Utilizing the Maximum Workload Range for Practice Periodization

Commentary The maximum workload range (max range) is a concept suggested by Sanders et al.1 regarding a method used to prescribe adequate practice workloads based off wearable technology data. The max range is calculated as follows from game data: Max Range = (Mean Total Distance + 1 St. Dev.) to (Maximum Total Distance) While the example provided utilizes total distance, the max range can be applied to key performance indicators such as  high-speed distance, training load, jumps, etc. that are tracked throughout the competitive season in team sports. The max range concept was developed from research that found 12-17% of the time, football athletes, depending on position, accumulated game workloads outside their position’s mean + 1SD. Anecdotally, many coaches and practitioners use simple game averages as a control for ideal practice volumes. Based on previous research, using the game average as control training threshold may result in some high performing athletes being under-conditioned. It is reasonable to suggest that potential compound effects may occur throughout an entire season if athletes are not engaging in rigorous training loads that mimic game-like volumes and intensities. Figure 1. Theoretical football periodization structure for a defensive back using the max range for high intensity training days.