I was never a big fan of periodisation. Initially I planned these grandiose periodised schedules but most of the time they didn’t work out because of the reality of the sporting context i.e. player injury, player availability (exams, sickness, etc.), coach cancelling your sessions, too much tactical and technical and not enough physical to maintain fitness qualities, etc. …..So I modified my behaviour, I needed flexibility, especially as I worked with teams of 12-25 players.
What worked for me was this – I had a macro-periodised plan - important dates and the like. I knew the fitness qualities of importance and respective targets/standards relevant to the positional demands. Through the season I would test one fitness component per week (strength, power, speed and endurance) - it would take 10-15 minutes of each 60-75 minute session. I was continually PIRRing, constantly reviewing player fitness, refining my planning depending on the data, and implementing new programs based on individual needs. This approach allowed me to react and adapt to what was in front of me.
What works for you?
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