Athletic Performance Vocabulary

the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort

“Marathon runners need exceptional stamina.”

Origin: Latin stamina `threads of life spun by the Fates`, plural of stamen `warp thread`

the capacity to withstand hardship or exertion over time

“The triathlon tests endurance across three disciplines.”

Origin: Old French endurer `to harden`, from Latin indurare `to make hard`

the ability to move quickly and easily

“Soccer requires both speed and agility.”

Origin: Latin agilis `nimble`, from agere `to do, drive`

skill in performing tasks with the hands or body

“The goalkeeper's dexterity saved the match.”

Origin: Latin dexteritas, from dexter `right hand, skillful`

exceptional skill or ability, especially in battle or sport

“His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship.”

Origin: Old French proesse `valor`, from prou `brave`

the rhythm or pace of movement or activity

“The cyclist maintained a steady cadence uphill.”

Origin: Italian cadenza, from Latin cadere `to fall`

the process of training to achieve peak physical fitness

“Pre-season conditioning prepares athletes for competition.”

Origin: Latin condicio `agreement, situation`, from condicere `to agree`

exercises involving rapid stretching and contracting of muscles

“Plyometrics improve explosive power for jumping.”

Origin: Greek pleion `more` + metron `measure`

systematic planning of athletic training in cycles

“Periodization prevents overtraining and peaks performance.”

Origin: From period (Greek periodos `cycle`) + -ization

the process of returning to normal condition after exertion

“Active recovery helps reduce muscle soreness.”

Origin: Anglo-French recoverie, from recovrer `to recover`