Periodization of Competition Aug29 - Sport for Lifesportforlife.ca/.../09/Periodization-of-Competition... · Periodization+of+Competition++ + Page+2+ + This!document!is!intended!to!be!a!resource!for!Consultants,!Program!Officers!and!Sport!Technical!

Periodization of Competition:Synopsis of the Role, Placement,

Emphasis & Outcome of Competition

This resource was prepared in collaboration with theFederal-Provincial/Territorial Sport Committee.

Funding for the Collaboration Project, including the development of this resource, was provided by the F-P/T Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Committee.

July 2017Version 1

This resource is intended to provide sport organizations with a coherent and strident framework and practical plan for their domestic and high performance athletes/teams. The outcome should be that the competition calendar assists in the eventual creation of national and international calibre athletes, ensuring that the calendar in the early stages contributes to learning and development. It is expected that the later stages of the competition calendar allow for a seamless transition into the rhythm of the international calendar (likely beyond the direct influence of the domestic sport organization).

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

This resource provides a wealth of good information, content and considerations on how to create a coherent competition calendar with strong rationale about its importance in the athlete development pathway. It is strongly recommended that the change process:

a. Is led by an external facilitator with expertise in Long-Term Athlete Development, and

b. Includes a qualified sport physiologist with a strong understanding and considerable experiencewith the stages of Long-Term Athlete Development, and

c. Includes someone with an excellent understanding of the national sport organization’scompetition review, and

d. Includes involvement, connection and coordination with the NSO ensuring alignment andcoordination with their ongoing Long-Term Athlete Development work, and

e. Consults with all the groups that may be impacted by changes to the competition calendar.

These measures will ensure that the sport’s system of competition will be well aligned throughout the athlete development pathway and is consistent with quality sport and Long-Term Athlete Development principles.

Periodization+of+Competition++ + Page+1+++

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P E R I O D I Z A T I O N + O F + C OM P E T I T I O N : +

S Y N O P S I S + O F + T H E + R O L E , + P L A C EM EN T , +

EM P H A S I S + & + O U T C OM E + O F + C OM P E T I T I O N +

+

+

A +GUIDE+FOR+SPORT+ORGANIZATIONS+AND+LEADERS+

+

+

+

+

!

!

!

!


This!document!is!intended!to!be!a!resource!for!Consultants,!Program!Officers!and!Sport!Technical!

Leaders!to!assist!in!the!process!of!identifying!and!effecting!changes!to!the!competition!calendar!to!

reinforce!effective!planning!and!periodization!by!coaches.!


HOW+TO+USE+THIS+GUIDE+

This+document+is+provided+as+a+resource+to+assist+organizations+in+producing+a+coherent+and+strident+

framework+and+practical+plan+for+their+domestic+competitive+and+high+performance+athletes/teams.+The+

outcome+should+be+such+that+the+competition+calendar+assists+in+the+eventual+creation+of+national+and+

international+calibre+athletes.+As+such,+it+is+expected+that+the+later+stages+of+the+competition+calendar+

allow+for+a+seamless+transition+into+the+rhythm+of+the+international+calendar+(something+likely+to+be+

beyond+the+direct+influence+of+the+domestic+organization).+

The+purpose+of+this+resource+is+to+assist+Sport+Leaders+in+making+informed+decisions+about+the+

competition+calendar+armed+with+an+understanding+of+the+importance+of+the+structure+and+various+

cycles+of+periodization.++

This+process+should+be+lead+by+a+qualified+Sport+Physiologist+with+strong+understanding+and+considerable+

experience+with+stages+of+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development.+

! !


TABLE+OF+CONTENTS+

EXECUTIVE!SUMMARY!.........................................................................................................................!5!

INTRODUCTION!....................................................................................................................................!6!

THE+ROLE+OF+SPORT+LEADERS+IN+PERIODIZATION+OF+COMPETITION+CALENDAR+....................................+7+ESTABLISHING+A+WORKGROUP:+WHO+SHOULD+BE+INVOLVED?+...............................................................+8+

SECTION!1:!PURPOSE!OF!COMPETITION!.............................................................................................!10!

COMPETITION+AS+PART+OF+THE+DEVELOPMENT+‘CURRICULUM’+...........................................................+11+AN+ALIGNED+DOMESTIC+PERFORMANCE+CALENDAR+.............................................................................+14+EXERCISE+1+..............................................................................................................................................+15+

SECTION!2:!PERIODIZATION:!TRAINING!AND!COMPETITION!RATIOS!..................................................!17!

EXERCISE+2A+...........................................................................................................................................+19+EXERCISE+2B+............................................................................................................................................+19+

SECTION!3:!SINGLE,!DOUBLE!AND!TRIPLE!PERIODIZATION!..................................................................!20!

EXERCISE+3A+...........................................................................................................................................+22+EXERCISE+3B+............................................................................................................................................+22+TAKING+TIME+FOR+PROPER+ADAPTATION+..............................................................................................+22+EXERCISE+3C+............................................................................................................................................+23+

SECTION!4:!COMPETITION!FOR!PROGRESS!AND!BENCHMARKING!......................................................!24!

EXERCISE+4A+...........................................................................................................................................+26+EXERCISE+4B+............................................................................................................................................+26+CHECKLIST+FOR+STAGEYSPECIFIC+COMPETITION+CALENDAR+..................................................................+27+

APPENDIX!1!.......................................................................................................................................!28!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS!......................................................................................................................!31!

!+

! !


