CSCS Periodization & Performance Planning Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a macrocycle in periodized training?

Answer: Organize training into a long-term structure (typically one year) aligned with competition goals

A macrocycle is the longest training period, typically one year, providing an overarching structure that aligns all training phases with peak competition.

In traditional (linear) periodization, which phase typically follows the hypertrophy/endurance phase?

Answer: Basic strength phase

Traditional periodization progresses from hypertrophy/endurance → basic strength → power/peaking, systematically increasing intensity and decreasing volume.

Which periodization model manipulates training variables on a daily or weekly basis rather than in multi-week blocks?

Answer: Undulating (nonlinear) periodization

Undulating (nonlinear) periodization varies intensity and volume on a daily or weekly basis, providing frequent stimulus variation within the same mesocycle.

The concept of 'supercompensation' predicts that performance capacity will peak at what point?

Answer: After recovery from a training load, when capacity exceeds baseline

Supercompensation occurs after sufficient recovery from a training stimulus, causing fitness to rise above pre-training baseline levels.

Which term describes a planned reduction in training volume or intensity designed to allow full recovery before competition?

Answer: Tapering

A taper involves systematically reducing training load in the weeks before competition to dissipate fatigue while preserving fitness.

What distinguishes 'functional overreaching' from 'non-functional overreaching'?

Answer: Functional overreaching results in short-term performance decline that reverses with rest in days to weeks; non-functional overreaching takes weeks to months to resolve

Functional overreaching is a deliberate short-term overload from which athletes recover quickly, while non-functional overreaching requires significantly longer recovery.