Written primarily for college students who plan to enter into a physical activity career, this text deals with the foundations of physical activity in its roles as disciplines and professions. Individual, societal, and cultural needs for sports and physical activity are described. For clear presentation, the book is divided into four distinct categories. Part one considers the setting for physical activity and its applications. This provides the base in the world as it is today, the scope of physical activity as it is viewed within this context, and the potentials of physical activity as developmental phenomena within these settings. Part two views physical activity as disciplines. Four groups of disciplines are outlined: biophysical disciplines, sociopsychological disciplines, history, and philosophy. Part three discusses the professions that have been developed utilizing the medium of physical activity. Part four views the perspectives and projections for activity. Following a full review of physical activity as disciplines and professions, the author explores the potentials for future development in the realm of physical activity. (JD)