Training Structure and Philosophy – Building Athletic Programs with Purpose

Overview:

Creating a well-rounded training program for athletic teams isn’t about copying the latest trends—it’s about strategically aligning goals with methods. Whether coaching high school volleyball or collegiate soccer, the core structure of effective training remains rooted in purposeful progression, individual adaptation, and long-term development.

Details:

1. Periodization is the Foundation

Every athlete needs a plan. That plan starts with periodization—organizing training into blocks with specific goals:

• Preparatory Phase: Build general fitness, mobility, and resilience.

• Pre-Season Phase: Sharpen sport-specific movements and enhance power.

• In-Season Phase: Maintain strength, prevent injury, and manage fatigue.

• Post-Season/Recovery Phase: Reflect, recover, and restore.

Each spreadsheet we’ve built reflects this seasonal rhythm, ensuring athletes develop optimally and safely.

2. Athletic Skills are Layered

We don’t chase one variable at a time. Instead, each training cycle integrates:

• Strength & Power – Foundational movements (squat, hinge, press, pull) combined with explosive work (jumps, cleans).

• Speed & Agility – Multidirectional work, acceleration drills, and reactive movement.

• Conditioning – Aerobic base and anaerobic repeatability built through smart interval design.

• Mobility & Recovery – Soft tissue work, active recovery, and movement quality are non-negotiables.

3. Athlete-Centered Adjustments

While structure matters, coaching is about adaptability. Each program accounts for:

• Team Needs – The unique demands of volleyball differ from soccer.

• Athlete Readiness – Load is modified based on athlete feedback, school schedule, and game flow.

• Injury Status – Return-to-play protocols ensure long-term sustainability.

Why It Matters:

Training should do more than get athletes tired—it should make them better. Organized training reduces injury risk, improves performance, and builds confidence. When athletes trust the process and understand the “why,” they’re more likely to buy in and level up.

Action Step:

Evaluate your current team or individual athlete plan. Does it follow a progression? Is it grounded in principles, or is it reactive week-to-week? If needed, reset. A great plan evolves but always starts with purpose.