What are the three essential components to include in any training programme?
These components are crucial for a well-structured training programme.
The principles of training are important because they result in what?
Desirable adaptation of the body
Correct application of these principles leads to effective training outcomes.
Define specificity in the context of training.
Training must be geared towards the demands of the activity and specific to the individual
This includes considering the energy system used and the individual’s age, ability, and current fitness level.
What are the two ways specificity is applied in training?
Tailoring training to both the person and the specific demands of their sport maximizes effectiveness.
What does progression refer to in training?
Gradual increase of training stress over time
This is necessary for continued adaptation and improvement.
What is meant by overload in training?
The body must work harder than it normally does
Overload can be achieved by manipulating frequency, time, intensity, and type of training.
List the four factors that can be manipulated to achieve overload.
Adjusting these factors helps to ensure the body adapts to increased demands.
What does variance in training help to prevent?
Boredom and loss of concentration
Incorporating a variety of training sessions maintains commitment and engagement.
What is the principle of moderation in training?
Caution must be taken not to overload too much
Excessive overload can lead to overuse injuries and burnout, especially in younger performers.
Define adaptation in the context of training.
A physiological change in response to training
An example of adaptation is increased red blood cell production.
What is the principle of reversibility in training?
Fitness levels quickly drop when periods of inactivity occur
It is vital that training programmes avoid any long periods of inactivity, even during off-season time.
How can the loss of fitness be reduced during training?
By ensuring steady progression throughout the training
Always give relevant practical examples when referring to the principles of training.
What does the principle of specificity entail?
Training must target the muscle movements and energy systems specific to the event
For example, an 800m swimmer would conduct most of their training in the pool, focusing on aerobic training.
What is the principle of moderation in training?
Avoiding excessive training to prevent injuries
An endurance runner training too much may sustain injuries, such as a stress fracture.
What is the aim of periodisation in training?
Periodisation involves dividing training into specific blocks.
Define a macro-cycle in training.
A long-term training programme, often over a year
For an Olympic athlete, it may span 4 years and includes preparation, competition, and recovery phases.
What is a meso-cycle?
A phase of training, typically lasting about a month or 6 weeks
It focuses on developing a particular component of fitness such as power, strength, or endurance.
What is a micro-cycle?
A short-term training plan, typically over 1 week
It can involve similar or varying training sessions from week to week.
Fill in the blank: Periodisation is the organised division of training into _______.
blocks, each with a goal and time frame
This structure helps athletes achieve specific training objectives.
What is the typical duration of a meso-cycle?
Typically over 6 weeks
The length may vary depending on the training aim.
What does a micro-cycle typically involve?
Training sessions that may contain one or more units
It is a short-term plan that can vary in intensity and duration.
What are the three main training phases in a periodised year?
These phases correspond to different times in the training cycle: off-season, pre-season, during season, and transition.
During the Preparatory 1 phase, what type of training occurs?
This phase takes place in the off-season.
What is the focus of the Preparatory 2 phase?
This phase occurs in the pre-season, approaching competition.