Agility or
nimbleness is the ability to change the body's
position efficiently, and requires the integration of isolated movement skills using a combination of
balance,
coordination,
speed,
reflexes,
strength, and
endurance. Agility is the ability to change the direction of the body in an efficient and effective manner and to achieve this requires a combination of
- balance – the ability to maintain equilibrium when stationary or moving (i.e. not to fall over) through the coordinated actions of our sensory functions (eyes, ears and the proprioceptive organs in our joints);
- static balance – the ability to retain the centre of mass above the base of support in a stationary position;
- dynamic balance – the ability to maintain balance with body movement;
- speed - the ability to move all or part of the body quickly;
- strength - the ability of a muscle or muscle group to overcome a resistance; and lastly,
- coordination – the ability to control the movement of the body in co-operation with the body's sensory functions (e.g., in catching a ball [ball, hand, and eye coordination]).
