This document discusses periodization in athletic training. It summarizes that periodization involves dividing macrocycle training into three main periods - preparation, competition, and transition. The preparation period focuses on gradually increasing training volume. The competition period reduces volume while increasing intensity and specificity. The transition period involves active rest and recovery to avoid reversibility. Periodization provides structure, progression, and variety to training, helping with long-term athlete development.

1. 9.4 Periodization
IAAF CECS Level I

2. Planning the Training Programme
Long Term plan
 all training should be planned so that it is suitable for the long term
development of the athlete’s potential.
Stage 1
Kids’ Athletics
Stage 2
Multi-Events
Stage 3
Event Group
Development
Stage 4
Specialisation
Stage 5
Performance
Training Age
(years)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 +
Optimum
Biological Age
6-9 8-11 10-13 12-14 13-15 14-16 15-17 16-18 17-19 18-20+
IAAF CECS Level I Coaching Theory 9.4 / 2

3. Periodisation
- what to do and when to do it
There are three main periods of training:
 Preparation
 Competition
 Transition
Volume
Intensity
Fitness for competition
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4. Preparation Period
 The first and longest period of training
 Volume of training gradually increases
 The average increase in volume is best done in a series of steps
rather than a straight line
• gives time for the athlete to adapt to the training loads
 MC of 9 days
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5. Competition Period
 Volume gradually reduces
 Specificity (Intensity) increases
 (Build-up) Competition is best training
• Stabilisation of competition performance
• Specificity
 MC of 6 days
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6. Transition Period
Volume
Intensity
Fitness for competition
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 “Active rest”
 Reversibility
• If you don’t use it, You loose it

7. The Plan in Action
Example
General training plan
 Jumps
IAAF CECS Level I Coaching Theory

8. Summary
 Macrocycle can be divided into ‘periods’ of training
This provides
• Structure
• Progression
• Variety
to the training
 There are three main “periods” of training:
• Preparation
• Competition
• Transition
• Periodization helps in the long term development of the athlete.
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