Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation

What Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation covers

Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation is examined in both papers, since Component 1 and Component 2 can each examine any of the content. It covers specificity, progressive overload, reversibility, variance and FITT, continuous, fartlek, interval and high intensity training, weight, plyometric, circuit and flexibility training, altitude training and training in hot and cold climates and training zones, heart rate monitoring and periodisation.

The 5 subtopics

Each one has its own page.

• Specificity, progressive overload, reversibility, variance and FITTSpecificity, progressive overload, reversibility for an injured footballer, variance for an elite swimmer, the FITT principles for a beginner jogger, intensity as a percentage of maximum, precise work and recovery times, and overload that is too sudden.Open →
• Continuous, fartlek, interval and high intensity trainingContinuous and fartlek training with their evaluations, interval training and its variables, sessions for the ATP-PC, lactic acid and aerobic systems, a 400 m runner and a hockey midfielder, high intensity interval training and Tabata.Open →
• Weight, plyometric, circuit and flexibility trainingWeight training for maximal strength, power and muscular endurance with a worked 1RM load, plyometrics for a volleyball player, circuit training for a netball squad, and active, passive, ballistic and PNF stretching.Open →
• Altitude training and training in hot and cold climatesOxygen at altitude and its immediate effects, altitude training and how long its benefits last, live high and train low, simulated altitude, drawbacks and the 100 m sprinter, heat acclimatisation for a marathon runner, and training in the cold.Open →
• Training zones, heart rate monitoring and periodisationTraining zones and thresholds with a worked aerobic zone, Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion and heart rate, heart rate monitors, periodisation with macrocycles, mesocycles and microcycles, the training year, tapering and double periodisation.Open →

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Take Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation further

The same content, four other ways.

Commonly confused

Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.

• Fartlek training vs Interval training

  Fartlek training: continuous running with unstructured changes of pace and terrain. Interval training: alternating set periods of work and recovery.

• Active stretching vs Passive stretching

  Active stretching: holding a lengthened position using one's own muscle strength. Passive stretching: holding a lengthened position with help from a partner, gravity or a wall.

• Ballistic stretching vs PNF

  Ballistic stretching: swinging or bouncing a limb beyond its normal range. PNF: a partner-assisted method combining an isometric contraction with further lengthening.

Questions from this topic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is the principle of specificity?

   Model answer

   Specificity means training must match the demands of the activity, including its movements, muscles and energy systems. A sprinter should therefore train with short, maximal efforts.

2. 2

   What is progressive overload?

   Model answer

   Progressive overload is a gradual increase in training load beyond what the body is used to. Adaptations continue only while the demand keeps rising.

3. 3

   Why should overload be increased gradually rather than suddenly?

   Model answer

   The body needs time to adapt to each new load. Sudden large increases risk injury, illness and overtraining.

4. 4

   What is reversibility?

   Model answer

   Reversibility is the loss of adaptations when training stops or is reduced. Aerobic adaptations are generally lost faster than strength.

5. 5

   How can an injured footballer limit the effects of reversibility?

   Model answer

   The footballer can keep training the uninjured parts of the body, for example with upper-body circuits. Aqua jogging can maintain aerobic fitness without loading an injured leg.

6. 6

   What is variance in training?

   Model answer

   Variance is regularly changing the methods, exercises and settings of training. Variety prevents boredom and reduces the risk of overuse injury.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation revision questions

What does Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation cover in Eduqas A-Level Physical Education?

5 subtopics: specificity, progressive overload, reversibility, variance and fitt, continuous, fartlek, interval and high intensity training, weight, plyometric, circuit and flexibility training, altitude training and training in hot and cold climates and training zones, heart rate monitoring and periodisation. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.

How is Training Methods, Principles and Periodisation organised?

By the Eduqas A550QS specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.