Highlights on Block Periodization
/Experts from the New Horizons for the Methodology and Physiology of Training Periodization paper by Vladimir B. Issurin.
As one of the most practically oriented components of theory, training periodization is intended to offer coaches basic guidelines for structuring and planning training.
However, during recent decades contradictions between the traditional model of periodization and the demands of high-performance sport practice have inevitably developed.
The main limitations of traditional periodization stemmed from:
conflicting physiological responses produced by ‘mixed’ training directed at many athletic abilities
excessive fatigue elicited by prolonged periods of multi-targeted training
insufficient training stimulation induced by workloads of medium and low concentration typical of ‘mixed’ training
the inability to provide multi-peak performances over the season
Its general idea proposes the sequencing of specialized training cycles, i.e. blocks, which contain highly concentrated workloads directed to a minimal number of targeted abilities.
Unlike traditional periodization, in which the mixed training program is intended to develop many abilities, the consecutive development of targeted abilities typical of block periodization produces training stimuli for several functions, while the other abilities decrease.
In this view, the duration of residual training effects becomes of primary importance. The correct sequencing of the mesocycles within the training stage makes it possible to obtain ‘‘optimal superposition of residual training effects’’, so as to allow competitive performance at a high level for all motor and technical abilities.
This possibility arises because the training residuals of basic abilities last much longer than the residuals of more specific abilities, while the residuals of maximal speed and event-specific readiness are the shortest. Thus, the total length of a single training stage ranges from 5 to 10 weeks, depending on competition frequency and sport-specific factors.
The residual training effect concept is relatively new and is less known than other types of training outcomes. Long-lasting training is intended to develop many motor abilities, which remain at a heightened level for a given period after training cessation. This retention belongs to another special type of training effect called the ‘residual training effect’, which can be characterized as ‘‘the retention of changes induced by systematic workloads beyond a certain time period after the cessation of training.’’[37] The general approach to ‘training residuals’ induced by ‘residual effects of training’ was conceptualized initially by Brian and James Counsilman,[88] and focused mainly on the longterm aspects of biological adaptation
You can download a pdf of this paper for free here.
I highly recommend Issurin’s books Block Periodization: Breakthrough in Sports Training and Block Periodization 2: Fundamental Concepts and Training Design for anyone interested in learning more about Block Periodization.
