Antonio Squillante | Bridging the Gap Between Periodization Theory and Practice

In this episode, Antonio Squillante joins to discuss the science, theory, and application of periodization. Antonio starts by sharing his experience in transitioning from American football to rugby and track and field. He then shares insights into his work for the USA Cycling national team, the challenges of training sprint cyclists, and the intensive training regimes they endure.

We then shift our focus to understanding the concept of periodization in training. Antonio sheds light on the organization and programming aspects of periodization, and the balance needed to achieve optimal results. He emphasizes the crucial role of research and experience in implementing different models of periodization. He delves into periodization styles such as linear, nonlinear, and block, and how evidence and research can guide their selection for specific athlete needs.

Antonio also discusses the importance of monitoring athlete readiness, using metrics like resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and neuromuscular fatigue. This part of our discussion uncovers how this data can create unique athlete profiles and inform program design and fatigue management. Lastly, Antonio shares some valuable advice for fellow coaches, urging them to remain humble, open-minded, and to use mistakes as learning opportunities.

Time Stamps:

[3:33] The strength & power demands of sprint cyclists

[7:15] Transitioning from coaching soccer and rugby to American football

[13:36] Periodization theory explained

[21:48] How program design fits with periodization

[28:21] Bringing practicality and fluidity to periodization

[37:11] Individualizing while staying true to periodization principles

[44:59] Using data to guide the training process

[49:27] The importance of being outcome-based when designing programs

Antonio Squillante is the Director of High Performance and Training for Sprint Cycling at USA Cycling and a PhD candidate at the University of Southern California. He has more than 10 years of experience coaching high school, collegiate, and professional athletes competing at the national and international levels. He has authored several books and textbooks on strength training for sport and periodization, and translated some classic readings in exercise physiology and sports science, including the work of Professor Carmelo Bosco and Dr.Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky. Squillante is a Registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist (SENr).

You can follow Antonio on Instagram and see the books he has written and translated on Amazon.

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