Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop an up-to-date concept of fitness, physical fitness and 'motor competence' which is in line with newest research results in sports science. First, German dictionaries of sport and sports science are used in order to present the "official" understanding of fitness in Germany. Second, a fourfold theoretical framework for 'new physical fitness' and 'motor competence' is presented. Third, a comprehensive taxonomy for aims of 'motor competence' is developed in order to provide an indication of what this new concept can contribute to human life. Fourth, the content structure of 'motor competence' is presented in four major parts: sensory abilities, motor abilities - condition, motor abilities -coordination, and body experience. Each of the four sections is divided again into several different parts. This results in an eighteen factor concept of 'motor competence'. Fifth, four basic paradigms of how to realize 'motor competence' are presented. Sixth, an evaluation of teaching-learning and training processes in regard to 'motor competence' is presented. Seventh, evaluation is specified in regard to assessing the physical preconditions for teaching-learning and training processes related to 'motor competence'. Eighth, examples for physical fitness tests within past - present - future concepts are presented. Finally, concluding considerations are presented. Basic assumptions are re-evaluated, 'motor competence' is summarized, ideas of how to transfer these research results to practice are developed, and the international relevance of 'motor competence' is explained. Aus der Einleitung (geändert)