Thursday, December 22, 2011

Maximizing Performance through Training Repetitions

More is not always better! It is  important to me that my athletes get the most out of practice productively and safely at the same time to keep them healthy to stay in the sport longer. The reason I believe that  quality is more  important than quanity. I tell my athletes at time to manage their energy so they can save the best for last. I have seen kids do too much over time that their performace declines. The more you increase the repetition, the less performance outcome you will see the more injuries you team will have.

In this case, I set a number of repetition that are expected to be completed based on the time of the year (off season, pre-season, season, and post season) and my goals for the team. The training repetition numbers to be as follows, 2,3,5,6,8,10. Im not exactly sure why I don't  or ever rarely do 1, 4, 7, or 9 in case you may ask.

Here is the break down of training repetitions:

Reps.                                                   Reasons
2-3.                                 - Attempting a new skill for the first time
                                       - Warm-up to preperate for higher skill level
                                       - Work on full routines during meet week (Hit or Miss Chart)
                                       - Working on 1st and 2nd half routines (meet week)
                                       - Warm-up routine (meet day)
                                       - Belt work

5-6.                                - Drills for new skills
                                      - Review old skills
                                      - Working on 1st half routines
                                      - Working on 2nd half routines
                                      - Cleaning up individual skills
                                      - Doing mini routines (3 skills)
                                      - Working on consitency
                                       - Belt work

8-10                                - Drills for new skills
                                       - Doing mini routines (3 skills, break into sets)
                                       - Clean up individual skills (break down into sets)

Some reps can be mixed together. Example: My kids will go 3-5 first half routines and 3-5 second half routines. Once that is completed then they do 1-2 full routines. Their break time is about 2 -5 minutes in between. This allows the body a chance to re-energized and get re-focus before their next turn.

In order to have your atheltes to optimized performance during meet week, it is best to keep the numbers low. Best when you have the athlete to save their energy for a good routine rather than waste it on warm-up or practice. Besides the warm-up passes doesn't count for their score!

Best of Luck!