How To Create A 1 Year Cycle Of Training

Here are some of the mistakes I see coaches make when they don’t utilize energy system training methods:

• Training on and off the water without progression
• Training that doesn’t execute race strategies
• Coaching a “workout” rather than the methodology of momentum
• Training that lacks cycles focused on skill and physical development

 
Training on and off the water without progression
Progressions are designed to build skills, strength and the energy systems intended for specific results of each race distance. In conjunction with cycles of training, progressions help people develop the specific attributes of well rounded paddlers. Without progressions paddlers can get “stuck” in a level of skill or fitness. Progressions create the foundations for each cycle of development to be reached by having the proper skill and fitness to sustain the workload of the next cycle.
 
Training that doesn’t execute race strategies
Training on the erg, at the gym, at the paddle tank or pool as well as on water requires coaches take a look at the results they are trying to achieve in each race distance and develop that energy system within on and off water sessions. For example; training for sprint racing at a paddle tank can be hard as the heavy water doesn’t allow for higher stroke rates. However, the paddle tank or pool can be advantageous when working to feel pressure on a blade in the pull phase of the stoke by paddling in “unmoving water”. Utilizing equipment and resources to create race strategies will prepare teams focus to race a strategy rather than just “go full out”.
 
Coaching a “workout” rather than the methodology of momentum
Most paddlers love to sweat and often feel good after a tough practice. However, this manner of training only works when the energy system that precedes it is developed and the paddlers have achieved peaking in that zone. Without capitalizing on the methodology of building momentum our efforts and gains are short lived and not given the opportunity to gain momentum by peaking within the succession of practices.
 
Training that lacks cycles focused on skill and physical development
One of the things we Albertans experience is a short paddle season. With our off season being 7 months, I am able to coach paddlers within cycles utilizing various pieces of equipment and resources to develop their skills. This 7 months also provides the opportunity to focus on recovering from the one sided paddling of dragon boat while strengthening the muscles that may not get as much attention during the water season. This rebalancing of the body also works to facilitate specific aspects of the stroke in each cycle of training.