I think it is appropriate at this point to review the first three posts.
Part 1 - We learned what a Game Model is and organized our week's structure
Part 2 - We defined and detailed each of the training variables
Part 3 - We learned how to manipulate the training variables to create constraints for a session
Now we are going to progress into why we rotate the training stimulus, what the different training stimuli are through the week, and how to rotate them. In addition we will address how certain types of training days/stimulus are better suited for specific moments of the game. This is key to application of your Game Model. We touched on them briefly back in Part 1 when describing the structure of the week.
Why do we rotate the training stimulus?
There are a few different reasons behind this thought process. First off, the most important reason is to prepare the players for all demands of the game. By rotating the type of training stimulus we can load the players in different ways on consecutive days. We give specific structures and systems of the body a chance to be loaded, then rested, while we load different structures and systems of the body. I am aware that all systems/structures are trained at all times but we can have a bias towards specific ones. Next we use alternate or rotate stimulus as a means to maintain quality but facilitate the recovery process. All training sessions should be of the highest quality, ensuring we build good habits. We never want the quality to drop. By rotating the type of work within the session we can maintain this quality or intensity while recovering as we head into the weekend's match. Lastly and for some the most important reason is to limit injuries within the playing staff. By preparing the team for each demand of the match we put them in a great position to endure all stresses that could take place.
What are the different training stimuli?
I addressed the general definitions of each of the different days in Part 1. Below I will give further information for each day.
Active Recovery MD+2
Since we are still recovering (hence the +2) from the previous match, we need to continue this process. In this situation this would be a field based recovery session. To truly recovery we need to perform the same actions that caused the fatigue, soreness, etc. Below is a simple example of a session.
Tactical Focus -No Tactical Focus. We want to limit the psychological loading on this day. The players are fatigued from a cognitively.
Extensive Warm Up with Technical - 20 minutes
5v2 Rondos - 10 minutes
4v4+3 Non Directional Possession 4x1 min with 1 min rest
Extensive Cool down (long static, mobility focus)
Individual Recovery Modalities (massage, tubs, boots, etc.)
Strength/Power MD-4
The team is now more than 72 hours from our last match. This ensures all players should have sufficiently recovered from playing. They are ready to be loaded in all facets of the game. Because we know that tomorrow's session will be done in larger spaces with long training exercises, we want to work in the opposite on this day. Our goals are to work in smaller spaces, with a lower number of players. These exercises are very intense but are short in duration with longer rest periods. There will be a bias towards change of direction, tackling, accelerations, decelerations. Below is a simple example of a session.
Tactical Focus - Individual to Small Group. Offensive Organization or Defensive Organization.
Intensive Warm Up (change of direction focus) - 15 minutes
Individual Technical Development (players break up into positional groups to train specific technical actions) 15 minutes
3v3v3 Directional Possession to End Zones 8x1 min with 2 minutes rest
4v4+GKs (two games simultaneous) 4x4 minutes with 2 minutes rest
Endurance MD-3
Now we rotate the type of stimulus from small spaces, high density of change of direction on MD-4 to larger spaces, more volume of distance covered, and match like exercises on MD-3. 'This allows for the team to continue "loading" on consecutive days. If we did a similar session we'd run the risk of overuse injuries or not preparing the team for all demands of the match. Below is a sample session.
Tactical Focus - Collective. Offensive or Defensive Organization
Extensive Warm Up (combination focus) - 15 minutes
Building from the back, Technical (Identifying different options to play out) 15 minutes
11v8 Playing from the back (Directional to Small Goals) - 20 minutes
11v11 (3/4 pitch) - 2x12 minutes with 4 minute rest
Speed MD-2
We begin the process of recovery for the match on MD-2. This doesn't mean we have a slow, not intense session. All work is of the highest quality and intensity. High intensity doesn't mean running around like a maniac. We were working for extended periods of time with high volumes of distance and high speed running in MD-3. Now we want a shorter session, very short exercises, and long rest periods. If there wasn't any sprint exposure on MD-3 it is key we obtain it on MD-2. Below is a sample session.
Tactical Focus - Large Group to the Collective. The transitions work very well on this day.
Extensive Warm Up (linear focus) - 15 minutes
Transitional Patterns on the Counter - 10 minutes
6v4 Counter to Goal (win the ball and 7 seconds to create scoring chance) - 10 minutes
8v6 counter to Goal (win the ball and 10 seconds to create scoring chance0 - 10 minutes
11v11 Situation Match - 10 minutes (significant stoppages for coaching moments)
Organizational MD-1
We continue the recovery process on MD-1. This day is key to completing recovery through short exercises, long rest periods, and a very short session. Again, when active the players are working at a high intensity. Sample Session is below.
Tactical Focus - Collective. Tactical Organization and Set Pieces.
Intensive Warm Up (reactive & technical) 10 minutes
Three Team Transition 6v6v6 - 2x3 minutes with 2 minutes rest
Tactical Organization (team shape) 10 minutes
Set Pieces 10 minutes
Hopefully you can see the importance and reasoning behind rotating the training stimulus through the week. Simple put we do it to implement the week's tactical strategy within the game model, prepare the team for all demands of the game, and limit the occurrence of injuries. In Part 5 we will discuss how and why you should build a drill library to work in this manner.
Take care
Josh
Comments