principles of training

Within athletics, and many other sports, distinct seasons can be identified and different types of training can be written into a programme with respect to the training phase at which the athlete is in. This is done by examining the needs of the athlete's event and then by examining how the particular athlete compares to the needs of his or her event.

When examining a specific event, you need to look at how the following contribute to its performance:
• the muscles involved;
• the energy system(s) involved;
• the speed of movements; and
• the specific needs of the event.

Determining which muscles are involved in an event will help to prioritise what needs to be developed during a training program. In general, track events involve the muscles of the lower body, with the abdominal/lower back muscles being important for posture, and the muscles of the upper body adding to the speed of movement.
Track events also involve exerting force against the g...