Typically Rugby Union has a short Preparatory period (around 10wks) followed by a long season (+20wks). Thus more applicable to follow a complex-parallel model.
However this next season we have a relatively long preparatory period (up to 21wks). 4-6 weeks pre xmas, 2 weeks off then 13 weeks up to a 4 week block of trials where we would play for 3 weeks followed by a down week before the commence of the season.
Considering this situation would it be more appropriate to implement a block model? I’m curious how other members on this forum would plan this out
Interesting situation… There is a nice (not great) book on rugby preparation by Bompa which follows his periodization principles (applied to rugby). I guess the best part of the book is aerobic training, although I own it but haven’t read it yet
Anyway, the solution depends on the team level. My opinion would be to use first 4-6 weeks for complex-parallel and see how it goes. You would have strengths-weakness evaluation during this time and helps you plan the next 13 weeks better. Also, the complex-parallel will develop longer ‘residual’ effects over those 2 weeks off. Although, you can’t just jump to complex-parallel full volume, you would need a week or two of introduction (increasing volume and intensity).
You can start with:
2x full body strength training
1-2x speed work (start with hills, it is ‘easier’) and some explosive work (mb throws, hurdles jump and stick, etc)
1 glycolitic work (from week 2 or 3)
2 aerobic training sessions
Plan progression in each separatelly, don’t do too much volume and intensity from day 1…
After the two weeks off, evaluate what are the weaknesses and strengths and work on them using ‘block’ approach during the next 13 weeks.
Another approach would be to use two Accumlation periods instead of complex-parallel + block.
