The ability to change direction quickly and control movement of the whole body is called?

Agility refers to the ability to rapidly change direction and effectively control the movement of the entire body. This skill is essential in various sports and physical activities where quick lateral movements are necessary, such as in soccer, basketball, or tennis. Agility combines coordination, speed, and balance, allowing an individual to navigate their environment efficiently while maintaining control over their movements.

In contrast, balance is focused on maintaining a stable position, flexibility pertains to the range of motion in one's joints, and power relates to the ability to exert maximum muscular force quickly. While these other components of fitness are important, they do not specifically address the quick directional changes and overall body movement control that define agility.