Journal of Human Kinetics volume 44/2014, 259-263 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0131 259 Section IV – Book Review

Review of Platonov’s “Sports Training Periodization. General Theory and its Practical Application” – Kiev: Olympic Literature, 2013

by Vladimir Lyakh1, Kazimierz Mikołajec2, Przemysław Bujas1 , Ryszard Litkowycz2

The reviewed book belongs to the most mono, two and mixed-cycle variations of a year comprehensive and fundamental monographs round preparation periodization”, as in his concerning sports training periodization. The opinion, some specialists have been trying to do book was written by one of the most renowned (Stone et al. 1981; Bompa 1992; Plick & Stone 2003; modern specialists, a Ukrainian professor Issurin 2010; Haff & Haff 2012, and others). Platonov, whose books have been published all Therefore, the author points to the fact that “it is over the world, in 10 languages, in countries such absolutely unfounded to artificially treat as , , , , Matveyev as a supporter of exclusively monocycle , , , , , , periodization system of a year round preparation , , and . The author was because such a system is inadequate for the needs awarded the Olympic Order by the International of modern sports and does not guarantee athletes Olympic Committee in 2001 for his works on a successful performance in a greater number of theory and methodology of sports training. competitions” (Issurin 2010; Bompa & Haff 2009; The author of the book attempts to Haff & Haff 2012, and others). Platonov systematize, generalize and analyse various summarizes that Matveyev “never claimed that scientific data concerning modern sports practices the right development of physical fitness can be in the area of training periodization, and to based only on mono-, two- or three-cycle present it as a comprehensive theory. periodization of a year round preparation”. He The book consists of six parts. The first only underlines that the duration of cycles and part is divided into four chapters where the preparation periods should develop the abilities author analyses how the knowledge of training of an athlete to achieve a new, higher level of periodization developed throughout years and performance. In endurance sport disciplines, this presents in detail the concept of periodization task can be successfully undertaken after creating created by Matveyev, including the development a plan based on a year round cycle; in strength- of the concept shown in the works of authors speed disciplines – a six-month-long plan based from many countries of the world. Platonov on shorter cycles is more appropriate. According emphasises that “Matveyev founded his concept to Matveyev, it is possible in some sport on an objective generalization of some significant disciplines, but only under one condition: the patterns in the development of peak performance, preparatory phase (fundamental preparation) the study of sports training guidelines and a should be sufficiently long. During this time, an conceptual apparatus, not on “a description of athlete should achieve a new level of fitness. If

1 - Department of Theory of Sport and Kinesiology, Academy of Physical Education in Cracow. 2 - Department of Team Sport Games, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. . Authors submitted their contribution to the article to the editorial board. Accepted for printing in the Journal of Human Kinetics vol. 44/2014 in December 2014. Unauthenticated Download Date | 6/25/16 6:20 AM 260 Review of Platonov’s “Sports training periodization. General theory and its practical application”

