Periodization Plan for Juniors: Peak at the Right Time

Key Points

• The periodization plan for juniors has to take into account how they are feeling in terms of school commitments, body type, growth stages and the weather
• Peak performance periods should be structured around surfaces and tournaments that suit a player's game
• The “loading phase” can include tournaments where players are training through that week with a view to easing off and “peaking” right before and during bigger events etc.
• 5 to 6 training blocks per year of 2 to 3 weeks leading into 3 or 4 tournaments with the peak towards the end and then a rest period when the tournaments are finished
• If you follow and “respect” the periodization plan, you will decrease the chances of injury and have a better “peak performance”