Periodization in Training and Conditioning Traditional seasons no longer exist for serious athletes Periodization Achieve peak performance Decrease injuries and overtraining Program that spans various seasons Modify program relative to athlete’s needs
Macrocycle Complete training cycle Seasonal approach based on preseason, in-season, and off-season Changes in intensity, volume, specificity of training occur in order to achieve peak levels of fitness for competition Broken into mesocycles (lasting weeks or months)
Mesocycles Transition period: Preparatory period: Follows last competition (early off-season) Unstructured (escape rigors of training) Preparatory period: Off-season Hypertropy/endurance phase (Low intensity with high volume) Allows for development of endurance base Lasts several weeks to 2 months Strength Phase Power Phase (High intensity/ pre-season)
Preparatory period (continued) Strength Phase Intensity and volume increase to moderate levels Power Phase (High intensity/ pre-season) Volume is decreased to allow adequate recovery Competition period: May last a week or several months for seasonal sports High intensity, low volume, skill training sessions May incorporate microcycles (1-7 days) Designed to ensure peak on days of competition
Cross Training Training for a sport with substitutions of alternative activities (carryover value) Useful in transition and preparatory periods Variety to training regimen Should be discontinued prior to preseason as it is not sport-specific