Training or the training program has come to have many meanings. For the bona fide athlete the most important type of workouts and exercises are those that are used to improve and to enhance performance, more specifically, performance on the field. This is known as specialized training which involves the use of specialized exercises.
This point is so important that it must be reemphasized. A training program that directly improves performance on the field is considered specific training or sport specific training as opposed to general training, also known as general physical preparation. The main distinguishing factor is that all specialized strength exercises include an element of technique.
This means that each exercise duplicates a specific joint action or actions as seen in execution of the competitive skill. This is why it has a direct transfer to improved performance on the field. It improves not only skill execution but also the ability to execute the skill more effectively.
General physical preparation programs include many of the same aspects of training as specialized physical preparation but their main purpose to physically prepare the athlete. The general training does not improve performance on the field.
General training is excellent for helping to improve performance of youngsters and those who have never worked out before. However, for high-level athletes general physical preparation is used only for warm-up and cool-down.
Keep in mind that when you condition yourself you get physically prepared so that you are capable of playing. You bring your body up to its physical state as it was in the previous year or slightly greater than when you were playing. As a result your playing does not improve except through possibly better strategy, but not through your ability to execute the skills or through your physical performance.
Probably the most common types of workouts and exercises that are presently in the use are general preparatory or conditioning workouts and exercises. They are used on all levels of performance with all levels of athletes. Very few programs are specialized and those that are only contain a minimum number of specialized exercises.
Both specialized and general workouts and exercises use many different types of training as for example, training for speed, speed-strength, explosiveness, muscle endurance, cardiovascular endurance, ligament and tendon strength, coordination, absolute strength, eccentric strength, isometric strength, and so on.
Most workout programs are integrated in which you do a combination of many types of training. The important factor here is how you combine or sequence the different types of training in the training session and how you incorporate technique.
For improved performance on the field you must work out on a year round basis. Training must not only be periodized but should be very specific so that each type of training that you do prepares your body for the next type of training and ultimately for better performance on the field.
More information see Build a Better Athlete and Secrets of Russian Sports Fitness and Training