This review explores the differences between agility in invasion sports
(defined as including reactive decision-making) and change-of-direction
speed (CODS), and highlights the implications for training. Correlations
between agility tests and CODS tests indicate that they represent
independent skills. Agility tests discriminate higher- from lower-standard
athletes better than CODS tests, indicating that the cognitive element of
agility is important to performance. Training studies have shown that the
development of strength qualities can transfer to gains in CODS, but this
has never been shown for agility. There is some evidence that the
importance of physical qualities is greater for CODS than for agility. It was
concluded that the reactive element should be included in agility training,
testing and research. While there appears to be no research evidence for
the benefits of strength and power training, there is some support for the
use of small-sided games for improving agility.