this period is shorter, this might turn out periodization is a dynamic and continuously problematic. According to Matveyev, depending developing area of knowledge. With the on specific sport practice conditions, many appearance of new data, constructive ideas and variations of the duration of monocycles and their novel hypotheses, the periodization theory periods are possible. But in all planning, a receives a new shape, and becomes better defined. fundamental preparatory phase should be The main contribution to creative development of maintained and it should be long enough to the theory of periodization was made by Platonov enable an athlete to keep training effectively and himself (1997, 2004), which should not be achieve the desired result (Matveyev 1999, 2005). overlooked, especially with the view of the fact As Platonov emphasises, Matveyev’s views that his main opponents (Werhoszanski 1985, correspond with the preparation of most modern 2005; Bondarczuk 2005; Issurin 2008, 2010, Bompa athletes, who are “not aiming at immediate & Haff 1999, 2009, and others), who criticised success in second-league competitions, but at Matveyev’s theory and presented another planned and effective preparation for the most approach to this problem, in our opinion, forgot important competitions, most of all Olympic about Platonov’s views for a number of reasons. Games and World Championships”. This opinion In the 1990s, Platonov generalised his is fully supported by Platonov and a number of long-term scientific experience in exploration and specialists in periodization of a year round practical implementation of periodization of year preparation. The periodization theory was round preparation for high-class athletes and recognized not only by the majority of Soviet showed (1997, 2004) the possibilities to manage an coaches, sports instructors and scientists extensive sports calendar with the use of working with high-class athletes, but it also periodization models based on 4-7 cycles. attracted the attention of specialists from other Platonov indicates that when creating such countries in the world, mostly the so-called models, it seems fundamental to find a balance socialist countries of Eastern Europe and from between the independence (individuality) of each . The period of 1970-1990, when this theory macrocycle ending with a high priority became the basis of year round preparation of competition and the macrocycle’s place in the national teams taking part in international whole system of a year round preparation aimed competitions, it turned out to be most fortunate at achieving the highest results in a given year. for athletes from the USSR, the German Each macrocycle should be based on the training Democratic Republic and other socialist countries. effects of the previous macrocycles and developed Platonov underlines that the periodization theory with the view that the performance in the main developed by Matveyev was further expanded by competition in a given macrocycle has to be specialists from Eastern Europe (Ozolin 1984; relatively successful, but the training system Nadory & Granek 1989; Zelazkow 1986; Harre should not break the guidelines of rational 1971, 1982; Müller 1989, and others), which preparation for the main competition in a given provided the possibility to create a system of a year (Platonov 1997). year round preparation directed both at Building multicycle periodization models, improving general sports performance, as well as which are meticulously analysed and discussed in reaching peak performance for major the reviewed book, required from Platonov competitions. Platonov’s observations point to the considerable changes of the traditional approach fact that in the USSR, members of many national to preparation of different macrocycles in terms of teams achieved their best result of the season in their duration, general structure, load dynamics, major competitions in 55-70% of cases, what interrelations between basic (fundamental) significantly exceeded the results of athletes from measures and special preparation, and also Western Europe. building a mesocycle of direct preparation for At the same time, the scholars who competitions. However, Platonov underlines that backed Matveyev’s periodization theory and this correlation (extension and further definition) Matveyev himself (1991, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2010), did not occur because the legitimacy and whose last works are little known to the western principles of the existing periodization theory scientists and coaches, underlined that training were rejected, but because its empirical basis and