EXECUTIVE+SUMMARY+

The+purpose+of+this+guiding+document+is+to+provide+a+resource+that+will+assist+sport+leaders+and+

organizations+in+producing+a+coherent,+strident+framework+and+practical+plan+for+domestic+competitive+

and+high+performance+athletes/teams.+The+outcome+should+be+such+that+the+competition+calendar+

assists+in+the+process+of+athlete+development+and+the+eventual+creation+of+international+calibre+athletes.+

As+such,+it+is+expected+that+the+later+stages+of+the+competition+calendar+allow+for+a+seamless+transition+

into+the+rhythm+of+the+international+calendar,+which+is+likely+beyond+the+direct+influence+of+the+domestic+

organization.+

! Optimal+competition+calendar+planning+is+important+for+athlete+development.+

! The+calendar+should+be+based+on+human+biology,+physiology,+skill+acquisition,+and+improving+

‘sport+intelligence’+and+not+randomly+selected+dates+or+schedules.+

! Establish+clear+‘stageYbyYstage’+purpose+of/for+competition.+

! At+certain+stages,+recognize+that+the+development+of+specific+domains+identified+in+the+Athlete+

Development+Matrix+will+take+precedence+over+competition.+

! Adhere+to+guidelines+for+stageYbyYstage+training:+competition+ratios.+

! During+the+later+stages+of+development+and+performance+(i.e.+Train+to+Compete+and+Train+to+

Win)+the+ability+to+compete+and+‘perform+on+demand’+becomes+or+is+the+focus.+

! The+relative+importance+of+the+yearly+and+the+multiYyear+competition+calendar+should+be+

apparent+in+the+domestic+calendar.+This+means+that+the+major+competitions+are+scheduled+later+

in+the+yearly+training+plan,+allowing+optimal+time+for+learning+and+development.++

! Understand+the+utilization+of+single,+double,+and+triple+periodized+plans+dependent+upon+level+of+

athletes/players+and+requirements+(e.g.+qualification+competition/process+prior+to+major+

competition/event).+

! Competitions+should+reflect+training+and+learning+for+development+stages.+

! Competition+can+and+should+be+used+as+part+of+the+learning/experience+process+for+the+

development+stages.+

! Coaches+should+use+a+structured+approach+to+their+overall+annual/multiYyear+planning+and+adopt+

a+‘plan+–+execute+–+review’+framework.+The+role+of+competitions+within+this+framework+is+one+

aspect+used+to+evaluate+the+efficacy+of+the+development+programming+during+the+Learn+to+Train+

through+to+the+Train+to+Compete+stages.+


! Ensure+a+coordinated+and+collaborative+approach+between+various+stakeholder+groups+to+align+

training+and+competition+schedules.+This+will+ensure+an+overall+common+purpose+to+the+domestic+

competition+calendar.+

! In+general,+coaches+and+sport+program+administrators+responsible+for+national+and+regional+

competition+calendars+should+not+set+the+domestic+competition+calendar+based+on+the+

international+calendar.+Typically,+the+international+calendar+is+designed+for+athletes+at+the+Train+

to+Win+(High+Performance)+stage+of+their+careers.+Failure+to+understand+this+will+result+in+a+

domestic+competition+program+that+typically+will+fail+to+meet+the+development+needs+of+athletes+

within+the+Train+to+Train+and+Train+to+Compete+stages.+!

+


INTRODUCTION+

THE+ROLE+OF+SPORT+LEADERS+IN+PERIODIZATION+OF+COMPETITION+CALENDAR+

In+many+instances,+competition+structures+and+calendars+are+based+on+tradition+and+not+necessarily+

focused+on+the+optimal+schedule+serving+athlete+development.+In+some+cases,+the+timing+of+competitions+

actually+interferes+with+optimal+athlete+development.+Schedules+are+often+set+for+team+sports+by+leagues+

and+organizations+and+not+by+the+coach+and+athlete,+making+optimal+training+based+on+periodization+

challenging.+For+individual+sports,+individual+competition+schedules+can+be+selected+by+the+coach+and+

athlete+based+on+the+athlete’s+developmental+needs.+However,+in+most+cases,+important+competitions+

are+scheduled+at+the+wrong+time+in+the+calendar.++

Sport+Leaders+can+play+a+significant+role+in+making+informed+decisions+based+general+principles+of+

periodization.+Sport+leaders+and+key+decision+makers+may+have+control+or+direct+influence+on+when+the+

priority+competitions+are+placed+in+the+calendar.+These+are+significant+decisions+that+directly+impact+how+

coaches+plan+the+overall+team/athlete+training+plan.+Competitions+in+Canada+must+be+created+and+

scheduled+strategically,+to+reinforce+the+optimal+training+and+performance+of+an+athlete+as+well+as+their+

tapering+and+peaking+requirements.++

Individuals+undertaking+this+task+are+not+expected+to+be+experts+in+periodization.+However,+they+are+

expected+to+keep+the+following+five+point’s+topYofYmind.++

Successfully+planned+and+implemented+competition+calendars:+

1. Prevent+over+competing+and+undertraining+at+any+stage.+

2. Maximize+the+benefits+from+developmentallyYappropriate+volume,+intensity+and+frequency+of+

training+and+competition.+

3. Foster+the+development+of+athleticism+by+allowing+adequate+time+to+be+spent+on+physical+

preparation+and+recovery.+

4. Consider+the+social/emotional,+psychological+and+lifestyle+aspects+of+athlete+development.+

5. Select+a+limited+number+of+priority+competitions+each+year+on+which+to+focus.++


ESTABLISHING+A+WORKGROUP:+WHO+SHOULD+BE+INVOLVED?+

All+sports+associations,+whether+it+is+at+the+local,+regional,+provincial+or+national+level+have+established+

schedules+and+approaches+for+their+respective+calendars.+Therefore,+involving+representatives+from+

various+areas+of+sport+is+crucial.+

Individuals+who+play+key+roles+in+competition+scheduling+should+be+involved+in+evaluating+the+current+

calendar+and+making+recommendations+for+change.++

This+process+should+be+collaborative,+and+stakeholder+education+and+buyYin+are+important+outcomes+

with+the+intent+of+implementing+the+recommendations.+

The+individuals+participating+in+this+process+should+have:+

1. Extensive+technical+knowledge+of+the+athlete+development+pathway,+including+stage+skill+

requirements+as+identified+in+the+sport’s+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+Fremework+and+the+

Athlete+Development+Matrix.++

2. Experience+as+a+coach,+or+technical+director+

3. Basic+understanding+of+Planning+and+Periodization+

4. Have+decisionYmaking+power+at+the+board+level+to+make+changes.+

5. The+respect+of+the+sport+community,+particularly+in+their+area+of+expertise.++

The+Competition+Calendar+Work+Group+should+have+representation+from:+

• Provincial/Territorial+Sport+Organizations+(PTSO):+Where+competition+calendars+will+be+impacted.+

(interYprovincial+representation,+Board+members)+

• P/T+Technical+Directors+or+P/T+Coaches:+Who+have+experience+and+a+thorough+understanding+of+

athlete+development+in+multiple+stages+but+especially+at+the+Fundamentals,+Learn+to+Train+and+

Train+to+Train+stages+of+development.+

• Individuals+who+have+some+authority+or+influence+on+the+competition+calendar+for+the+stages+

being+examined++

• National+Sport+Organization:+Will+be+charged+with+providing+expertise,+guiding,+compiling+and+

summarizing+input+from+the+group.+

This+process+should+be+lead+by+a+qualified+Sport+Physiologist+with+strong+understanding+and+considerable+

experience+with+stages+of+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development.+


Potential!Working!Group!Members! Expertise!/!Contribution!

