PART III. INTERPRETATIONS OF FINDINGS

HE term “Physical Fitness’ commonly denotes an ability to
ee many complex movements skillfully. ‘This limitation
of the criteria to skill, though, is too narrow to be adequate. In its
broader sense, Physical Fitness also includes many other qualities
among which are endurance, or ability to perform over relatively
long periods of time; will power and determination, or mental
spurs driving one to apply maximum effort in face of opposition
from within or without; and organic power which permits rapid
recovery from the effects of fatigue. Actually, therefore, use of the
adjective “physical” often causes misconception since true fitness
involves mental as well as physical aspects.

Physical Fitness is developed by training, by conditioning, and
by application. While for the purposes of analysis these factors are
considered separately, it must be remembered that they operate
simultaneously; are overlapping and interlocking; and work stress-
ing one has some influences upon the other two.

Training consists of practice, analysis of errors, and repetition
of movements with the view of mastering skills. The result is effi-
cient and comparatively effortless RS in which speed
and accuracy are added.

Conditioning involves strenuous and numerous repetitions of
‘movements planned to develop endurance. The result is ability
to perform over longer periods with less time needed for rest.

Application refers to the mental and emotional drives necessary
for maximum expenditure of controlled energy. Development of
these urges results in ability to complete the task at hand in the best
possible manner; to give one’s most; or to “go all out.”

Whether they plan it or not, all coaches of basketball utilize
one or more of these factors in their teaching of team candidates.
Some are known to emphasize skill aspects, and to pay little atten-
tion to conditioning or inspiration. Some are demons on endur-
ance and seemingly forget that skills and application require atten-
tion. Others offer only inspiration and do little teaching of skills
or developing of condition. The ideal, of course, is represented

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