Periodisation organises training into cycles: macrocycles (full season or year), mesocycles (4-8 week blocks) and microcycles (weekly structure). The classic linear periodisation moves from high-volume, low-intensity (base phase) toward low-volume, high-intensity (peak phase). Block periodisation concentrates specific qualities in shorter blocks. Undulating periodisation varies intensity and volume within the week. All models aim to peak fitness for competition while preventing chronic fatigue and overtraining. First systematised by Soviet sports scientists in the 1950s.
Key points
- Macro/meso/microcycles structure training
- Linear, block and undulating are the main models
- Base phase: high volume, low intensity
- Peak phase: low volume, high intensity
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