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theoretical part were expanded. He also the main purpose of periodization is increasing emphasizes that even when creating optimal year the efficiency of metabolic pathways. round preparation programs based on multicycle Unfortunately, the works of American periodization, it should be taken into specialists concerning periodization “does not consideration that successful performance in the have sufficient empirical basis, they are not end of every macrocycle might lead to a decrease adequate to the complexity of the problem and of results in the main competition. However, the the lack of theoretical studies has been recorded”. higher the number of macrocycles, the higher the In order to illustrate that problem, Platonov refers likelihood of this result being lower (Platonov to numerous examples of the most famous studies 2008). According to the author, if a multicycle published in recent years (Plisk &, Stone 2003; year round preparation is created in this plan on Stone 2004; Stone et al. 2007). the basis of “block periodization”, where every Platonov analyses in detail the works of a macrocycle is a “mini version of a year round Canadian scientist Bompa (Bompa 1994, 1999, cycle”, and an “independent stage” with a 2002, 2006, Bompa & Carrera 2005; Bompa & Haff standard structure, as some specialists 2009). It could be expected from Bomba that he recommend (Issurin 2010; Haff 2012), that it is unified the approach to periodization, its very possible that not only the main competition conceptual and terminological base more than any performance will be unsuccessful, but also the other western specialist. It was predicted that his quality of preparation will be lower in various scientific activity made Western and Eastern aspects. views on this matter much closer to each other. In chapter 2 “Criticism of periodization However, Bomba chose his own path: he refused theory, alternative and developing concepts and or rejected most of the theoretical knowledge and approaches”, Platonov does not only analyse the studies gathered in the countries of Eastern critical remarks on Matveyev’s periodization Europe. He revised the traditional and well- theory on a year round preparation of high-level verified approach to the structure of preparation, athletes, but he also discusses alternative ideas fundamentally changed the terminology and the and approaches proposed by Wierchoszanski majority of specific sports training rules for (1985-2005), Worobjew (1989), Bondarczuk (2005), numerous sports. Moreover, Bompa completely Issurin (2008, 2010) and western specialists (Stone ignored the content of long-term scientific et al. 1981, 1982, 2007; Fleck & Kreamer 1996, 2004; investigations, practical achievements of the best Sitt 2003; Baker 2007; Haff & Haff 2012; O’Bryant eastern European coaches in the last 25 years, as 2002; Plisk & Stone 2003; Stone 2004, Bompa 1994, well as a major part of knowledge coming from 1999, 2002, 2006; Bompa & Haff 2009, and others). western countries, including the USA. Unfortunately, it is impossible to present in one Consequently, in a lot of Bompa’s works, study the full list of fundamental objections including the most recent ones (Bompa 2002, concerning these authors’ ideas. Bompa & Carrera 2005; Bompa & Haff 2009), The problem of American approach to some important theory concerning this issue is training periodization concerning preparation for practically non-existent, even though until the the main competition was that “its study in most modern times, this theory has been formulated in cases was based on a very limited data - only a sufficiently unified system of knowledge free of certain parts of preparation or selected motor any contradictions. This had to create the situation abilities”. Platonov refers to the works of Plisk & that many of the mentioned practical Stone (2003), Brown, Greenwood (2005); Baker recommendations have an abstract and (2007); Stone et al. (2007), who make their contradictory character, especially when they are conclusions on the basis of a detailed study of analysed regarding to the modern rules important various strength training periodization in for rational, effective periodization, knowledge accordance with the demands of strength-speed concerning human biology and some current oriented sport disciplines; in the works of Balague practical experience. (2000) and Bompa (2002), the problem of mental Prominent coaches from different preparation is analysed separately; the countries have contributed significantly to the investigation of Bompa & Haff (2009) shows that development of the American approach. They are

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actively involved in seeking out effective that this part of the book contains extensive periodization models , which guarantee planned knowledge from related fields, mostly biology, and effective preparation for the most prestigious and all types of theories and methodologically competitions, especially and grounded scientific approaches. World Championships. Their views on this issue In the third part “Megastructure of were formulated not only on the basis of materials preparation process and system of permanent concerning sports science, but also the experience sport selection”, Platonov analyses the following in sports practice gathered in different countries, issues: “Long-term preparation: developing the mostly in Eastern Europe. This approach can be system of knowledge” (chapter 11), “Regularities observed in studies written by top-level coaches and specific characteristics of long-term training” attempting to build their concepts on very serious (chapter 12), “Modern concepts of long-term scientific foundations (Maglischo 2003; periodization” (chapter 13), “Main selection Sweetenham & Atkinson 2003; Jochums 2005; guidelines in the system of long-term Leonard 2008). preparation” (chapter 14). Megastructure is The third chapter of Platonov’s understood as the structure of a long-term monography is dedicated to explaining the multiannual preparation and its stages: four-year general structure, content and function of Olympic cycles. Here Platonov clearly periodization theory and systemizing the distinguishes two independent periods: the conceptual-terminological basis in the area of period of achieving championship level (it usually sports training periodization. lasts from 7-8 to 10-12 years) and the period of In the fourth chapter, Platonov makes an maintaining top performance (from 2-3 to 10-15 attempt to systemize and validate special and years or more). He divides the first stage into four general didactic rules of training periodization independent phases: 1) initial preparation, 2) basic system. The most important specific rules of preparation, 3) specific preparation, 4) sports preparation, which, according to Platonov, preparation for top performance. According to have been verified in sport practice and Platonov, the second stage comprises of three scientifically developed, are as follows: substages: maximal development of individual - orientation on major achievements; motor abilities and skills, maintaining peak - advanced specialization; performance and the process of gradual decrease - compatibility of general (fundamental, basic) of achievements. and special preparation; The fourth part of the monography - continuity of the training process; entitled “Micro - and mesostructure of the - balance between accumulating and the training process” consists of four chapters: tendency to maximise loads; chapter 15 “Exercises for sports training”, chapter - variability of training loads; 16 “Warm-up and its structure”, chapter 17 “The - cyclicity of the preparation process; structure of training session”, chapter 18 - compatibility (uniformity) and “Planning the Microcycles ”, chapter 19 “ interdependence of the structure of sports Planning the mesocycles ”. activities and preparation. In this part, Platonov presents the The second part of the monography structure of different microcycles, practice entitled “General foundations of sports training sessions, as well as series of exercises included in periodization theory” consists of six chapters: the training program. He distinguishes and chapter 5 “Adaptation in sport”, chapter 6 describes the following 5 types of microcycles: “Ontogenetic development of human being and introductory, striking, transforming, regenerative adaptive processes”, chapter 7 “Skeletal muscles: and competitive. Training sessions are divided structure, functions, adaptation”, chapter 8 into several types according to their aim: “Systems of energy supply for muscle activity”, theoretical, practical, theoretical-practical, chapter 9 “Training Loads, fatigue, regeneration, regenerative, modelling and controlling. They are supercompensation and long-term training extensively described in the book. Platonov also effects”, and chapter 10 “Control of voluntary presents the description of basic training models, movements: basics”. Platonov himself emphasises such us: individual, group, team and circuit

