I’ve seen many articles lately on the use of the “block” method. What I have not seen is the definition of what these writers mean by the block training they are promoting. Nor have I seen how the workouts are truly different from what many coaches are already doing for the past decade or more.
In true block training there is an accumulation phase followed by a transmutation phase followed by a realization phase. Almost every program calling itself a block program that has been appearing with regularity on various sites is only an accumulation phase program. Need proof? Simply look to see how much improvement there is in sports skill execution during and right after the transmutation or realization phase.
Most coaches usually don’t think about equating specific workout programs to improvement on the field. But, this is the beauty of the block system. You get improvement in sports performance! It is not used merely to gain more strength or speed etc. but to fulfill a need indicated by the athlete’s performance.
A block program as proposed by the Russians, is intended to improve performance and prepare the athlete for competition. Concentrated loads are used to get stronger or faster etc. Concentrated loads have been used for many years and can be found in many common strength training programs regardless of the system used.
What is typically ignored or overlooked is that the block system consists of specialized exercises. They are not common strength exercises as are typically found in the misleading “block” programs being proliferated.
It should also be noted that in order for the block training program to improve performance, it must involve technique. This means that there is improvement in skill execution together with the strength or power of the execution or in the speed of the execution. The transmutation phase is based on not only the effects of the initial accumulation phase, but on the residuals that exist after the accumulation phase.
In order for the gains to transfer to the competitive sport, the exercises must couple technique and strength or speed or power etc. This is the beauty of the specialized exercises. They duplicate the neuromuscular pathway and develop strength or other physical qualities in the same range of motion as displayed in execution of the competitive skill. Improvement is not merely in accumulation of greater strength or some other physical quality.
You should see this improvement in the transmutation phase. In the realization phase you should see the culmination of all of the work that allows you to do better than ever in competition. However, because the block training has been misinterpreted it tends to mislead athletes more than help them in their training.
There is much to be gained from block training but it must be used wisely and only when called for. It should not simply be a strength training program made to sound like something new. This does not lead to improvement in performance which should be the ultimate objective of all training.
For more information see Block Training or Secrets of Russian Sports Fitness and Training.