PTSO+representation:++

+

++

NSO+Representation:++

++

Decision+Makers:++

+

Sport+Physiologist:++++++

+


SECTION+1:+PURPOSE+OF+COMPETITION+

The+fundamental+question+that+should+be+asked+by+any+organization+is,+“What+is+the+purpose+of+

competition?”+This+is+not+as+straightforward+as+it+might+first+appear+since+most+National+Sport+

Organizations+are+likely+to+have+competing+pressures+at+the+domestic+level.+However,+if+an+organization+

is+serious+and+committed+to+implementing+the+optimal+athlete+development+system,+then+the+following+

points+need+to+be+both+understood+and+implemented.+

It+is+important+to+realize+that+the+role+and+nature+of+competition+changes+depending+upon+the+stage+of+

development.+As+an+overarching+concept,+competition+evolves+from+an+anchor+point+of+having+fun+and+

‘benchmarking+abilities+and+progress’+at+the+early+stages+to+having+fun,+ultimate+competition+

performance+and+‘performance+on+demand1’+at+the+international+level+(see+Table+1).+

Table+1.+Overview+of+Purpose+of+Competition.+

STAGE! AGE! FUN! PROGRESS!&!BENCHMARKING!

PROGRAM!or!TEAM!

SELECTION!

POD*! RESULT!FOCUS!

Learn!to!Train!

8Y11+F+/+9Y12+M+ ✔+ ✔+ + + +

Train!to!Train!

11Y15F+/+12Y16+M! ✔+ ✔+ ✔**+ ✔+ +

Train!to!Compete!

15Y21F+/+16Y23+M+ ✔+ ✔+ ✔+ ✔+ +

Train!to!Win!

18++F+/+19++M! ✔+ ✔+ ✔+ ✔+ ✔+

*+POD+=+Performance+on+Demand+

**+Selection+to+performance+programs+at+later+point+within+this+stage+–+not+at+beginning+of+stage+

+ +

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1+Performance+on+demand+is+the+ability+to+perform+to+the+highest+level+at+any+time+and+under+any+circumstances.++


COMPETITION+AS+PART+OF+THE+DEVELOPMENT+‘CURRICULUM’+

Competition+is+directly+connected+to+and+tests+components+of+the+athlete+development+matrix2+that+

essentially+function+like+the+sport+development+curriculum.+Although+linked,+competition+may+play+

different+roles+across+the+development+stages,+such+as+an+overall+assessment+tool+to+examine+‘progress’+

across+the+elements+that+underscore+future+performance+as+described+in+the+sports’+athlete+

development+matrix.+In+addition,+competition+typically+plays+a+vital+role+in+athlete+identification+and+

selection+strategies,+as+well+as+being+the+obvious+‘final’+series+of+metrics+concerning+performance+such+as+

win/loss+record,+score,+and/or+time.++

It+should+be+very+clear+that+the+athlete+development+matrix+should+actually+drive+the+competition+

calendar,+competition+format/structure,+and+degree/amount+of+competition.+However,+the+reverse+is+

typically+true,+especially+for+team+sports.+Special+attention+must+be+paid+to+the+following+points:+

1. The+objectives+of+each+stage+for+athlete+development+and+measurable+progress+across+the+

critical+elements+identified+in+the+sports’+Athlete+Development+Matrix.++

2. That+competition+itself+is+likely+to+have+a+secondary+role+as+compared+to+the+primary+need+to+

develop+these+critical+elements+and+the+timeframe+required+to+do+so.+

3. The+recovery+and+regeneration+time+required+after+periods+of+systematic+training+(and+

competition).+

4. The+number+of+competitions+required/estimated+to+support+the+development+process+may+differ+

according+to+stage;+

5. An+understanding+of+the+relevant+performance+statistics+and+supporting+metrics+for+each+

developmental+stage+and+how+these+are+sequenced,+rather+than+a+superficial+view+that+these+are+

identical+for+senior/international+players+and+young+developmental+athletes+alike.+

6. Factors+that+may+confound+optimal+calendar+design+such+as+schooling+and+examination+periods,+

individual+growth+and+development+degree+and+pace.+

7. At+the+higher+levels+within+the+Train+to+Compete+and+the+Train+to+Win+stage+itself,+the+obvious+

focus+is+the+‘cyclical’+process+of+‘prepare,+compete,+and+recover’.+This+pattern+may+be+repeated+

at+the+macro+level,+as+seen+in+yearly+training+plans+utilizing+double+or+triple+periodized+formats,+

as+well+as+the+meso+and+microcycle+level+where+competition+is+the+focus.+

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2+Athlete+Development+Matrix:+A+curriculum+that+needs+to+be+covered+in+order+to+be+successful+in+the+sport.+It+describes+aspects+of+the+athlete’s+development+in+areas+of+physical+capacities,+technical+and+tactical+skills,+psychological+skills+and+life+skills.++


Sport+competition+should+be+in+a+similar+fashion+as+tests+are+used+in+the+education+system.+In+order+to+

evaluate+the+learning+of+the+student,+assignments+and+tests+are+scheduled+at+appropriate+times+in+the+

school+calendar.+The+weighting+of+the+tests+reflects+their+importance+and+are+scheduled+based+on+the+

focus+of+the+unit.+The+teacher+and+the+student+use+the+results+of+the+tests+and+assignments+to+identify+

strengths+and+weaknesses+in+the+learning+of+the+student+but+also+the+teaching.+Have+the+students+

learned?+Was+the+teaching+effective?+The+student+and+teacher+will+be+examining+the+test+results+to+

determine+if+they+are+on+track+to+write+the+final+exam.+The+final+exam+is+scheduled+at+the+end+of+the+year+

after+teaching/learning+has+taken+place.++

Competition+should+be+used+in+a+similar+fashion+whereby+the+notion+of+specific+competitive+‘tests,+

midterms,+and+finals’+can+be+used+by+coaches+to+assess+how+well+their+athletes+are+developing+and+

responding+to+the+various+training+loads+and+demands,+with+the+added+experiential+component+of+

