Here is a link to an article about inverted periodization for triathletes:
http://www.sdxtraining.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212:inverted-c
Rather than concentrate on building an aerobic base during the off-season, with inverted periodization, you work on motor skills, technique, speed and strength. Then, when you get closer to race season, you add in more endurance training, but maintain some speed training year-round.
This contrasts to traditional periodization, where you do a lot of long endurance training during the off-season, then start more aerobic training during the pre-competition season. Traditional periodization developed during the 60s and 70s, but since then, there has been more research that has shown it to be ineffective.
Periodization is nothing more than planning. Planning is a good thing. You need to plan out your training. However, you also need to listen to your own body.
The author of the article lists many physical problems resulting from the common application of aerobic base training with high volumes of training. Many athletes develop physical and medical issues as a result of this excessive volume of endurance training and would be better served by less volume and a more balanced approach.
This article is about an endurance sport- triathlon. If traditional periodization is not effective for a very long distance, endurance-oriented sport like triathlon, it certainly does not work for whitewater slalom racing where the emphasis is on technique, precision, power and speed.
Instead of spending hours paddling slow on flatwater during the off-season, work on technique, speed and strength. Get faster first, then work on being able to maintain that speed during the pre-competitive season. In other words, do more short courses in the fall and winter and more full-lengths during the spring and summer.
Here is the link to the article on inverted periodization:
http://www.sdxtraining.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212:inverted-c
Comments