In this episode, Jack McLean is joined by Greg King to break down how football periodisation principles can be effectively translated across different sporting codes. From AFL to soccer, basketball, and netball, Greg shares practical lessons on adapting weekly structure, managing load, and keeping training aligned with the game model, not just GPS numbers.
Football Periodisation Across Codes
Translating Periodisation Across Football Codes
Periodisation is often treated as a fixed model, however in high-performance football environments it must be adaptable. When working across AFL, rugby league, and soccer, the challenge is not choosing the “best” system but selecting one that aligns with the demands of the game and the philosophy of the coaching staff. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare athletes to perform optimally on game day, not to rigidly follow a textbook framework.
Choosing the Right Periodisation Model
Across football codes, three broad approaches tend to emerge: tactical periodisation, football periodisation, and modified traditional models. Each has value, but none are universally superior. Therefore, the most effective model is the one that fits the competition schedule, the playing style, and the physical history of the squad. In practice, this means adapting principles rather than copying structures wholesale.
Using Player Feedback as a Performance Tool
Importantly, athlete feedback remains one of the most powerful monitoring tools available. Players provide real-time insight into how training loads are landing, how recovered they feel, and whether preparation is supporting performance. While coaches retain decision-making authority, listening to athletes allows earlier adjustments and stronger alignment between intent and outcome.
Structuring the In-Season Training Week
In a standard seven-day turnaround, successful programs tend to follow a clear rhythm. Initially, recovery dominates the first 48 hours post-match. Next, the middle of the week is used to apply physical and tactical load. Finally, the program tapers toward the match, ensuring players feel fresh, confident, and tactically prepared.
Aligning Training with the Game Model
Most importantly, periodisation must reflect how the team intends to play. A high-pressing, fast-paced game style requires different physical outputs than a conservative, counter-attacking approach. As a result, training must build the specific capacities demanded on match day, ensuring physical preparation truly supports performance.
🔑Highlights from the episode:
– Which periodization models transfer across football codes
– Using player feedback to judge if training is working
– Recovery, loading, and tapering in a seven-day week
– Go-to books and resources for mastering periodization
– Why periodization must match the coach’s playing style
🙌People Mentioned:
– Darren Burgess
– Ange Postecoglou
– Ian Mckeown
– Kevin Musket
– Damian Roden
– Martin Buchheit
👉Connect with Greg:
Email: kingcondition@gmail.com
https://www.theadp.com.au/
https://www.fitforeverygame.com/
🎥 Watch full episode on YouTube
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@preparelikeapro
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