‘performance+on+demand’.++

The+most+important+point+to+understand+is+that+during+the+earlier+development+stages,+a+modified+

competition+may+be+used+to+examine+how+well+the+underlying+learning+environment+is+fulfilling+its+role.+

Competition+should+be+used+to+monitor+progress+and+benchmark+the+effectiveness+of+the+program.+Of+

course,+by+the+‘Train+to+Win’+stage,+the+focus+is+on+‘performance+on+demand’+and+the+outcome.+

Figure+1+shows+a+simplistic+single+periodized+plan+where+the+most+important+competition+is+held+at+the+

end+of+the+Competition+Phase.+This+would+be+appropriate+for+athletes+in+the+Learn+to+Train+and+Train+to+

Train+stages.+The+least+important+competitions+take+place+earlier+in+the+Competition+Phase,+allowing+

adequate+time+for+athlete+learning,+development+and+adaptation.++

A+similar+format+would+be+followed+for+double+and+triple+periodized+plans,+with+least+important+to+most+

important+competition+at+the+beginning+and+end+of+each+competition+phase+respectively.+This+may+be+

appropriate+where+higher+levels+of+competition+require+an+earlier+qualification+competition+or+

competitions+and+would+typically+be+reserved+for+the+higher+performance+stages+of+player+development,+

particularly+the+Train+to+Win+stage.+

+

+

+


+

+

+

! Figure+1.+Simplistic+diagram+to+emphasize+importance+of+competition+through+the+‘Competition+Phase’.+


AN+ALIGNED+DOMESTIC+PERFORMANCE+CALENDAR+

An+overall+objective+would+be+for+a+sportYspecific+community+(National,+Provincial,+Local)+to+be+able+to+

come+together+and+produce+a+coherent+and+aligned+competition+calendar+and+format+across+all+

development+stages+and+geographical+regions.+Essentially,+the+end+result+would+be+a+domestic+training+

and+competition+calendar+that+broadly+has+all+regions+engaged+in+similar+activities+(by+stage+/+level+of+

competence)+at+the+same+point+in+the+yearly+training+plan.+Such+behaviour+would+lead+to+enhanced+

synergies+and+increased+abilities+for+the+‘system’+to+track+and+observe+both+positive+and+negative+

trends/metrics.+Ideally,+all+critical+elements+identified+by+the+sport+(led+by+the+NSO,+in+conjunction+with+

the+PSOs)+could+be+anchored+to+the+aligned+domestic+calendar,+such+as+physical,+medical+and+

psychological+monitoring+test+points,+specific+training+camp+periods,+and+the+regional+–+provincial+–+

national+competitions.+In+addition,+the+uppermost+performance+stages+that+compete+internationally+

could+more+easily+determine+specific+domestic+‘touch+points’+(i.e.+dates+when+domestic+interactions+

could+occur+for+purposes+of+home+competitions+and+training+periods+where+aspiring+players+could+be+

involved).+Figure+2+illustrates+this+construct.+

!

+ +Figure+2.+Hypothetical+aligned+domestic+calendar.!This+is+a+simple+illustration+only+of+the+‘suggestion+of+an+aligned+calendar’.+It+does+not+‘say’+that+these+are+the+only+competitions+or+suggest+that+the+only+periods+for+physical+or+technical+evaluation+are+as+shown.+Additionally,+it+does+not+show+the+classic+phases+of+a+periodized+plan+(the+months+serve+as+a+guide).!

+


EXERCISE+1+

In+the+table+below,+list+all+current+competitions+and+identify+the+relative+importance+in+the+high+

performance+calendar+(e.g.+Olympic+Games+to+Regional+Competition).+For+each+competition+listed,+

identify+the+stage+for+which+it+is+primarily+intended+and+assign+a+rank+based+on+priority+(high,+medium,+

low).+It+is+strongly+recommended+that+each+stage+not+have+more+than+3+priority+competitions.+

Competition! Stage! Priority!(H,M,L)!

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +


Transfer!this!information!to!the!Periodization!of!Competition!worksheet!(MS!Excel).!

Note:+You+are+creating+the+Ideal+State+for+the+Competition+Calendars.+

Discuss+with+your+colleagues,+what+is+the+most+important+competition+for+the+stage+you+are+working+on?+

The+most+important+competition+is+scheduled+at+the+end+of+the+competitive+phase.++

Points+of+discussion+could+include:+

! Factors+that+influence+the+timing+and+length+of+the+competition+phase+(e.g.+Climate,+Geography)+

! How+much+time+is+needed+between+competitions?+

! School+calendar,+Christmas+break.++

+

! !


SECTION+2:+PERIODIZATION:+TRAINING+AND+COMPETITION+RATIOS++

Simply+put,+periodization+is+time+management.+As+a+planning+technique,+it+provides+the+framework+for+

arranging+the+complex+array+of+training+processes+into+a+logical+and+scientificallyYbased+schedule+to+bring+

about+optimal+improvements+in+performance.+Periodization+is+situationYspecific,+depending+upon+

priorities+and+the+time+available+to+bring+about+the+required+training+and+competition+improvement.+In+

the+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+context,+periodization+connects+the+stage+the+athlete+is+in+to+the+

requirements+of+that+stage.++

LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+addresses+this+requirement+by+developing+periodization+models+for+all+

stages,+taking+into+consideration+the+growth,+maturation+and+trainability+principles+that+are+unique+to+

the+primary+development+stages+—+the+first+two+decades+of+life+—+yet+seamlessly+integrate+with+the+

subsequent+stages+of+athletic+performance+and+life.+Current+examples+of+periodization+models+identified+

in+the+sport+performance+literature+are+designed+for+the+subYelite+and+elite+senior/mature+performers.+

