Game Day Cognitive Periodization is a simple and flexible way to integrate Soma into any training schedule. It helps prevent cognitive overload, supports performance, and allows for effective priming, recovery, and monitoring of mental fatigue throughout the week.
Abbreviations
GD: Game Day
GD -1: One day before the game
GD -2: Two days before the game
GD -3: Three days before the game
GD +1: The day after the game
GD PRIME: A short cognitive priming session performed on Game Day to activate the brain without adding fatigue
REC: A recovery session designed to restore readiness and assess mental fatigue after Game Day
Weekly Structure Options
How you organize the week depends on how much time your athletes have before the next game.
Here are several structure options that can fit into any environment:
Full training week:
GD -3 → GD -2 → GD -1 → Game Day (GD) → GD +1 REC
Tighter schedule:
GD -2 → GD -1 → GD PRIME → GD +1 REC
Extended build-up with dedicated priming:
GD -3 → GD -2 → GD -1 → GD PRIME → GD +1 REC
One-day prep:
GD -1 → GD PRIME → GD +1 REC
Heavy travel or competition week:
GD -3 → GD -2 → GD -1 → Game Day (GD)
(In this case, focus on early sessions and reduce cognitive load as Game Day approaches.)
Adjusting Load Around Game Day
Cognitive load should match the physical and mental demands of the week.
As Game Day approaches, reduce duration and intensity to keep the system sharp without adding fatigue.
GD -3 to GD -2:
High-load cognitive training days
Task intensity: 80–100%
Task duration: 5–10 minutes per task
Total session: 25–45 minutes
GD -1:
Low-to-moderate load
Task intensity: 60–80%
Task duration: 3–5 minutes per task
Total session: Around 20 minutes
GD PRIME:
Priming, not fatiguing
Task intensity: 70–90%
Task duration: 3 minutes per task
Total session: Up to 12 minutes
During PRIME sessions, alternate cognitive tasks with light physical movements such as reactive drills, mobility work, or dynamic footwork. The goal is activation, not exhaustion.
Recovery Sessions (GD +1)
Recovery sessions are low-load by design. They restore cognitive and physical readiness while collecting data on post-game mental fatigue and decision-making.
Cognitive Load:
Minimal
Structure Options
Option 1: Light Cognitive Session
PVT-B Test to monitor mental fatigue
Five tasks × 3 minutes each
Low cognitive intensity to collect data without adding stress
Option 2: Concurrent Recovery Session
Four tasks × 5 minutes each
Maintain HR in Zone 2 on a stationary bike
Combines light aerobic recovery with low-level cognitive engagement