In previous blogs, we have discussed different periodization models. The model of Verheijen was one of the discussed models. Even though this periodization model is easy to understand and to implement, there are also some downsides. One of these downsides is that there is a focus on only one physical aspect at a time (for two consecutive weeks). Since the total cycle consists of 3 blocks, this means that each physical aspect is only targeted once every six weeks. But since a peak performance at the match requires a combination of different physical aspects, one might question whether focusing on only one physical aspect during the week is the most optimal preparation method. Hence, in this blog, we will discuss a periodization model that overcomes this disadvantage of Verheijen’s model: Tactical periodization.
What is tactical periodization?
Tactical periodization is a periodization method which has been developed by Vitor Frade, and has been implemented by managers such as Jose Mourinho and André Villas-Boas. Tactical periodization questions the view that four different aspects (technical, tactical, physical, and psychological) of the game are equally important and that they should be trained separately (figure 1).
Figure 1: viewing 4 different aspect of equally important
Figure 2: The 4 different aspects according to Tactical periodisation
Workload distribution with tactical periodization
Match day +1 & +2: physical and mental recovery
Match day -4: focus on the next match
On the third day after the match (or MD-4), there is a shift in focus towards preparing the players for the new match. On this day there is an increased focus on the physical aspect of strength. This means that exercises are of short duration with relatively long rest periods, they are played on small field dimensions and focus on tactical aspects in smaller groups: individual level, group level (players which play close to each other; fullbacks and wingers) or on sectorial level (e.g. midfielders). The tactical aspects that a coach wants to focus on, should be related to the playing idea of the coach and should not yet focus on the next opponent.
Match day -3 & match day -2: high demands
Match day -1: details for the match
Table 1: overview of a weekly schedule according to tactical periodization
Conclusion
Matches are chaotic in nature, and teams try to influence the outcome of the game with a tactical plan. Since tactics play such an important role in the outcome of the game, Tactical periodization prioritizes tactical aspect over the other aspect of the game (technical, physical, and psychological). This means that exercises are chosen which are in accordance with the tactical plan of the coach, but that they should also contain the other aspects (technical, physical and psychological) to train as match-specific as possible. When analyzing the distribution of load over the week, we see a wave-like pattern for mental and physical aspects, with the highest workload planned in the middle of the week. This is in accordance with other models we have discussed previously.