Planning has to be done by the coach, especially for inexperience playeyrs. Periodization plays a vital part in any annual training plan as the coach can divide the plan which allows him to segment the program and to allow a correct peaking for the main competition.

            This project gives a detail and comprehensive report of how to conduct an annual training plan.
THE MAIN AIM OF PERIODIZATION

v     Divide an annual plan into small phases of training in order to allow a program to be set into more manageable  segment

v     To ensure a correct peaking for the main competition  

v     To enhance a correct organization of training which allows the coach to conduct his/her program in a systematic manner

v     To organize training into cycle, objectives ,task and content

THE THREE CONVENTIONAL DIVISIONS OF AN ANNUAL TRAINING PLAN AND THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF EACH

PREPARATORY PHASE

      It is divided into two sub phases (general and specific preparatory phase). This phase has an enormous importance for the annual training, it is in this period which the general framework of physical, technical, tactical and psychological preparation for the competition are developed. An inadequate amount of training performed during this period would have visible repercussions during the competition phase which would not be improved by any other form of training. A high intensity of training, based especially on an increased volume, in the long run, would result in a relatively low level of fatigue following training and may also enhance recovery.

      This phase can be at least between 3-6 months, depends on the type of annual plan employed. It should not be less then 2-3 months.

      For methodological purposes, the preparatory phase is divided into two sub- phases:

1)     General Preparatory Phase

2)     Specific Preparatory Phase

The general Preparatory Phase

            This subphase has the objectives of developing the player’s work capacity, general physical preparation and the improvement of technical aspect as well as fundamental tactical aspects. The main objective is to develop a high level of physical conditioning, which will facilitates future training and thus, future performance .this phase should totally dedicated to develop the muscles groups which will be involved in competition.

            Throughout this subphase, a high volume of training must be emphasized through the incorporation of exercises requiring extensive efforts both of general and especially of a specific nature. Such a program helps to improve the player working capacity alone with his/ her psychological drive (determination, perseverance, and willpower), thus progressively adjusting him/her to the specific effort requirements of the sport.

            Alone with the development of the physical basis of training, technical and tactical skills must also develop.

            Considering the objectives of this phase, it is not advisable to participate in any competitions throughout this period of heavy work since the player is not ready to face is opponent

The Specific Preparatory Phase

            This is the second part of the preparatory phase, which represent a transition towards the competition season .though the objectives are similar to those of the general subphase, training will become more specific. Although the volume of work is still high, most (70% - 80%) work is direct towards the specific exercises related to the skills and technical patterns of football. Towards the end of this subphase the volume tends to drop progressively, allowing an elevation of the intensity of training. The volume of work can be lower to about 20 to 40 percent.

            The improvement of technical and tactical elements should be the main focus of this subphase. The fulfillment of such a goal requires the performance of specific exercises involving the prime movers, exercises which stimulate or are similar to the technical pattern of football. The basic theory which should prevail is that every exercise must be of high quality and have a maximum training effect. In this way, an optimal link between skills and biomotor abilities is facilitated, leading to development of technique and abilities required to perform usefully in competition . as for exercises of an indirect nature, only a few of them, up to a maximum of 30% , should be maintained in the program.

Objectives of the Preparatory Phase

ü      Acquire and improve general physical preparation

ü      Improve the biomotor abilities required

ü      Cultivate specific psychological traits

ü      to develop a high level of physical conditioning, which will facilitates future training

ü      Develop, improve, and perfect techniques

ü      Familiarize with the fundamental strategical maneuvers to be use in the other phases to come

ü      Enhance the player’s  knowledge regarding the theory and methodology of  football

THE COMPITITIVE PHASE

            One of the main tasks of this phase is the perfection of all training factors, thus enabling the players to improve their abilities and thus compete successfully in the competition

            Physical preparation still seems to remain the basis on which the team’s performance is dependent. During the preparatory phase, it was the dominant training factor that was used to develop the foundation for the future training. Throughout the competitive phase the level of physical preparation must maintained at the level achieved by the end pf the preparatory phase as a constant and continuous support for the other training factors, and for performance as well.

            The objectives of the competitive phase are achieved through training, by performing specific skills and exercises, and competitions.