There+is+very+little+information+on+periodization+for+children+or+adolescents+or+for+athletes+with+a+

disability.+

Periodization+organizes+and+manipulates+the+aspects+of+modality,+volume,+intensity+and+frequency+of+

training+through+longYterm+(multiYyear)+and+shortYterm+(annual)+training,+competition+and+recovery+

programs+to+achieve+peak+performances+when+required.+The+training+to+competition+ratio+serves+to+

guide+the+planning+based+on+what+the+athlete+needs+in+the+various+phases+of+periodization+for+optimal+

development.+

The+role+of+the+Sport+Leader+in+this+exercise+is+to+place+the+right+number+of+priority+competitions+at+the+

right+time+in+the+year+to+ensure+that+competition+does+not+interfere+with+learning+and+the+development+

of+capacities+that+are+critical+to+optimal+athlete+development.++

General+recommendations+for+the+ratio+of+training+to+competition+and+competitionYspecific+training+are+

outlined+in+Table+2.+Consider+how+the+quantity+and+quality+of+the+training+and+competition+program+

changes+as+longYterm+plans+progress.+This+change+should+be+directed+by+the+periodization+of+the+

competition+calendar.+The+calendar+should+be+based+on+human+biology,+physiology,+skill+acquisition,+and+

improving+‘sport+intelligence’+and+not+randomly+selected+dates+or+schedules.+Training+time+takes+

precedence+over+competition+time+in+the+Learn+to+Train+and+Train+to+Train+stage+as+an+athlete+spends+

more+time+acquiring+the+relevant+skills+identified+in+the+Athlete+Development+Matrix.+


Table+2.+Training+to+Competition+Ratios.+

Stages! Recommended!Ratios! Why?!

Active!Start! • No+specific+ratios+–+all+activity+based+on+developing+physical+literacy+and+child’s+passion+to+play+and+participate+

• Free,+unstructured+play+is+the+best+to+develop+physical+literacy+at+this+stage+

FUNdamentals! • All+activities+FUNYbased+including+some+structured+competition+

• Free,+unstructured+play+together+with+some+structured+training+and+competition+contributes+to+development++

Learn!to!Train! • 70%+training+to+30%+competitionYspecific+training+and+actual+competition++

• This+is+a+sensitive+period+for+speed+and+skill+training.+Competition+should+not+interfere+with+skill+development.+

• Specificity+of+training+increases,+and+high+volume+of+training+(deliberate+practice)+is+required+to+develop+physical+literacy++

• Recovery,+regeneration+becomes+an+important+factor+

Train!to!Train! • 60%+training+to+40%+competitionYspecific+training+and+actual+competition++

• This+is+a+sensitive+period+for+developing+elements+of+stamina,+strength+and+speed+during+puberty++

• Further+increase+of+specificity+of+training+and+number+of+competition+to+build+the+athletes++

Train!to!Compete! • 40%+training+to+60%+competitionYspecific+training+and+actual+competition++

• After+puberty+all+systems+are+fully+trainable.+Priorities+determined+by+diagnostics.++

• Again,+a+gradual+decrease+of+volume+and+increase+of+specificity+required+to+enhance+adaptations+

Train!to!Win! • 25%+training+to+75%+competitionYspecific+training+and+actual+competition++

• Maintenance+of+physical+and+technical+capacities,+further+improvement+of+tactical,+mental+and+taper+procedures+

• Performance+on+demand+

Competitive!&!Active!for!Life!

• As+desired+based+on+individual+goals+allowing+time+for+adequate+recovery++

• All+components+must+be+developmentally+appropriate.+

!


EXERCISE+2A+

Review+the+characteristics+of+each+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+stage+(see+Appendix+1),+your+sport+

LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+Framework+and+identify+the+primary+purpose+of+competition+for+each+

stage+in+your+sport.!

Stage! Characteristics!&!Priorities! Purpose!of!Competition!

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

+ + +

EXERCISE+2B+

Using+the+Periodization+of+Competition+Worksheet,+identify+the+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+stage+

you+are+working+on+and+the+training+to+competition+ratio+for+that+stage.++

Given+the+length+of+the+training+year,+how+many+competitions+should+be+placed+in+the+calendar+based+on+

the+training+to+competition+ratio+for+the+stage?+What+are+some+additional+considerations+that+may+be+

relevant+for+this+discussion?!


SECTION+3:+SINGLE,+DOUBLE+AND+TRIPLE+PERIODIZATION+

The+table+below+illustrates+how+the+phases+of+training,+competition+and+transition+are+distributed+in+

single,+double+and+triple+periodized+annual+plans.+Notice+within+each+column+the+Competition+Phase+

Peak+(CP).+In+the+early+stages,+learning+and+physical+adaptations+are+a+priority+and+need+time.+If+there+are+

too+many+CP+in+the+program,+this+can+cut+short+the+GPP+and+SPP.++

Table+3.+Phases+of+an+Annual+Plan+for+Single,+Double+and+Triple+Periodization.+

Five!Phases!of!a!Single!Periodized!Annual!Plan!

Eight!Phases!of!a!Double!Periodized!Annual!Plan!

Eleven!Phases!of!a!Triple!Periodized!Annual!Plan!

1. General+Preparation+Phase+(GPP)+

2. Specific+Preparation+Phase+(SPP)++

3. PreYCompetition+Phase+(PCP)+

4. Competition+Phase+Peak+(CP)+

5. Transition+Phase+(TP)+

+


2. Specific+Preparation+Phase+(SPP)+1++

3. PreYCompetition+Phase+(PCP)+1+

4. Competition+Phase+(CP)+1+Peak+One+



7. Competition+Phase+(CP)+2+Peak+Two+


+




4. Competition+Phase+(CP)+1+Peak+One+



7. Competition+Phase+(CP)+2+Peak+Two+



10. Competition+Phase+(CP)+3+Peak+Three+



Pros!and!Cons!of!Single,!Double,!or!Triple!Periodization:!Understanding!the!underlying!rationales!for!

your!decisiondmaking!concerning!program/yearly!training!plan!design.!

