Mesocycle Training: Structure and Types for Athletes
Mesocycle Design: A Structural Unit of Sports Training
A mesocycle is a series of microcycles, forming a structural unit of sports training. It is characterized by:
- Gathering microcycles with similar addresses and simultaneous training objectives.
- Using different types and workloads of training.
The intended stimulus accumulated within the mesocycle is a relatively complete unit of training that produces a remarkable gain in preparation. The mesocycle, as a sports training cycle, was described more than two decades ago by Soviet authors Ozolin and Matveyev to improve the planning and explanation of training systems. Several definitions and interpretations for various types of microcycles exist. One of the more detailed classifications was published previously in the USSR and the DDR, including eight mesocycle rates.
Platonov distinguishes between introductory, basic preparedness and control, pre-competition, and competition mesocycles.
Introductory Mesocycles
The main aim of introductory mesocycles is phasing athletes to enable them to effectively conduct job-specific training. This is ensured by using general physical training exercises. A certain volume can also be used for special training exercises to enhance the capabilities of systems and mechanisms that determine the level of different types of resistance. This includes selective enhancement of different qualities of strength, speed, and flexibility, as well as the training of motor habits and skills that determine the effectiveness of subsequent work.
Basic Mesocycles
In basic mesocycles, the work focuses on increasing the functional possibilities of the major organ systems of the athlete, as well as the development of physical qualities and the training of technical, tactical, and mental skills. The training program is characterized by a diversity of media, a large volume and intensity of work, and the wide use of sessions with large loads.
Preparation and Monitoring Mesocycles
In the preparation and monitoring mesocycles, the potential of the athlete, developed in the course of the preceding mesocycles, is synthesized (depending on the specific nature of competitive activity). This means comprehensive preparation is performed. The training process is characterized by the extensive use of competitive exercises and special training approaching the maximum of the contests.
Pre-Competition Mesocycles
Pre-competition mesocycles are designed to remove small defects that appeared during the preparation of the athlete and to improve technical possibilities. Special attention is given to tactical and mental preparations. Depending on the athlete’s readiness, training should be based primarily on microcycles with a high load, which increase the level of specific preparation, or microcycles with a low load, which help speed the recovery process, prevent burnout, and improve the effectiveness of adaptation processes.
Competition Mesocycles
The number and structure of competition mesocycles in the training of athletes are determined by the peculiarities of the sport, the schedule of competitions, and the level of skill and readiness of the athlete. In cycling disciplines, the competition period lasts two to three months. During this time, as a rule, two to four competition mesocycles are performed. In other sports, for example, sports games, the competition period is much longer (in elite athletes, it can reach eight to ten months). During this period, up to eight to ten competition mesocycles can be performed, normally alternating with other types of mesocycles.
Alternative Concept of Mesocycles
An alternative concept of mesocycles is based on the experience of training data collection from the USSR national team in kayaking and canoeing (Issurin & Kaverin, 1986). Its essence lies in the frequency and permutation of the preferred orientation training. This permutation is achieved by alternating three types of mesocycles: accumulation, transformation, and realization.