sportspecifiek

Sportspecifiek refers to training and practice activities that mirror the exact demands of a particular sport. It emphasizes movements, velocities, energy systems, and decision-making patterns athletes encounter in competition. The concept aligns with the SAID principle (Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands), which states that the body adapts specifically to the stresses it experiences. Because of this, sport-specific training aims to improve performance in the sport rather than general fitness alone.

Implementation involves aligning exercises with the sport’s movement patterns (sprinting, jumping, changing direction, ball handling), typical intensities and durations, equipment, and playing environment. Examples include soccer drills that combine ball control with sprinting, basketball training that blends plyometrics with rapid cuts and ball handling, and cycling sessions that target target cadences or power outputs. Trainers often integrate sport-specific skills with physical conditioning to reflect real-game scenarios.

Design considerations include periodization and progressive overload, load management to reduce injury risk, and ensuring integration with technical-tactical training. Training should be tailored to the athlete’s level, position, and season phase, with ongoing evaluation through performance tests, video analysis, GPS or tracking data, and biomechanical assessments to verify sport-specific improvements.

Limitations and challenges include the risk of over-specialization, which can neglect broader conditioning or adaptation, and the need for adequate resources and individualized planning. When well managed, sport-specific training supports performance gains while preserving overall athletic development.