Fitness Components for AFL
In addition to the high level of skill required to play AFL, to be a successful player you also need to have good all round fitness, to be fast and powerful, have good agility and endurance. However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for AFL, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of an Aussie Rules player.
You need endurance, but also need to be quick and agile
We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in AFL. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factor which are considered most important by the readers of this site was clearly cardiovascular endurance, currently with 35% of the vote. Also important is muscular endurance, speed and agility. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results.
The need to be strong and agile?
In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for Australian Football, and the most important according to them is Skill and Technique followed by Agility. You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful AFL Players, and see the latest results.
football actionMost Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (updated 2022)
4.1 - Skill and Technique
4.0 - Agility
3.9 - Aerobic Endurance
3.9 - Balance & Coordination
3.8 - Strength & Power
3.8 - Speed / Quickness
3.8 - Reaction Time
3.8 - Motivation & Self Confidence
3.8 - Coping with Pressure Situations
3.6 - Analytic & Tactical Ability
3.2 - Body Size and Composition
3.0 - Flexibility
Are You an Expert?
I have found that asking all site visitors for their opinion, while it is interesting, does not always lead to accurate results. We want to know what the experts think. If you consider yourself an expert in AFL, go here to add your opinion.
Related Pages
- Attributes of a Great AFL Player
- Fitness for AFL
- Indigenous AFL players are shorter, lighter and faster
- AFL Player Anthropometry
- AFL combine tests
- AFL Polls
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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