Story By Coach Bjorn Jansen
Coaches and athletes often view training load as the main driver of improvement. More sessions, more reps, and more effort can be the obvious path forward. However, in athletics, progress depends just as much on an athlete's readiness. At SpeedPro in Wimbledon, our coaching focuses on balancing the training load with an athlete's readiness to absorb it. Making the right call each week protects development and supports long-term performance.
Training Load Must Match Athlete Readiness
Training load refers to the volume and intensity of work an athlete completes across a week. Athlete readiness reflects how well that athlete can cope with the work, physically and mentally. When these two factors align, athletes improve. When they do not, progress slows.
Effective coaching recognises that training load should respond to the athlete, not the other way around. School demands, sleep, growth, stress, and recent competition all influence readiness. At SpeedPro, our coaching adapts weekly training to reflect these realities, ensuring athletes stay healthy and consistent.
Why More Training Is Not Always Better
A common mistake in athletics is assuming that increased training load always leads to better results. In reality, too much load applied at the wrong time often causes fatigue, plateaus, or injury.
At SpeedPro Wimbledon, our coaching philosophy values quality over quantity. One well-executed session at the right intensity can deliver more benefit than several poorly timed sessions. By monitoring athlete readiness, coaches can reduce unnecessary load and focus on sessions that truly drive progress.
Coaching Decisions That Protect Long-Term Development
Balancing training load and readiness requires informed decision-making. Coaches must look beyond the session plan and consider how the athlete is responding across the week, including technical execution, recovery between sessions, and overall energy levels.
At SpeedPro, coaches guide decisions through observation, communication, and performance feedback. Adjustments include reducing volume, altering intensity, or replacing a session entirely. These choices protect long-term development and help athletes maintain confidence in the process.
Individual Differences Matter
Athletes respond to training load in different ways. Two athletes completing the same session may experience very different levels of fatigue. Effective coaching recognises these differences and adapts accordingly.
Our coaching framework allows for individual adjustments within a group environment. While the session structure remains consistent, the coaching team can adjust the athlete's training load to suit their readiness. This approach ensures each athlete progresses at the right pace without compromising group standards.
Training Load Across the Season
Training load should fluctuate across the year. Early phases may focus on building capacity, while later phases prioritise intensity and recovery. Athlete readiness changes alongside these shifts, particularly during competition periods.
At SpeedPro in Wimbledon, our athletics coaches plan training load with the season in mind. This structured approach prevents athletes from peaking too early and supports strong performances when it matters most.
Communication Supports Better Decisions
Clear communication between coach and athlete plays a key role in managing training load. Athletes need to feel comfortable sharing how they are responding to training. Coaches need accurate feedback to make informed adjustments.
Strong coaching relationships support this process. When athletes trust their coach, they engage honestly and commit fully to revised plans. This collaboration helps training load align with readiness week after week.
Final Thoughts
Balancing training load with athlete readiness is one of the most important skills in athletics coaching. Progress comes from applying the right amount of stress at the right time, not from constant intensity.
At SpeedPro, our coaching in Wimbledon focuses on making these decisions with care and clarity. By respecting readiness and adjusting training load accordingly, we help athletes develop consistently and perform with confidence.
If you want coaching that prioritises smart progression and long-term development, we offer trial sessions for sprint and middle-distance athletes aged 11 and over.
