Block training is a relatively new concept related to periodization. It was first introduced back in the 1980s and has since been refined and used successfully in many sports. However, and this is very important, it is most effective only with high-level athletes. All other athletes should maintain the standard periodization scheme for maximum effectiveness.
In block training the athlete executes highly concentrated specialized work loads. In essence is a compact unit of several elements — usually two motor abilities and one technical (technique) element combined for a specific function or purpose. Usually it is to enhance the athlete’s ability to execute a particular skill with greater strength or speed or explosiveness or a combination of two of these factors.
Because it is highly concentrated it demands the highest levels of physical, technical and mental abilities from the athlete. If he does not possess high enough levels of these elements, the training will not produce good results and may even lead to injury.
One of the reasons for the success of block training is that the athlete can concentrate on only a few elements to see much better results than if he worked on many elements, as in the complex training method prescribed by the standard periodization scheme. One of the key factors that lead to success in this method is that block training entails the use of specialized exercises.
As I have brought out in previous blogs, a specialized exercise does not mean only involving the same muscles that are involved in execution of the skill. This is erroneous. Specialized as used in the block periodization scheme, means that the exercise duplicates a portion of the total skill. It is very skill specific.
Because of the high level of specificity, high-level athletes have a relatively narrow range of exercises that they can use. However, when we look at the typical training programs for football players, they appear to be mostly general not specific. Those that are specific relate mostly to the transfer of general abilities such as strength, speed or explosiveness. They do not duplicate a portion of the skill that is supposed to be enhanced.
However, by adding skill execution to the motor ability exercise, block periodization is ideal for professional football. Elements of it could be incorporated into the preseason training as well as using elements of it during the season. It has great potential when the element of technique is taken into consideration.
For more information on block periodization, read Block Periodization: Breakthrough in Sports Training by Vladimir Issurin