Key Principles of Training (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))
Revision Note
Written by: Emma Archbold
Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor
The Principles of Training & Overload
The key principles of training are the different factors that are important to consider when putting together a training programme
When planning training as a professional athlete, coach, or trainer in the lead-up to a big competition or event the training must follow the principles of SPORT:
SPORT training table
Feature of training | Description of feature |
|---|---|
Specificity | The training needs to be specific for the requirements of the athlete and their sport, for example, gymnasts must focus on strength and flexibility in their training but do not need to train for endurance |
Progressive Overload | This describes how athletes must overload themselves by pushing themselves harder than their 'comfortable' level, however, they must do this progressively over time, gradually pushing themselves harder and harder at a manageable rate |
Reversibility | Changes to the body and fitness level are reversed if training ceases or is significantly reduced. This can relate to muscle strength or cardiovascular fitness |
Tedium | The training programme should not be boring. The activities should be varied and engaging for the participant |
Overload is the process of a person pushing themselves out of their 'comfort zone' during training to try and improve their strength, fitness or endurance
E.g. a runner that regularly runs a 5km distance comfortably might choose to overload and push themselves to increase their speed or distance to become a better runner
The four basic principles of overload follow the FITT guidelines:
FITT guidelines table
Principle of overload training | Description |
|---|---|
Frequency | How often the training takes place |
Intensity | How intense the training is in terms of how hard the athlete pushes themselves e.g. speed, strength, endurance |
Time | How long the training session is |
Type | Type of training the person participates in e.g. circuit training, continuous training |
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