Knowledge and Ability are partners in sports. There are many people who are knowledgeable about sports but can not do them, they know the rules and the rudiments but can not actually do them. There are natural athletes who know less about the rules and form who are good at a sport, but would be better once they gain some knowledge. Think of a sport like basketball, The basic concept is easy enough and some people can shoot baskets very well, but the true professional player, knows the technique , the rules the strategy of the game as well as how to shoot baskets and dribble. Most athletes get their game in their head before they take it to the court.

In every sport it is good to be experienced so that you are able to react to your opponent or situation in the most effective manner. The action and discipline required for good academic knowledge transcends to the field if one meets both scholastic and sports with the same dedication. THE BODY CANNOT BE STRONG IF THE MIND IS NOT. If your brain slacks off it will harm your ability to react compared to a foe of similar ability who studies harder. They will crush you.

Physics are very much related to sports. So is the application of strategic thinking.

For example, I like to play pool and pool is very much about physics. When you hit a cue ball, it will react in a certain manner so you can can control the behavior you can control the game by making the ball do what you want it to do.