Periodisation is the division of a training year (macrocycles) into smaller and more manageable intervals (mesocycles) with the goal of managing and coordinating all aspects of training to bring an athlete to peak performance at the most important competition or managing performance across a long in-season.
- Periodisation is simply a process of dividing the annual training plan into a series of manageable phases (mesocycles).
- Each phase can then target a specific or series of attributes to be developed within a designated period of time.
- Periods of appropriate overload and recovery are designated within each phase.
- Periodisation must be individualised!!
“The goal with periodization is to maximize your gains while also reducing your risk of injury and the staleness of the protocol over the long term.”
It also addresses peak performance for competition or meets. Periodization, if appropriately arranged, can peak the athlete multiple times over a competitive season (Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, track and field) or optimize an athlete’s performance over an entire competitive season like with soccer or basketball.
Periodisation explained:
Why periodize?
- Manage fatigue
- Reduce risk of over-training
- Managing load, intensity
- Recovery
Example of a Periodisation principles for a rowing program
Periodisation in Strength and Conditioning by Greg Huff: