GCSE P.E - Types of training, training zones and principles of training in context

Describe what is meant by ‘fartlek training’. Using your knowledge of training zones and the principles of training, explain how fartlek training can be used to improve performance in a football game.

Fartlek means speed play, and fartlek training is periods of fast running with periods of slow running.

Footballers work both anaerobically and aerobically and so during fartlek training, the periods of fast running must be between 80-90% of MHR at high intensity for a max of 60 seconds in order to respire anaerobically. And the periods of slow running must fall between 60-80% of MHR at low intensity and for 15+minutes. The anaerobical section would improve performance because footballers must sprint to close down the opposition or sprint into space when making runs, and so by training…