Training Periodization Over an Elite Rugby Sevens Season: From Theory to Practice.
Int J Sports Physiol Perform
; 14(1): 113-121, 2019 Jan 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29952634
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To describe the training periodization in rugby sevens players competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series during a non-Olympic season.METHODS:
Workload data were collected over a 33-wk period in 12 male players participating in a full competitive season. Workload was quantified using session rating of perceived exertion and global positioning system-derived data during training and competition. Self-reported well-being was assessed using a questionnaire. Each variable was analyzed weekly and through 5 mesocycles (preseason, in-season 1-4), each of which ended with competition blocks.RESULTS:
The perceived load decreased throughout the season for the full squad (-68% [26%] between preseason and final competitive block, large effect) and when unavailable players were removed from the analysis (-38% [42%], moderate). Weekly perceived load was highly variable, with a typical periodization in 4 phases during each mesocycle (regeneration, training overload, taper, and competition). During the preseason, the workload was higher during the overload training phase than during the competitive period (range +23% to +59%, large to very large, for the distance covered above individual maximal aerobic speed and the number of accelerations). This observation no longer persisted during the season. The well-being score decreased almost certainly from in-season 3 (moderate).CONCLUSIONS:
These results highlighted the apparent difficulty in maintaining high-load training periods throughout the season in players engaged on the World Rugby Sevens Series despite â¼4-7 training weeks separating each competitive block. This observation was likely explained by the difficulties inherent to the World Rugby Sevens Series (risk of contact injury, calendar, and multiple long-haul travel episodes) and potentially by limited squad-rotation policies.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Sports Physiol Perform
Journal subject:
FISIOLOGIA
/
MEDICINA ESPORTIVA
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article