conditions.
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Physical preparation