30 Jun Skill Aquisition Period- Pefect Year – Part IV
Now the cycle of the perfect year is reaching the conclusion. Skill acquisition periods are key to both short and long term development. There is a world of difference between training for short term and long term goals as had been previously discussed. There are also numerous methods for learning skills and even for developing the proficiency in learning those skills. First we will cover the general strategies and then look at each specific discipline, and how to apply. As always each member of your team needs to be kept in the loop on what your other coaches are doing so they can adjust appropriately. Just because the fighter is overall decreasing intensity does not mean that each coach needs to decrease. Rather some may go up in intensity when the other drop and vice versa.
Generally speaking the total volume of training will increase during skills acquisition periods but intensity will go down. Longer sessions will let coaches explore and develop new patterns, new techniques and new applications. Quality of training partners should dip a bit as well. Instead of using only partners needed to bring the best out of an athlete, partners who allow a more relaxed playful approach should be used so more experimentation can be undertaken.
The final after action review from the De-load period should have provided some clear areas of focus and those can be addressed with specific training and goals.
Specifically in practicing any fighting disciplines it is the time to add in variation. Spending more time in the Gi, practicing under different and varied rule sets, trying new strategies, limiting favorite weapons. For example someone who excels in wall takedowns might try to hit only takedowns out in the open mat. Kickboxing sparring might only utilize the lead hand and lead leg, or fighting out of the less natural stance. Doing passing drills with individuals that only practice BJJ will cultivate new skill sets. All of this training will allow for a more well rounded fighter to emerge once camp kicks off.
Strength and conditioning should focus first on restoring and rebalancing. A hard camp will leave behind issues that should be preemptively addressed. After that sessions will no longer include the same amount of fight specific time indexing. Variation can allow new traits to emerge, increased strength work can add more horsepower for the coming camp, or special attention to cardio training can give a head start to the next camp. The focus should be on coming into camp ready to build up to a new peak with an even more solid foundation.
Almost all fighters can focus and push through an 8 week camp. The true champions are always innovating, rebuilding and growing year round. Slowing down to add new tricks will pay off in the long run and the disciplined fight that trains smart will surpass the one who only wants to work hard.
Although this is the end of the series keep in mind this is a cycle. Now as skill acquisition winds down fights are getting booked and it is time to re enter training camp and reach a new peak to bring forward for another great performance. Rest will come as a needed break and then it is back into growing to have new tools ready. It is a never ending cycle that leads to long term growth and excellence.
Perfect Year Compilation
Skill Development