Ideally,+single+and+double+periodization+is+implemented+during+the+Learn+to+Train+and+Train+to+Train+

stages+and+double+and+triple+periodization+is+implemented+during+the+Train+to+Compete+and+Train+to+Win+

stages.+Triple!periodization+is+developmentally+inappropriate+for+the+Learn+to+Train+and+Train+to+Train+

stages.+The+advantage+of+double+periodization+versus+single+periodization+is+that+twice+as+much+

specificity+of+training+can+be+implemented+and+three+times+as+much+in+triple+periodization.+More+specific+

training+can+enhance+adaptations,+however,+the+foundation+for+specific+work+must+be+created.+

Therefore,+single+periodization+is+the+best+for+this+foundational+work+and+is+recommended+during+the+

earlier+stages+of+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+(Learn+to+Train).++

There+are+only+three+variables+in+program+planning:+volume,+intensity+and+frequency.+Volume+and+

frequency+are+the+most+important+variables+during+the+Fundamentals+and+Learn+to+Train+stages.+During+

the+Train+to+Train+stage,+all+three+variables+are+important.+This+is+why+this+stage+is+so+challenging;+optimal+

volume,+intensity+and+frequency+of+training,+coupled+with+challenge+of+sensitive+periods+during+puberty+

and+the+inevitable+mental,+cognitive+and+emotional+changes.+During+the+Train+to+Compete+and+Train+to+

Win+stages,+intensity+and+frequency+are+the+key+variables.++

!Figure+3.+An+example+of+an+overall+generic+periodized+plan.!


The+five+phases+of+a+hypothetical+annual+plan,+outlining+the+differences+between+summer+and+winter+

sports+are+illustrated+in+Figure+3.+The+priorities+are+outlined+for+General+Preparation+Phase+(GPP),+Specific+

Preparation+Phase+(SPP),+PreYCompetitive+Phase+(PCP)+and+Competitive+Phase+(CP)+and+for+the+Transition+

Phase+(transition+into+the+next+annual+plan).+

During+the+General+Preparation+Phase+the+volume+of+training+is+progressively+increasing+and+reaches+its+

ceiling+at+the+end+of+the+phase,+while+the+intensity+is+very+steady.+At+the+beginning+of+the+Specific+

Preparation+Phase+the+volume+of+the+training+is+progressively+decreased+and+the+intensity+increased.+

During+the+PreYCompetitive+Phase+and+Competitive+Phase+stages+the+volume+of+training+will+be+low+and+

will+provide+for+the+maintenance+of+established+physical+capacities+and+the+intensity+will+be+high+

enhancing+sportYspecific+and+individual+specific+needs+and+demands.++

EXERCISE+3A+

Using+the+Periodization+of+Competition+Worksheet,+identify+if+a+single,+double,+or+triple+periodization+is+

ideal+for+the+stage+you+are+working+on.+Be+sure+you+are+able+to+justify+why+it+is+single,+double+or+triple!+

EXERCISE+3B+

Consider+the+length+of+the+season/year,+is+there+enough+time+for+necessary+adaptation?!

TAKING+TIME+FOR+PROPER+ADAPTATION++

The+lack+of+or+very+short+4+week+periods+of+GPP+and+Specific+Preparation+Phase+will+contribute+to+

undertraining+and+overYcompetition.+In+an+ideal+single+periodized+annual+plan+the+GPP+is+12+to+15+weeks+

and+the+SPP+is+12+to+15+weeks.+As+a+result,+the+plan+is+characterized+by+more+training+than+competition.+

Due+to+specific+needs+the+GPP+is+longer+for+the+Train+to+Train+athlete+and+shorter+for+the+Train+to+

Compete+athlete+and+very+short+for+the+Train+to+Win+athlete.+For+the+Learn+to+Train+and+Train+to+Train+

athlete,+the+SPP+is+shorter,+and+for+Train+to+Compete+and+Train+to+Win+athletes,+it+is+longer.+More+sportY

specific+work+is+advantageous+to+improve+capacities+and+performance,+but+beginners+do+not+have+the+

capacity+to+do+so,+more+time+is+needed+for+general+preparation.+


The+meaning+of+the+PreYCompetitive+Phase+is+“to+place+athletes+and+players+into+competitive+shape.”+The+

PCP+is+traditionally+3+to+5+weeks+long.+This+period+could+include+the+taper+for+the+first+competition+(If+

using+double+or+triple+periodization+act+accordingly).+!

EXERCISE+3C+

Consider+the+priority+competition+(identified+in+Exercise+1)+for+the+stage+you+are+working+on+and+place+

this+competition+in+calendar+using+the+Periodization+of+Competition+Worksheet.+If+you+are+planning+the+

double+or+triple+periodization,+identify+the+two+competitive+cycles+or+three+competitive+cycles.+This+will+

provide+the+Competitive+Phase+of+the+annual+cycle.!

Remember+the+most+important+competition+is+placed+near+the+end+of+the+season+much+like+a+final+exam+

is+at+the+end+of+the+school+year.+Consider+other+stresses+in+the+athlete’s+life+–+exams,+family+pressures,+

job.+It+is+not+ideal+to+place+priority+competitions+during+times+where+the+athlete+will+be+distracted+or+

stressed+due+to+other+pressures.!!

! !


SECTION+4:+COMPETITION+FOR+PROGRESS+AND+BENCHMARKING+

The+fundamental+concept+of+this+exercise+is+to+place+competition(s)+in+the+right+place+in+the+calendar+to+

ensure+there+is+adequate+time+for+the+athlete’s+optimal+preparation+(training+and+recovery)+to+improve+

components+identified+in+your+sports’+Athlete+Development+Matrix.+Competition+should+be+used+to+

determine+if+the+training+is+on+track+and+progressing.+Competition+should+be+used+as+a+formative+

assessment+through+rehearsal+or+practice+competitions.++

The+problem,+however,+is+that+competition+is+often+overused+or+misused+as+the+mechanism+with+which+

to+both+challenge+and+assess+(measure)+a+developmental+athlete’s+(or+team's)+progress+over+time.+By+

participating+in+competitions+athletes+and+teams+may+make+considerable+progress+over+time.+However,+

an+undue+focus+on+competition+is+a+poor+investment+if+real+and+sustainable+progress+is+to+be+made+since+

the+actual+‘time+on+task’+during+competition+is+typically+very+low.+Furthermore,+it+is+all+too+easy+to+

overlook+the+contributory+elements+and+simply+attend+to+the+final+‘result’+without+an+understanding+and+

appreciation+for+how+the+‘result’+is+actually+attained.+This+point+can+then+lead+to+very+negative+situations.+

