I recently discussed programming with a group of interns and explained to them that the final product on paper is a result of many things that must be considered.

When starting out to write a training program there are a number of factors that must be considered and questions that you must ask yourself.

Below is a list from the late Dr. Yuri Verkhoshansky

These two are necessary for every performance professionals library

·   Where are we in the training calendar,

·   What is the technical-tactical nature of the position,

·   What are we philosophically committed to,

·   Which geometric position does their body initiate movement from at the snap,

·   Which directions might they initiate movement in and in what way might they change their direction,

·   What muscles are involved,

·   What is the speed of contraction,

·   What amplitudes of movement are involved in the work,

·   Where in the amplitude are the greatest forces generated,

·   What percentage of their technical-tactical responsibility necessitates that he overcomes or resists external resistance,

·   What is the magnitude of resistance they must overcome or resist against,

·   What are the geometric positions of their body when they must overcome or resist against external load,

·   Over what distances do they cover on average,

·   What role do speed, reactive/elastic ability, power, strength, and joint mobility play in the execution of their competition maneuvers,

·   How many snaps/plays do they average per game,

·   How long is the average play,

·   How much time transpires between most plays,

·   How might I construct drills to be performed under alactic and aerobic conditions,

·   How will I sequence the change and introduction of training stimuli into the training load,

·   How will I utilize the time available during the off-season,

·   What will the contents of the training blocks consist of,

·   How will I regulate the sequence and nature of the bioenergetic training,

·   How will I regulate the sequence and nature of the biomotor training,

·   How will I structure individual training sessions and consecutive days and weeks of training,

·   and the list goes on…

Some of those questions may apply to your sport, while some may not, but you should get the idea. 

Writing a training program is so much more than putting a grouping of exercises together with some sets and reps. 

How are you organizing them to gain a training effect? 

How must rest are you giving between sets? 

How is the week planned out?  etc.

The next time you sit down to plan a strength and conditioning program what kind of questions are you asking yourself?

In our current climate there are so many other factors that we must consider when it comes to logistics and organizing training to optimize efficiency.

If you ever need guidance reach out to Coach B