To begin, periodization is a deliberately organized process of breaking down a prescribed training program into a series of specialized cycles in order to elicit a large enough stress adaptation to yield optimal peaking results over a scheduled period of time. Periodization organizes training in order to mentally and physically prepare an athlete for optimal results while avoiding injuries and plateaus all while systematically increasing training intensity. Generally, this process is broken down into three phases; macrocycles, mesocycles, and microcycles.
First, a macrocycle is defined as a sequenced block of training with the end goal of the athlete to reach peaked performance. This first cycle is usually prescribed in three …show more content…
A macrocycle could be constructed which would start in the offseason and end in the in-season training period in order to allow the athlete to properly execute peak performance on the field come time to perform. This could be broken down into different mesocycle training blocks which would allow the athlete to slowly progress over time honing in on sport-specific skills. By alternating easy, moderate and hard training blocks into the soccer players macrocycle, this creates a distinct time frame for the athlete to overcompensate for the new training adaptations and prevent a plateau or fatigue. In the early part of the training phase focus on technical and foundational skills required on the field should be implemented. This will prepare the athlete's body for the specific movements required for soccer and will begin the foundation of the necessary endurance needed for this sport. As pre-season approaches, the player's mesocycle program should gradually shift from foundational training to more advanced footwork and movement pattern drills that mirror those movements required on the field. This training phase should focus on ballistic movements and prepare the cardiovascular system for the intense demands required on the field. When in-season arrives and the player starts seasonal training this would be the final stage of the macrocycle and the beginning of the final mesocycle. The athlete should be at peak performance at this point and the training program should efficiently coincide with their coaches planned practices so they do not interfere with recovery and can continue to experience an increase in strength and endurance. Within the entire macrocycle planned recovery days are imperative to implement within each microcycle. These recovery days should occur 1 to 2 times weekly and include physical and mental preparatory techniques. Some of which include but are not limited