Top-Ranked Agility Sports
Quick Answer
Rugby 7s ranks as the top agility sport with a rating of 84.1, followed by Badminton and Ultimate. These rankings are based on visitor ratings of the importance of agility as a factor of success in over 50 major sports.
- Rugby 7s leads with an agility rating of 84.1
- Top 10 sports all rate above 80 for agility
- Rankings based on December 2019 visitor survey data
Which sports are rated highest for agility? This list is based on the ratings of the factors of success considered most important by visitors to this website. The sport with the highest agility rating is currently Rugby 7s, followed by Badminton and the sport of Ultimate.
The data below represents historical rankings from December 2019. Although over 50 of the world's major sports have been analyzed, there may be others that were not included and could also be ranked highly, too.
"Agility is one of the most critical physical attributes in modern sports, particularly in fast-paced team sports where athletes must react instantly to changing game situations and opponent movements."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
You can add your own rating for sports. If you don't trust the visitors to this site, the agility sports ranking list by an expert panel from ESPN may provide a more reliable list.
Understanding Agility
Agility combines speed, balance, coordination, and the ability to change direction rapidly while maintaining control.
Learn More →Agility Testing
Discover the various testing protocols used to measure agility performance in athletes across different sports.
Learn More →Sport Rankings
Compare agility rankings with other important physical factors across different sports.
Learn More →💡 Pro Tip: While these rankings provide valuable insights, remember that agility requirements can vary significantly based on playing position and individual style within each sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sport requires the most agility?
Based on visitor ratings, Rugby 7s currently ranks as the sport requiring the most agility with a rating of 84.1, followed closely by Badminton at 83.4 and Ultimate at 83.3. These sports demand constant directional changes, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and split-second decision-making.
How is agility measured in sports rankings?
Agility in sports is measured by rating the importance of quick directional changes, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and the ability to change body position efficiently during competition. The ratings are based on visitor assessments of how critical agility is for success in each sport.
Why is agility important in competitive sports?
Agility is crucial in competitive sports because it enables athletes to respond quickly to opponents' movements, change direction efficiently, and maintain balance while performing complex movements at high speeds. Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD, indicates that superior agility can be a decisive competitive advantage in fast-paced sports.
What factors contribute to high agility ratings?
High agility ratings are influenced by the frequency of directional changes required, the speed at which these changes must occur, the unpredictability of movement patterns, and the physical demands of maintaining balance and control during rapid movements. Sports with smaller playing areas and more player interactions typically require greater agility.
How can athletes improve their agility?
Athletes can improve agility through cone drills, ladder exercises, plyometric training, sport-specific movement patterns, and exercises that develop quick reaction times and body control. Consistent practice of directional changes at increasing speeds helps develop the neuromuscular coordination necessary for elite agility performance.
What's the difference between agility and speed?
While speed refers to how fast an athlete can move in a straight line, agility involves the ability to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction rapidly while maintaining control and balance. An athlete can be fast without being agile, but the most successful athletes in high-agility sports possess both qualities.
Are these agility rankings definitive?
These rankings represent the collective opinions of website visitors and reflect subjective assessments of agility importance in different sports. While valuable as a general guide, individual perspectives may vary based on experience and exposure to different sports. For an alternative expert-based ranking, consider reviewing the ESPN Sports Science panel's agility assessments.
References
- Topend Sports. (2019). "Visitor Survey: Factors of Success in Major Sports." Topend Sports Research Database.
- Sheppard, J. M., & Young, W. B. (2006). "Agility literature review: Classifications, training and testing." Journal of Sports Sciences. 24(9), 919-932.
- Bloomfield, J., Polman, R., & O'Donoghue, P. (2007). "Physical demands of different positions in FA Premier League soccer." Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 6(1), 63-70.
- ESPN Sports Science Panel. (2015). "Athletic Demands Analysis of Professional Sports." ESPN Digital Archive.
- Brughelli, M., Cronin, J., Levin, G., & Chaouachi, A. (2008). "Understanding change of direction ability in sport: A review of resistance training studies." Sports Medicine. 38(12), 1045-1063.
- Young, W. B., & Farrow, D. (2006). "A review of agility: Practical applications for strength and conditioning." Strength and Conditioning Journal. 28(5), 24-29.
- Gabbett, T., Kelly, J., & Pezet, T. (2007). "Relationship between physical fitness and playing ability in rugby league players." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 21(4), 1126-1133.
Related Pages
Other Success Factors
Explore sports ranked by other critical factors including strength, endurance, speed, and power.
Learn More →Components of Athleticism
Understand the various physical and mental components that contribute to athletic performance across sports.
Learn More →Fitness Components
Detailed discussion of the physical components of fitness and their importance in athletic training.
Learn More →Fittest Sport Debate
Join the ongoing discussion about which sport requires the highest overall level of fitness and athleticism.
Learn More →Sport Specific Fitness
Comprehensive guide to fitness requirements and training methods for different sports.
Learn More →Fitness Testing Protocols
Learn about sport-specific fitness testing methods including agility assessment protocols.
Learn More →
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Old Comments
- I'm more than surprised that badminton is not even listed as an agility sport while lawn bowls and golf made the list. (from dan, Jan 2013)
