In programming “philosophy,” the main difference lies in the combination of fitness phases in sports. For block programming in conditions of sports training, it is characteristic to establish a more tough competition schedule. This type of programming involves a tight schedule and an entrenched hike with a short period of competition. Built from blocks, the advanced programming method aims to increase competitiveness by adding and maintaining fitness phases more strategically.
Conjugated sequential programming parallels block programming and lumped loads but also supports preserving previously developed fitness qualities by adopting “holding loads.” Coaches and sports scientists identify two ways in the training process: “from long to short” and from “from short to long.” The long to short method is that the athlete starts the year with longer distances, which gradually shorten towards the end of the training process. The short to long method focuses on the block programming example, in which the loads gradually increase as you progress through the training blocks (DeWeese et al., 2015). The training process is kept in a reduced volume to maintain the skills acquired in the previously completed blocks. Future priorities are presented for a successful and easier transition of the athlete to subsequent training blocks.
However, the article has some limitations of the review for further study. There are no suggestions about the irrelevance of the effectiveness of the short-to-long (S2L) methodology for some athletes. Moreover, the possibility of using other techniques as more appropriate methods for sprinters is not considered. Thus, the article is primarily limited to considering only one methodology. Nevertheless, the sports scientist can apply this information to evaluate the impact of different methods on the performance and fitness of an athlete. Moreover, the scientist can consider the short-term effect of the methodology on the athlete’s training and in the longer term.
Reference
DeWeese, B. H., Sams, M. L. Williams & J. H., Bellon, C. (2015). The nature of speed: Enhancing sprint abilities through a short to long training approach. Techniques for Track & Field and Cross Country, 8(4), 8-22.