An+obvious+analogy+would+be+one+of+a+student+undertaking+a+math+exam.+If+the+focus+is+simply+the+final+

answer+(the+‘competition’+result),+then+a+student+may+just+produce+it.+The+issue+is+that+the+teacher+

(coach)+has+no+way+of+knowing+how+the+student+achieved+the+answer+or+even+truly+understood+the+

mechanisms,+whether+or+not+the+student+got+the+answer+correct.+It+is+ironic+that+if+the+student+gets+the+

answer+wrong,+the+teacher+will+realize+that+something+is+not+understood,+whereas,+if+the+student+gets+

the+answer+correct,+but+didn’t+really+understand+the+process,+the+lack+of+understanding+may+go+

unnoticed+and+hinder+future+development.++

The+key+message+here+is+that+the+mechanisms+/+the+process+/+the+‘workings,+(e.g.+the+elements+of+that+

contribute+to+the+result)+need+to+be+the+focus+and+that+ongoing+assessment+of+these+factors+should+be+

where+coaches+direct+their+energies.+Only+when+it+has+been+determined+that+there+is+a+need+to+assess+

the+integration+of+all+elements+or+to+rehearse+or+execute+‘performance+on+demand’,+does+the+placement+

of+official+competition+within+the+calendar+become+necessary.+


Two+other+components+are+important+to+consider:+

1. Competition+does+not+have+to+take+the+form+of+an+event+or+tournament+requiring+the+expenditure+

of+significant+resources+(i.e.+time,+money,+disruption+to+training+and+life,+especially+school),+in+order+

to+provide+meaningful+experience+or+assessment.+With+an+understanding+of+what+information+is+

required+at+a+particular+point+in+the+yearly+training+plan+a+coach+may+choose+to+organize+exhibition+

events+against+older+athletes,+the+opposite+gender+or+more+experienced+competitors.++

2. Competition+is+supposed+to+be+fun;+i.e.+motivational,+not+boring,+and+still+provides+information+

concerning+progress,+performance+on+demand,+and+practice+of+supporting+skills+(e.g.+preparation+&+

tapering,+mental+fortitude,+warmYup,+‘gameYplan’+adherence,+adaptability,+cool+down,+etc.).+

Furthermore,+the+behavioural+concept+of+‘plan+–+execute+–+review’+needs+to+be+woven+into+the+entire+

process+by+coach+and+athlete+at+an+age/stage+appropriate+level.+The+‘review’+section+may+easily+be+

incorporated+into+the+postYcompetition+recovery+phase,+no+matter+whether+this+is+after+a+low+level+event+

(even+an+internal+club+event)+that+may+only+require+a+simple+conversation+of+only+a+few+minutes+and+key+

points+or+after+the+Canadian+Nationals+requiring+a+systematic+weekYlong+deepYdive+review+of+an+entire+

season+and+culminating+performance.+The+important+point+is+the+process+is+the+same.+

The+issue+of+‘expectation’,+concerning+competition+execution+and+performance+level,+particularly+adult+

expectation+(coaches,+parents,+etc.)+is+particularly+troublesome.+This+behaviour+largely+stems+from+a+lack+

of+understanding+of+what+typical+performance+looks+like+at+various+developmental+stages+for+children+

and+youth.+The+problem+many+adults+have+(particularly+parents+of+participants+and+athletes)+is+their+level+

of+emotional+attachment+and+engagement+coupled+with+this+unrealistic+view+of+execution+level.+

Coaches+and+other+development+sport+leaders+should+put+some+energy+towards+the+communication+and+

education+of+parents.+By+clearly+identifying+realistic+ranges+of+performance+execution,+expectations+can+

be+managed+and+the+pressure+to+win/perform+at+the+expense+of+development+will+be+eased.!


EXERCISE+4A+

Identify+ a+ number+ of+ things+ that+ could+ be+ detractors+ from+ quality+ training+ during+ the+ early+ stages+

(FUNdamentals,+Learn+to+Train,+Train+to+Train).+

Stage! Possible!Detractors!

FUNdamentals+ +

Learn+to+Train+ +

Train+to+Train+ +

+

As+Sport+Leaders,+including+coaches,+often+underestimate+the+impact+that+social/personal+lives+have+on+

the+athletes’+ability+to+train+and+compete+effectively.+Recovery+includes+rest+and+time+away+and+should+

include+time+with+friends+and+family.+Therefore,+this+needs+to+be+built+into+the+Yearly+Training+Plan+

(deload,+days+off+and+planning+the+2+or+3+workouts/day+correctly).+It+also+means+not+placing+important+

competitions+during+times+of+stress+(i.e.+school+exams).++

EXERCISE+4B+

Once+a+competition+calendar+is+developed+for+your+sport,+use+the+checklist+to+help+guide+the+assessment.+!


CHECKLIST+FOR+STAGEYSPECIFIC+COMPETITION+CALENDAR+

! Does+the+competition+calendar+follow+the+stageYspecific+training+to+competition+ratio+described+

in+this+document?+

! Does+my+competition+calendar+allow+for+stageYappropriate+volume,+intensity+and+frequency+of+

training+as+recommended+by+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development?+

! Is+there+enough+time+within+the+competition+calendar+for+athletes+to+spend+on+physical+

preparation+and+recovery+as+recommended+in+this+document?+(refer+to+section+on+adaptation)+

! Does+this+annual+plan+take+into+consideration+the+social,+emotional,+and+mental+wellness+of+

athletes?+(e.g.+exam+time,+holidays,+teamYbuilding,+etc.)+

! Does+my+annual+plan+prioritize+3+or+fewer+competitions+each+year?+If+so,+is+it+periodized+around+

the+priorities?! +


APPENDIX+1+

Learn!to!Train!

During!the!Learn!to!Train!stage!(females!8d11,!males!9d12),!children!should!be!converting!their!

fundamental!movement!skills!into!fundamental!sport!skills.!This!stage!is!“The!Golden!Age!of!Learning”!

for!specific!sport!skills.!

