Many performers divide their training year into distinct seasons:
Pre-season/preparation
Competition/peak/playing season
Post-season/transition
Dividing training into seasons in this way allows performers to shift the focus of their training with each season andreach peak performance at the right time
Pre-Season
During this season performers often focus on overall aerobic fitness as well as specific fitness goals
Examples of pre-season
A cyclist might work on aerobic fitness by completingdistance training rides, while also developing strength and endurance for hill cycling
A rugby player might build aerobic fitness with distance running while also working on strength training
A rower might build aerobic fitness with extended rowing machine sessions while also working on strength training
Peak playing season
Performers should be at the peak of fitness during this season, so their aim will be to maintain fitness levels and work on specific skills
Examples of peak playing season
Recovery after competition
Strength training
Sport-specific skills training, e.g.
Rugby lineouts
Netball shooting
Passing skills in football
Post-season
During this season performers can take time to rest andrecover from the peak season, while still maintaining some level of fitness
This prevents loss of motivation due to overtraining and fatigue
Performers can recover from injury
The fitness gained from pre- and peak season training does not drop too low
