Athletic Matrix Formulation - From General Prep to Taper

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #86, goes to the realm of a TRACK coach. Much of the planning is similar to swimming and other sports.

Unlock the secret behind elite performance: a step‑by‑step guide to building a winning training matrix. Learn how to turn a chaotic schedule into a precise, adaptable roadmap for any athlete.

• The three‑tier hierarchy: training plan, program, and matrix explained
• Coach Jose’s 8‑week sprint matrix: phases, intensity, volume, and recovery
• How to progress workouts safely while boosting performance
• When and how to adjust the matrix for real‑world athlete needs
• Core coaching principles: athlete‑centered design, balanced structure, and recovery importance

The full seminar is available, for free, at the website, https://WAFSU.org. A course there is called, Bygone Seminars. Login and pay nothing. 

Dennis and Coach Mark host weekly seminars on Saturdays. Join in and then you can ask your questions to the expert coaches.

1. Why a Structured Plan Is Critical for Athletes

• “Wing‑it” = high risk of overtraining, injury, and uneven development
• Inconsistent performance when peak condition is left to chance
• Planning hierarchy: Training Plan → Training Program → Training Matrix

2. The Three Levels of Planning

• Training Plan – 30,000‑foot view; season‑long roadmap, ultimate goal, timeline
• Training Program – Detailed roadmap; phases (general prep, pre‑competition, etc.), weekly objectives
• Training Matrix – Day‑to‑day “coach’s bible”; specific exercises, reps, intensities for each session

3. Building an 8‑Week Matrix – Coach Jose Case Study

• Six basic steps

  1. Start with competition date, work backward
  2. Set phase‑specific goals
  3. Choose key skills to develop
  4. Plan intensity, volume, recovery
  5. Assemble high‑level program
  6. Populate the matrix

• Four clear phases

  • General Preparation – Build foundation
  • Specific Preparation – Hone speed
  • Pre‑Competition – Sharpen race rhythm
  • Taper – Reduce workload, maximize recovery

• Week 1 (General Prep) sample matrix

  • Monday: High‑intensity acceleration
  • Tuesday: Lower‑intensity tempo run (active recovery)
  • Wednesday: Hard max‑velocity work
  • Thursday/Friday: Rest days
  • Saturday: Full‑body circuit (moderate load)

• Week 2 – Progressive Overload

  • Same exercises, but:
    • Acceleration effort ↑ to 100%
    • Jump repetitions increased

• Phase 3 (Pre‑Competition) shift

  • Goal moves from building fitness → sharpening skills & race rhythm
  • Volume ↓ to limit fatigue; intensity stays very high
  • CNS kept “firing” for peak performance

• Taper Week

  • Workouts become almost rest‑like
  • Light activities to keep CNS primed
  • Primary aim: full physical & mental recovery for race day

4. Flexibility & Real‑World Adjustments

• Matrix is a guide, not a set of immutable commandments
• Coach must watch for warning signs: excessive fatigue, aches/pains, external stress (e.g., school exams)
• If red flags appear → adjust matrix immediately
• Two core coaching principles:
  1. Know the athlete as an individual (age, history, life context)
  2. Avoid classic pitfalls – e.g., treating recovery days as optional

5. Key Takeaways / Coaching Principles

• Balance structure with flexibility – a solid plan + the ability to adapt
• Athlete‑centered planning – design around the person, not just the goal
• Recovery is a training component, not the absence of training
• Evolve the plan alongside the athlete – continuous monitoring & tweaking

6. Seminar Context & Call‑to‑Action

• Concepts presented at a recent UCSSC & WAFSU seminar (Saturday)
• Invitation to attend future seminars; resources available at wafsu.org
• Archived seminars (track & field, aquatics) also on the site
• Closing note: thanks for subscribing & encouraging peers to explore “Heavy or Not.”

Check out this episode!