What is the key characteristic of agility in physical fitness?

Agility in physical fitness is primarily defined as the ability to change position rapidly and accurately. This skill is crucial for many sports and physical activities, where quick directional changes are often necessary. For instance, in sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis, an athlete frequently needs to react to opponents, navigate obstacles, and reposition themselves quickly without losing balance or coordination.

The focus on speed and accuracy highlights the importance of not just moving quickly, but doing so effectively, which requires proper motor control, balance, and coordination. This characteristic makes agility distinct from other fitness components like strength, endurance, or body composition, as it centers specifically on dynamic movement and the ability to respond to the environment.