Having investigated a bit further it seems H&H believe in endurance intervals followed directly by heavy squatting. (If anyone have any first-hand knowledge about this, please feel free to comment) These intervals are said to be 4 or 5x4 minutes, done in various ways by the different teams that choose this approach (running, stationary bikes, running with the ball). I’m not sure about the actual intensity, but this is supposed to be high-intensity intervals. Squats are said to be “as heavy as you can go” 4x4 times. This will be done twice a week for 8 weeks in the off-season.
Any thoughts on this approach? I know one of the beliefs of H&H is that strenght training will allow you to increase both your VO2 max and your speed. Is this an ideal approach or something born out of neccesity (something that just works)?
4x4min @90-95% of HRmax with 3min rest is famous Rosenborg method done using various means, like a ‘coordination poligon’ or a 4on4 game or something.
My opinion is that they are obsesed with that 4x4 cause they did couple of researches and showed improvements.
As for squat or endurance first? Do first thing that is more important at a given period.
Yes, they appear obsessed, but it must be understood that their rhetoric is developed in a climate where “a base of long, slow miles” are taken as the holy grail. H&H are part of an ongoing debate (particularly in soccer and cross-country skiing) where proponants of more high-intensity work stand against those with a more traditional view.
Do what you have allways done and expect results you allways got! Luckily, my head coach, menager & sport director are more open-minded than I expected… thus I broke some sacred cows this preparatory period.
The debate started when the personal coach of the female star stated he was influenced by H&H’s methods. When said star fell through during the olympics the traditionalists where quick to point out how a high-intensity approach would give you a quick boost, but ultimately burn you out.
These are the same arguments used to explain why Geir Moen had only 3 really good seasons. To much weights and high-intensity running and to few longer runs. It’s the same old story.
Luckily, my head coach, menager & sport director are more open-minded than I expected… thus I broke some sacred cows this preparatory period.