• Children+in+the+Learn+to+Train+stage+are+ready+to+begin+training+according+to+more+formalized+

methods.+However,+the+emphasis+should+still+be+on+general+sports+skills+suitable+to+a+number+of+

activities.+

• As+well,+a+greater+amount+of+time+should+be+spent+training+and+practicing+skills+than+competing.+

• It+may+be+tempting+to+specialize+at+this+age+through+excessive+single+sport+training+or+early+

position+specialization+in+team+sports.+This+should+be+avoided+in+most+sports.+

• Inappropriate+or+premature+specialization+can+be+detrimental+to+later+stages+of+athlete+

development+if+the+child+is+playing+a+late+specialization+sport.+Premature+specialization+promotes+

oneYsided+development+and+increases+the+likelihood+of+injury+and+burnout.+

• There+are+a+few+sports+that+are+recognized+as+earlyYspecialization+sports,+such+as+gymnastics,+

figure+skating,+and+diving.+It+is+appropriate+to+provide+more+training+hours+and+concentrated+

focus+in+these+activities+

Train!to!Train!

During!the!Train!to!Train!stage!(females!11d15,!males!12d16),!young!athletes!need!to!build!an!aerobic!

base!and!consolidate!their!sportd!specific!skills.!Towards!the!end!of!the!stage,!they!need!to!focus!on!

strength!and!the!anaerobic!alactic!energy!system.!Increased!training!hours!are!needed!at!this!stage!to!

develop!each!athlete’s!longdterm!potential.!!

• The+ages+that+define+the+Train+to+Train+stage+are+based+on+the+approximate+onset+and+end+of+the+

adolescent+growth+spurt.+This+period+is+generally+defined+as+ages+11+to+15+years+for+females+and+

12+to+16+years+for+males.+

• At+this+stage,+athletes+are+ready+to+consolidate+their+basic+sportYspecific+skills+and+tactics.+It+is+

also+a+major+fitness+development+stage.+

• The+Train+to+Train+stage+makes+or+breaks+the+athlete.+Athletes+may+exhibit+special+talent,+play+to+

win,+and+do+their+best,+but+they+still+need+to+allocate+more+time+to+training+skills+and+physical+


capacities+than+competing+in+formal+settings.+To+maximize+their+longYterm+potential,+winning+

should+remain+a+secondary+emphasis.+

• This+approach+is+critical+to+the+longYterm+development+of+top+performers+and+lifelong+

participants.+

• To+ensure+their+program+is+following+the+correct+trainingYtoYcompetition+ratio,+along+with+other+

guidelines+that+describe+training+design+and+competition+objectives+at+each+LongYTerm+Athlete+

Development+stage,+coaches+and+parents+should+consult+the+sportYspecific+LongYTerm+Athlete+

Development+plan+from+their+sport’s+national+organization.+

Train!to!Compete!

In!the!Train!to!Compete!stage!(females!15d21,!males!16d23),!athletes!choose!one!sport!in!which!they!

will!train!to!excel.!Athletes!will!train!to!solidify!their!sportdspecific!and!positiondspecific!skills!and!all!of!

their!physical!capacities.!These!athletes!are!aiming!to!compete!in!national!and!international!events.!

• At+the+Train+to+Compete+stage+of+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development,+this+is+where+competition+

becomes+“serious.”+Athletes+enter+this+stage+if+they+have+chosen+to+specialize+in+one+sport+and+

excel+at+the+highest+level+of+competition+possible.+

• Athletes+need+to+commit+to+highYvolume+and+highYintensity+training+throughout+the+year.+

Instruction+in+topics+such+as+nutrition,+sport+psychology,+recovery+and+regeneration,+injury+

prevention,+and+injury+management+also+become+very+important.++

• Formal+competition+becomes+more+prominent+in+annual+periodized+training,+competition+and+

recovery+plans,+and+includes+major+national+and+international+events.+

• Train+to+Compete+athletes+are+not+the+average+community+sport+program+participant.+They+

committed+athletes+with+recognized+talent+who+have+chosen+an+elite+pathway+that+few+others+

pursue.++


Train!to!Win!

The!Train!to!Win!stage!(females!18+,!males!19+)!is!the!final!stage!of!the!LongdTerm!Athlete!

Development!highdperformance!stream.!Medals!and!podium!performances!are!the!primary!focus.!

• In+the+Train+to+Win+stage+of+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development,+athletes+with+identified+talent+

pursue+highYintensity+training+to+win+international+events.+They+are+now+fullYtime+athletes.++

• The+previous+LongYTerm+Athlete+Development+stages+have+developed+and+optimized+the+skills,+

tactics,+and+ancillary+capacities+of+each+athlete.+Athletes+have+now+realized+their+full+genetic+

potential.+They+must+now+train+to+maximize+and+maintain+their+competitive+performance+at+the+

highest+level.++

• At+the+Train+to+Win+stage,+worldYclass+athletes+with+or+without+disabilities+require+worldYclass+

training+methods,+equipment,+and+facilities+that+meet+the+demands+of+the+sport+and+the+athlete.+

+

++

Periodization+of+Competition+ + Page+31+

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS+

Periodization!of!Competition!

Sport+for+Life+Society+gratefully+acknowledges+the+financial+contribution+from+the+FederalX

Provincial/Territorial+Sport+Committee+toward+the+development+of+this+Educational+Product.+

This+FPT+Pilot+Collaboration+Project+included+three+sports:+volleyball,+softball,+and+synchronized+

swimming.+Thank+you+for+your+valuable+contribution.+

LTAD!Expert!Writing!Team!

Adam+Decker++

Carolyn+Trono+

Istvan+Balyi+

Stephen+Norris+

Sport!for!Life!Support!and!Design!Team!

Alex+Wilson,+Education+and+Evaluation+Manager+

Annie+Lau,+Operations+Coordinator+

Clayton+Meadows,+Marketing+Coordinator+

Mik+Vahi,+Publications+and+Events+Coordinator+

Translation/Adaptation!

Charles+H.+Cardinal+

Douglas+Duncan+

Laurence+Millet+

There+are+many+people+and+organizations+that+continue+to+contribute+to+advancing+quality+sport+in+

Canada.+In+this+case,+the+original+work+and+thought+leadership+around+the+Periodization+of+Competition+

has+been+discussed+in+many+forums.+Thank+you+to+all+who+continue+to+make+the+sport+experience+better+

in+Canada.++

+

Documents

Periodization of Competition Aug29 - Sport for Lifesportforlife.ca/.../09/Periodization-of-Competition... · Periodization+of+Competition++ + Page+2+ + This!document!is!intended!to!be!a!resource!for!Consultants,!Program!Officers!and!Sport!Technical!