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Developing predeployment training for tactical athletes

This is an excerpt from NSCA's Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning 2nd Edition by NSCA -National Strength & Conditioning Association,Brent A. Alvar,Katie Sell,J. Jay Dawes.

By G. Gregory Haff and Mark Stephenson

The construction of the predeployment period should be individualized to the tactical athlete or unit. However, a sample mesocycle model is shown in figures 9.17 through 9.19, which depict a series of mesocycles that vertically integrate and horizontally sequence training factors that are of particular interest to the tactical athlete.

Figure 9.17 depicts the first mesocycle of a series that could be contained in a predeployment period. In block 1 of this series, the primary emphasis is hypertrophy with a secondary emphasis on aerobic-anaerobic endurance capacity. These targets may be addressed with hypertrophy training (high-volume resistance training with moderate loads) and aerobic-anaerobic endurance training (high-intensity interval training of varying distances and time lengths that develops both aerobic and anaerobic capacities). A microcycle is then structured that allows for better management of training stressors. It is important to consider tactical or technical training as part of the training plan to account for traditional training activities such as target practices. This first mesocycle block would generally last around four weeks.

After the first mesocycle block is completed, the second block begins (figure 9.18). The primary target of this block is the development of maximal strength; an increase in lean body mass in the first block serves as a foundation from which strength can be enhanced (70, 104). This block also increases the emphasis on power development and tactical training. Because large volumes of aerobic endurance work interfere with strength development, this training target is de-­emphasized. As with the first mesocycle block, four weeks is the typical duration.

The final block of this example is presented in figure 9.19. In this mesocycle block, the emphasis shifts to strength and power development, tactical and technical work, and speed and agility. The idea is to enhance performance capacity for four weeks of training before deployment occurs. However, if the predeployment period is longer than 12 weeks, the sequence of mesocycle blocks could be repeated.

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