Anthropometry Large hands, feet, and lungs are further anthropometric characteristics that favor quick swimming. Huge hands and feet function as natural paddles and fins, respectively, while large lungs boost natural buoyancy and endurance. All of these traits are needed for successful swimmer's athletics or aquatics. Large feet may appear to be a disadvantage for athletes who play musical instruments or use computers, but actually they are an advantage because larger foot sizes require greater forces to push off the ground when walking or running. This means that swimmers need not exert themselves as much when swimming fast since they can rely on their massive legs for power. In fact, big-footed people are usually more efficient at sports that require them to walk or run such as basketball, football, and soccer. In contrast, small-footed people are typically better at activities that do not involve physical effort such as dancing and singing. Similarly, large-mouthed people are usually better water skiers since they can ingest more oxygen per breath than smaller-mouth individuals. And finally, tall people tend to be more successful in sports that require height such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis since they can see the court better. In conclusion, athletic ability is a combination of factors including biological make up, training, and chance events.