NSCA CSCS Periodization Models and Concepts 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A track sprinter's annual plan includes a general preparatory period, a specific preparatory period, a pre-competitive period, a competitive period, and a transition period. This structure is most consistent with which periodization model?
- Daily undulating periodization
- Block periodization (Issurin)
- Classic (Matveyev) periodization (Correct answer)
- Reverse linear periodization
Correct answer: Classic (Matveyev) periodization
The classic Matveyev model divides the annual plan into general preparatory, specific preparatory, pre-competitive, competitive, and transition periods.
Question 2: Which of the following training outcomes is the PRIMARY objective of the 'power' phase in a linear periodized program?
- Increasing muscle cross-sectional area
- Improving rate of force development and explosive output (Correct answer)
- Maximizing cardiovascular endurance
- Building connective tissue resilience
Correct answer: Improving rate of force development and explosive output
The power phase emphasizes developing rate of force development (RFD) and explosive performance, typically using moderate loads (30–70% 1RM) moved at maximal velocity.
Question 3: In periodization, the principle of 'variation' is important primarily to:
- Eliminate all structure from the training program
- Prevent accommodation (habituation) and sustain long-term adaptation (Correct answer)
- Ensure the athlete performs only the competition movement
- Reduce the need for recovery between sessions
Correct answer: Prevent accommodation (habituation) and sustain long-term adaptation
Planned variation in training stimuli prevents the body from accommodating (adapting fully) to a fixed stimulus, which would halt further progress.
Question 4: Which loading parameter is typically reduced MOST during a taper phase preceding major competition?
- Training intensity (% 1RM)
- Exercise selection variety
- Training volume (total sets and repetitions) (Correct answer)
- Rest interval duration
Correct answer: Training volume (total sets and repetitions)
During a taper, volume is dramatically reduced (often 40–60%) while intensity is maintained or slightly increased to preserve neuromuscular fitness while dissipating fatigue.
Question 5: Which of the following statements BEST distinguishes block periodization from traditional linear periodization?
- Block periodization does not use the concept of mesocycles
- Block periodization concentrates on one or two dominant abilities per block rather than developing all qualities simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Block periodization is only used for endurance athletes
- Traditional linear periodization always incorporates concurrent training
Correct answer: Block periodization concentrates on one or two dominant abilities per block rather than developing all qualities simultaneously
Block periodization focuses each training block on developing one or two concentrated training targets, leveraging residual effects, whereas linear periodization develops multiple qualities across the full cycle simultaneously.
Question 6: A strength and conditioning coach notes that an athlete's performance has stagnated despite continued training. According to periodization principles, the MOST likely cause is:
- The athlete has reached their genetic ceiling
- Insufficient accommodation — the training stimulus has not changed enough to drive new adaptation (Correct answer)
- The program uses too many exercises
- The athlete is in the competitive period of their macrocycle
Correct answer: Insufficient accommodation — the training stimulus has not changed enough to drive new adaptation
Stagnation during continued training typically indicates accommodation, where the body has fully adapted to the current stimulus and needs planned variation to resume progress.
Question 7: Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates the application of the 'specific preparatory period' in a periodized plan?
- A swimmer performing only general cardiovascular fitness work with no technical swim training
- A basketball player performing sport-specific agility drills and game-speed conditioning drills (Correct answer)
- An athlete completing an active rest period with unstructured recreational activity
- A weightlifter performing only isolation exercises for muscle hypertrophy
Correct answer: A basketball player performing sport-specific agility drills and game-speed conditioning drills
The specific preparatory period introduces training that more closely mimics the demands of the sport, transitioning from general fitness work to sport-specific conditioning.
NSCA CSCS Periodization Models and Concepts 5
A track sprinter's annual plan includes a general preparatory period, a specific preparatory period, a pre-competitive period, a competitive period, and a transition period.
This structure is most consistent with which periodization model?