What is periodisation and why is it used in training programmes?

• A. Periodisation divides training into cycles to peak at the right time and manage fatigue.
• B. Periodisation is about scheduling rest days only.
• C. Periodisation focuses only on technique training.
• D. Periodisation involves testing VO2 max daily.

Answer: (A)

Periodisation is the strategic planning of training into cycles so that you build gradually and peak at the right time, while also allowing for recovery to prevent fatigue and injury. In practice workouts are organized into cycles: macrocycles (longer blocks such as a season), mesocycles (months or weeks within the season), and microcycles (usually a week). Each cycle has a clear goal—building endurance or strength, sharpening skills, and then tapering so performance is at its best for a key event.

Why this works is that it avoids overdoing training all at once and creates progressive overload, followed by rest and recovery when needed. This structure helps you adapt, improves performance at the competition date, and reduces burnout or injury risk. For example, a 12-week plan might start with higher volume and lower intensity to develop base fitness, then gradually increase intensity while reducing volume, and finish with a taper to maximise peak performance.

It’s not just about rest days, technique drills, or daily fitness testing; periodisation is about the overall framework that coordinates when and how hard you train to achieve a specific performance goal.