Agility and flexibility of National Level Athletes of Karnataka during different Training Seasons

Abstract

In-season training focuses on maintaining peak agility and flexibility with low volume, high-intensity, sport-specific movements to prevent performance drop-off and injury, while the off-season is for building foundational strength, power, and comprehensive agility/flexibility through higher volume, progressive overload, and general physical preparedness, creating the base for in-season maintenance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences between agility and flexibility of National level athletes during competition and off season. The present study was conduct on Forty (40) male runners participating at National level selected from different districts of Karnataka. The age of selected subjects ranged between 16 to 25 years. The required data was collected twice during the competition and off season. Agility was assessed through Illinois agility test and flexibility was measured through Sit and reach test. Standard procedure was employed in testing the selected subjects for agility and flexibility. The data were analyzed with the help of tables, charts, pictures and SPSS. Results were presented in a systematic manner appropriately according to research objectives. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between Competition and off seasons with regard to agility and flexibility of National level runners selected for the present investigation. The agility and flexibility of National level runners between competition and off seasons significantly differed. Both physical fitness parameters declined significantly during off season. There was no maintenance of agility and flexibility performances during off season.