How ToHow to design and plan successful training phases.Nigel Hetherington explains how to design and plan successful training phases A training phase could be anything from a few weeks to many weeks long and is usually characterised as being part of an overall series of sequential or partially overlapping phases called a 'period' aimed at attaining a specific performance goal. Traditionally, coaches use names such as 'general conditioning', 'specific conditioning' or 'pre-competition' to describe phases. These suggest many possible activities but tend not to be very enlightening. Of more practical help to the coach and athlete may be to consider what the intermediate goals are for each phase, how to identify them and what to do to achieve them.
PlanningPredominantly, we are concerned with training one or more of the fitness components - speed, strength, endurance, flexibility and skill - all of these can be trained and all can be trained in various sub-categories e.g. maximal strength / core strength. The key to success is working on the basis that it is firstly important to identify what needs to be improved, by how much and why. Furthermore, consider how we will be able to measure the improvement and understand the timescales involved - e.g. it will typically take 6 to 8 weeks to train a consistent and measurable improvement and often longer to achieve the desired goal. We also need to consider how this change may impact on other factors e.g. strength gains may cause a specific reduction in flexibility unless worked on in parallel. Example phase goal The following is an example of an intermediate goal " Improve flexibility in lower back / hamstrings over a 12 week period by more than 12cm, measured with the 'sit and reach test', to reduce occurrence of chronic tightness in these areas. Initial test result: 28cm; goal: 40cm; ultimate goal: 48cm. Examples of (stretching) activities (seek expert guidance if not certain)
How much and how long
To achieve optimum results the programme should be progressive in terms of the number of stretches performed in a given session and the number of session per week. NotesWarm up thoroughly before performing any stretches. You should not be fatigued when stretching. Treat this as a training session in itself and perform it in a warm, comfortable environment. Gently cool down afterwards. Do not overstretch; pain should not be experienced during stretching. Measure progress using the sit and reach test every two weeks. Reassess goal after 6 weeks and relative success of measures employed. Record all sessions! Devise a maintenance program once goal is achieved. Setting intermediate goals for athletes can be highly motivating in terms of achieving meaningful results without exposing them, for example, to the rigours of competition. About the AuthorNigel Hetherington is the National Performance Manager for Scottish Athletics. He is a UK Athletics (UKA) level 4 performance coach and senior coach tutor and assessor trainer. He is a chartered chemist with 26 years' experience in scientific research. Nigel is also an experienced athlete in sprint and endurance events. Associated PagesThe following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: |
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