There is a huge range of components that contribute to successful sports performance, mainly physical and mental. In addition, there are many more minor factors including supply of equipment, opportunity for training, expertise in coaching and skill teaching, nutritional status, a good support network, funding (and probably many more). Success also requires these factors to come together and interact in the right way.
Our challenge was to list these factors, and ultimately rate and rank them for a range of sports. After much discussion, it has been narrowed down to the following 15 factors. The physical components predominate here, as sport is mostly a physical endeavour, but it is the role of the other factors that can make the difference in a champion. I do not expect all of these to be factors for all sports, and the importance of each will vary between sports. See more on these factors.
- Body Composition
- Cardiovascular Endurance
- Muscular Endurance
- Muscle Strength
- Explosive Power
- Speed / Quickness
- Anaerobic Capacity
- Flexibility
- Agility
- Balance and Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Analytic and Tactical Ability
- Motivation and Self Confidence
- Coping with Pressure
- Skill and Technique
Why don’t you have a go at rating the importance of these factors. See this page and select your sport.
I have moved around Australia quite a few times over the last 20 years, spending time in Perth, Darwin, and Canberra, finally making it back to Melbourne, the home of my birth. In my attempts to stay healthy with a small amount of aerobic fitness, I sometimes venture out onto the roads and parks for a jog (I do it too slowly to call it a run!). In Perth there were some great spots along the river in Nedlands, and around Lake Monger, and the weather was usually pleasant to hot. Darwin was always hot but you can get used to that. Canberra was a challenge.