Different types of microcycles

1)      Developmental microcycle. This type is mainly used during the preparatory period of the annual training plan. It is used to develop and improve specific biomotor abilities and skills. During this kind of microcycle there can be two or three high demand peaks.

2)      Shock microcycle. A sudden increases in training load, usually higher than the athlete has previously eperienced. Those microcycles are also used during the preparatory period and may have three or four high demanding workouts. This kind of microcycle is used to push the athlete to further limits in order to stimulate adaptation and reach higher performance levels. Have to be used carefully, since sudden changes in intensity or volume of the training can lead also to unwanted conseqences of training. Therfore those kind of microcycles must be handled with care. Use a regeneration microcycle after it

3)      Regeneration microcycle. Is designed to remove fatigue , not only physical, but also mental, and to restore energy that has been used during previous microcycles. The main aim of this microcycle is to keep the intensity low and to use slightly different disciplines compared to those used in previous microcycles.

4)      Peaking and unloading microcycles. In this microcycle manipualtion of training load and intensity would be the targets in order to accomplish the best possible performance for the upcoming competitions. Within this microcycle decreases in training load are evident in order to stimulate supercompensation.

Reference: Bompa T. Periodization. Theory and methodology of training. Human Kinetics, Chicago, IL. 1999.