Periodization is a fundamental concept in athletic training, referring to the systematic planning of training to optimize performance at a specified future date. This involves dividing the training program into distinct periods, or phases, each with specific goals and objectives. These phases can be based on time (e.g., weeks, months) or on the athlete's progress, and most phases last between 4 and 12 weeks. The length and content of each phase should be flexible and adaptable to the athlete's needs and progress. 

Periodization, the systematic planning of athletic training, has long been a cornerstone of sports preparation. The traditional model, popularized by Matveyev, divides a sports season into distinct periods with varying training focuses, aiming to optimize performance by strategically manipulating training intensity and volume. However, as the demands of modern sport evolve, the limitations of this traditional approach have become increasingly apparent.