            During the competition phase it is obvious that the team’s performance will improve, as a result of well plan training program. if performance should improve stagnate or even decrease, then the coach may conclude that in the second part of the preparatory phase the amount of work was reduce excessively as the intensity was increased.

            The duration of the competitive phase could be 4-6 months depends on how far the competition is. However, an excessively long competitive phase requires proportionately longer preparatory and transition phases which might shorten the duration of the next preparatory period.

            For methodical and organizational reasons, the competitive may be divided into two basic subphases:

1.      The pre-competitive phase

2.      The main competitive phase

The pre-competitive phase

            Its man objective is participation in various unofficial or exhibition matches so the coach can assess his team level of preparation in all factors of training. Everything that was accumulated during the preparatory phase, namely technique, tactical skills, physical and psychological preparation, ought to be tested in the real world of a football match. As early as possible during the pre-competitive phase ,the coach should  drawn through conclusions concerning necessary alternatives to his team training program in order to maximize performance improvement for the main competition .

The phase of main competition

            This phase is to increase the team’s potentials to the optimum, thus facilitating a superior performance in the main contest. The number of training lesson should reflect whether the team is exposed to a loading or a regeneration (unloading) micro-cycle. The content and means of training for the vast majority of training program ought to be very specific including exercises directed to physical development of a direct nature.

            During the competition phase the stress curve is also elevated as a result of the increased intensity of training and the participation in competitions. This stress curve should be of undulatory form reflecting the alternation of stressful activities with short phases of regeneration. The harder more stressful a competitions, the higher the stress curve and the longer necessary compensation phase during which the curve decreases.

Objectives of the competitive phase

ü     Improve the biomotor abilities and psychological traits in accordance with football

ü     The perfection and conciliation of technique

ü     To improve the level of theoretical knowledge

ü     To maintain general physical preparation

ü     To feature and perfect tactical maneuvers and gain competitive experience

ü     Expose a variety of playing styles and counter systems

ü     Increase speed of player under match condition

ü     Maximize efficiency by planning the ball with the optimal number of touches.

ü     Emphasize the competition elements

THE TRANSITION PHASE

            After a long period of hard work and stressful competitions when the team’s determination, motivation, and willpower are very often challenge and tested the teams acquire a high degree of fatigue, physiologically and especially psychologically. Although the muscular fatigue may disappear in a few days, the fatigue of the CNS and the psyches could be sensed through the team’s behavior for a much longer period of time. The more intense the training and the greater the number of competitions the team is exposed to, the higher the fatigue level.  Under these circumstances, it is hard to believe the team is able to start a new annual training cycle. Before starting to train again for another season of competitions, rest is necessary, also physical and psychological .when the preparatory phase start, the team will be completely regenerated and will participate in training with pleasure. If the stress of the previous season cannot be eliminated and its negative elements cannot be identified and compensated for ,then throughout the following preparatory phase negative elements of stress my be experienced.

            The transitional phase link between two annual plans. This phase last between 3-4 weeks and sometimes even longer but should not exceed five weeks. During this time the athlete should train 3-4 times per week depending on their level of involvement in physical activity. Players must also monitor their diet.

            The activities during the transition phase should be planned immediately following the main competition. During the first week both the volume and intensity of work have to be progressively reduced and exercises of different nature than those regularly used. After total rest the following 2-3weeks should consist of an active rest, fun and general enjoyment including physical involvement.

            During the entire phase of active rest changing the environment and means of training have a positive effect upon the relaxation of the CNS and psychological sphere.

Objectives of the transition phase

ü      Facilitates psychological rest

ü      Relaxation

ü      Compile the plan for the next season

ü      Analyze past program

ü      Biological regeneration

ü      Maintenance of an acceptable level of general physical preparation

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UNLOADING PHASE

ü      Regenerate all of the bodily functions, especially the that of the CNs and the players psyche, before participation in the main competition of the year

ü      To let the body rebound and fresh before entering the annual plan’s top priority competition

ü      The enhancement of psychological well-being which generates positive emotions towards competition

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIAL PHASE

ü      Three to seven days

ü      Alter certain training aspect, especially those of a tactical nature

ü      Give players information about their opponents

ü      Purpose of training is to enhance the players preparation for the competition

ü      Prepare them psychologically which take into consideration relaxation and motivation

ü      Emphasize the competition elements