HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 339 MC

A swimming coach is organising a yearly training program into sub-phases.

Which statement about these sub-phases is correct?

A macrocycle provides the long-term plan for the training year, identifying major competitions and the phases of competition
A mesocycle is a 7–10 day plan detailing the frequency, intensity and duration of each training session
A microcycle is a 4–8 week block targeting a specific training objective, such as aerobic base development
Microcycles are completed early in the year, followed by mesocycles and then the macrocycle

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\(A\)

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A is correct: The macrocycle is the long-term overview of the training year. It sets out major competitions and the pre-season, in-season and off-season phases, and the shorter sub-phases are planned within it.

Other options:

B is incorrect: This describes a microcycle. A mesocycle is a longer block, usually 4–8 weeks.
C is incorrect: This describes a mesocycle. A microcycle is a short plan, usually 7–10 days, with detailed session information.
D is incorrect: Sub-phases are nested, not done one after another. Microcycles make up mesocycles, which together make up the macrocycle.