I have been told that the most “potent” means (special(ized) training) should be used later in the athlete’s career, when all the effects of other (mostly general — but the ration is what is important) means are used. Using them too early may lead to their “weakening” when it counts the most (read: later in the career)!
I noticed that here on CF.com are two tents: those who say that recovery means don’t loose its effectivness when used frequently and those who say they do. As allway, the truth is somewhere in the middle — thus the answer depends both on the means used (and frequency) and athlete’s level.
To cut to the chase, what I am interested in currently is when do kids start to use “advanced” recovery means? I am especially interested in contrast showers and massage! Do they really need those stuff? Would they “drain” their effectivness till the training become specialized and intensified in nature? How often should they be used?
To be more specific: I am interested in recovery means that should be used with 14-15yo bball players that have 9 training sessions /w (some days two per day, sometimes one, sunday none)!
— Charlie, did your sprinters used contrast showers from day one when training with you, or did you waited for training intensification?
Thanks in advance!