Soccer

Strength

Describe an effective way to introduce periodization into a teams training program?

Periodization: Transforming Teams' Training for Peak Performance

So, I think the really important thing to think about is when we're looking at periodizing a team's plan is looking at what they're used to and a starting point and then looking at where you want to get them to in the end. So, the end is almost a worst case scenario and that might be looking at two games per week, three games per week in different sports. It might be slightly more condensed, might be slightly longer. Also, you really have to start thinking about the game model that you're thinking about and then how you break that up and periodize that over a period of time. So, you always want to start with the end in mind. So, work on a six or an eight or a twelve week block and think, right, what is our worst case scenario? So, our worst case scenario is that, for example, players have to cover 55 kilometers in a seven day period. On average now, they're covering about 25 kilometers on each seven day period. So, how in a progressive manner can we get from A to B? And that would be from total distance, high speed running and also sprint distance. So, try and periodize those in every single week and if it can't be done through the actual training, no matter how well it is designed, sometimes it doesn't always hit that note, then that's where you can do it as additional top up outside, particularly with things like high speed running or sprint metrics.

When periodizing a team's plan, it is important to start with the end in mind. Work on a 6-12 week block and think about what their worst case scenario would be. Plan how to get from A to B in a progressive manner by taking into account total distance, high speed running, and sprint distance. As needed, use additional training outside of normal practice to hit the desired metrics.

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When introducing periodization into a team's training program, it's crucial to start by assessing the team's current state and where you want them to be at the end. Consider worst-case scenarios, such as playing two or three games per week, with varying durations. Next, analyze the game model and break it down into manageable periods over a set timeframe, like six, eight, or twelve weeks.

Begin with the end in mind and identify the target you want to achieve. For example, if players need to cover 55 kilometers in a seven-day period but are currently averaging only 25 kilometers, figure out a progressive plan to bridge that gap. This plan should include increasing total distance covered, high-speed running, and sprint distance. Periodize these goals every week.

If the desired outcomes cannot be achieved solely through regular training sessions, consider incorporating additional top-up sessions specifically targeting areas like high-speed running or sprint metrics. This ensures comprehensive training coverage.

By strategically mapping out the team's training program and gradually progressing towards desired outcomes, periodization can effectively be introduced into their regimen.

How do you determine the starting point for a team's periodization plan?

Strategically progressive: Determining the starting point for team periodization

The starting point for periodization is always where you're currently at and where the goal is. So if we're looking at what's the starting point and then what your worst case scenario is, and then gradually building through that process in a structured manner to not get any major spikes in any metrics, that's being at the gym or on the pitch. So always take a look at where you are and where you want to be and not have a rush with it and plan it through so that you can be aggressive but be strategically progressive.

The starting point for periodization is always where you currently are and where your goal is. Plan out a structured approach to gradually build up in order to avoid any major spikes in performance metrics.

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To determine the starting point for a team's periodization plan, it's important to assess the current state of the team and identify the desired goal. By understanding where you are and where you want to be, you can establish a structured approach that avoids sudden spikes in metrics during training or matches. The key is to be both aggressive and strategically progressive, gradually building towards the desired outcome without rushing the process. This ensures a well-planned and effective periodization plan for the team's success.

Can you explain the benefits of periodization and how it can improve a team's performance?

Unlocking Consistent Performance: The Power of Periodization

Periodization just allows you to produce consistent performances. So in a game that there's so many factors outside in terms of opposition, the schedule, form, confidence, it's by having a consistent periodization that you can take the physical factor out of it so that players can't come at the end of the week and effectively say, hey we did too much, we did too little. Or you can have a base of wanting to work harder one week because you may need to do some extra tactical work. The other impact of periodization is you can reduce injuries because you can stabilize certain things throughout the week and throughout the month and you can also start to prepare them for worst case scenarios. So particularly in soccer when we're looking at factors like the Christmas period or the Easter period that you might have two games in three days or two games in four days, that you can start to look at what is required from those and you can build it over a period of time to hopefully make some of those players more robust to deal with it because they've been there and dealt with it before as opposed to coming in at a really low level, having a big jump and then hoping that they'll survive.

Periodization enables consistent performance and reduces the risk of injuries by providing a stable training plan and preparing players for worst case scenarios.

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Periodization allows for consistent performances and improvement in a team's overall performance. It removes the physical factor from the equation, ensuring that players cannot complain about doing too much or too little training. With a consistent periodization plan, the team has a solid foundation to adjust their workload based on tactical needs or other external factors. Additionally, periodization helps reduce injuries by stabilizing training throughout the week and month. It prepares players for worst-case scenarios, such as congested schedules with multiple games in a short time span. By gradually building up their stamina and resilience over time, players become more robust and better equipped to handle demanding situations. This approach is especially relevant in sports like soccer during periods like Christmas or Easter when teams face multiple games in quick succession. Instead of abruptly exposing players to intense demands, periodization allows them to gradually adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances.

What type of challenges might a coach face when introducing periodisation into a team's training program?

The Challenges of Implementing Periodisation in Team Training

The biggest challenge that a coach faces, particularly sports specific coaches, is they don't actually know the demands of their training methodology. So what do their sessions require physically and mentally? And they don't always necessarily understand that, so they don't understand how to get from point A to point B. So a clear idea of what your game model is and what it requires and how does your training link to that is usually where there's a gap. The other fact is that often when sometimes sports scientists are looking to help the coach, is that we can come a little bit too hard and say, do this, don't do this. So it's really important to try and bring that relationship together and work together to build from where they're at to where they want to go with clear understanding of what the game model and training model requires.

A challenge coaches face is not understanding the physical and mental demands of their training methodology and how to get from point A to point B. It's important to build a relationship between coach and sports scientist to build on current conditions and reach desired goals while understanding the game and training model requirements.

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When introducing periodization into a team's training program, coaches may face several challenges. One major challenge is that coaches may not have a clear understanding of the physical and mental demands of their training methodology. Without this understanding, it becomes difficult to progress from one point to another effectively. It is crucial for coaches to have a clear idea of their game model and how their training aligns with it. Another challenge arises when sports scientists or experts try to assist coaches by providing strict instructions without considering the coach's perspective. This can create tension and hinder collaboration. It is important to establish a strong relationship between coaches and sports scientists, working together to bridge the gap between the coach's current approach and where they want to go, while ensuring a clear understanding of the requirements of the game model and training model.

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Callum Walsh is a Senior Physical Performance Coach, having coached Turkey's national team, Atletico Paranaense in Brazil and Cardiff City in Wales.

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