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Question:

Dear SIRC Librarian:

At what age should a coach introduce periodization training?

Thanks

Deb,

Ontario Figure Skating Coach

Answer:

Dear Deb:

Thank you for sending your question concerning periodization training to SIRC.

According to the literature, periodization training can be seen as a year round conditioning program. It can be used from recreational to high performance levels. The emphasis appears to be on the proper design of a program to take into the consideration of the ability of the athlete and the sport.

Below are several articles from the SIRC Collection that discuss periodization for children and adolescents. They provide an overview of training young athletes and the macrocycle, mesocycle, and microcycle of periodization.

Training theory: A primer on periodization

This article is the first of three in a series on training theory. Here, coach Dr. Marc Grosso introduces the theory of periodization and how it applies to training for track and field athletes. He explains the concepts of macrocycle, mesocycle, microcycle, competition, and training periods and how to develop a training plan.

Grosso, Marc R. (2006). The Coach (Peterborough, England), (33), 25-33. [SIRC ID# S-1017101]

 

Identifying, Understanding and TrainingYouth Athletes.

Information is provided on today's focus on the development of sport talent in children. The physical and mental aspects required to achieve sporting success are explained and the basics of a sports conditioning plan are outlined.

Twist, Peter and Hutton, Janice (2007). IDEA fitness journal (San Diego, Calif.), 4(8), 64-71. [SIRC ID# S-1062266]

In addition, you may want to look at the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD). Their website is http://www.ltad.ca/ . They provide physical activity suggestions for all ages, from 0 to adulthood.

We appreciate your request. Please email or contact us at SIRC anytime.

Sincerely,

Your SIRC Librarian

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