Periodised

Periodised is the adjective describing something organized into distinct periods or cycles. In general use, to periodise a plan means to structure activities into phases with defined aims and timeframes. The term is most often encountered in sports science, where periodization refers to the systematic planning of athletic training to improve performance while managing fatigue and recovery.

Training is arranged in cycles that partition time into macrocycles, mesocycles, and microcycles. A macrocycle may cover an entire season or annual plan; mesocycles span weeks to months; microcycles usually last one week. Each phase has specific goals, such as base conditioning, strength development, or peaking for competition, followed by a transition or rest phase. Common periodization models include linear (progressively increasing intensity and decreasing volume), undulating (more frequent changes in intensity and volume), and block periodization (focused blocks targeting single physical qualities). The concept originated with Soviet sports scientists in the 20th century, with Matveyev credited for early formalization and Tudor Bompa popularizing it in modern coaching.

Beyond athletics, periodisation has been applied to education, military planning, and organizational strategy, wherever planning benefits from structured phases and timing. Critics note that periodisation requires accurate assessment, cooperation across stakeholders, and adaptable execution; rigid adherence can reduce responsiveness to injury, weather, or changing calendars, limiting its effectiveness in some contexts.