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training. Depending on the training load three microcycles in a mesocycle does not only depend levels were selected: high, medium and low. on the type of a mesocycle, but also on tasks Considering the training importance it can be established for a given period, or the stage of divided into main and supplementary. Finally, multiannuall or year round preparation, as well as depending on its purpose the author presents two on an athlete’s specialization, his/her types: oriented on selected specific skills or qualifications and their level of preparation. comprehensive. Platonov also draws our attention to the Platonov shows the mesostructure (Greek: specific character of mesocycles in training female mesos - medium) as a structure of mesocycles. He athletes. Referring to the study of Fox et al. (1993), describes and analyses the following mesocycles: Szachlinoj (2001, 2002) and Lisicka (1982), he introductory, basic, regenerative-preparatory, demonstrated that it is advantageous to take into regenerative-maintaining. Each of them is consideration specific characteristics of women, specifically oriented. Using numerous examples, for example their menstrual cycle, which allows to Platonov demonstrates the best connection of make the training program more effective. microcycles in mesocycles of different types with The review of the second part of the aim of preparing the participants to achieve Platnonov’s monography will be continued in the best sport results. One of them is shown in table 1. next issue. It indicates that connecting different types of

Table 1 Cumulative load of microcycles in various types of mesocycles (high-level athletes)

Type Type of microcycle and cumulative training loads of mesocycle I II III IV Introductory Introductory – Introductory – Striking– high Regenerative – average training average training intensity (3 low training loads load (high intensity loads (1 practice practice sessions practice sessions are session with high with high not planned) intensity) intensity) Basic Striking– high Striking– high Striking– high Regenerative – intensity (4 practice intensity (3 practice intensity (5 low training loads sessions with high sessions with high training sessions intensity) intensity) with high intensity) Control-preparatory Striking– high Regenerative – low Striking– high Regenerative – intensity (5 practice training loads intensity (5 low training loads sessions with high training sessions intensity) with high intensity) Precompetitive Regenerative – high Striking– high Transforming – Regenerative – load practice intensity (2 practice average loads (1 low training loads sessions are not sessions with high training session planned intensity) with high intensity Competitive Transforming – Competitive –low Transforming – Competitive –low average loads (1 training loads, low training loads training loads, practice session with Competitive loads Competitive loads high intensity) depands on depands on competition competition schedule schedule

Correspondig author: Vladimir Lyakh Department of Theory of Sport and Kinesiology, Academy of Physical Education in Cracow E-mail: [email protected]

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