The Periodization Process

Periodization has become a fancy word utilized in sports performance over the last decade. The idea behind Periodization is to create a structured training plan that accounts for many variables in order to optimize the team’s readiness to compete. Though the term may sound complex, it is simply about creating a thorough, progressive and smart training plan! Periodization is not only tied to the Sports Science team, but it can also be applied to many disciplines.

Here are a few examples:

The Technical Staff can create a technical/tactical periodization which will display a well thought out plan on how to expose the team to various key aspects of the game model and develop specific behaviors in a progressive manner.
The Sport Science team will create a physical periodization which will lay out a physical loading plan based on the calendar in place in order to best prepare the team, the subgroups and the individual players for competition while trying as best as possible to mitigate injuries.
The Return to Play Specialist may also create an RTP periodization for an injured athlete coming back from a long-term injury. That plan will consider many variables in order to slowly progress the player physically but also bring them back to their position specific technical/tactical habits while considering their nutritional and psychological needs.
The Mental Coaches may also advise the technical staff on how to Periodize their delivery of information and the cognitive demands placed upon the team in order to optimize the retention of information while best preparing them to compete.

All these different approaches to Periodization are crucial in order to best serve our athletes and should all be included to bring all the staff’s thoughts and work together in one planning system. Below I will share some thoughts on my process in developing a muti-disciplinary approach to Periodizing a season.