When challenging our brain to increase its capacity it is important that,

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Applying Cognitive Load and Monitoring Cognitive Performance

Take into consideration the following points when selecting your athlete's cognitive tasks,

As mentioned in Creating Cognitive Overload the first step in creating a cognitive training plan is to create a cognitive baseline test. Just like in physical training you want to establish a baseline before starting a training program so you can measure the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments for future programs. If you choose not to perform a baseline it can be difficult to identify where you need to focus your attention on the next training program.

To create a cognitive baseline you will need to take into consideration the following points when selecting your athlete's cognitive tasks for their baseline test,

Once you have identified the best cognitive tasks for the athlete's cognitive demands, strengths and weaknesses you can begin creating the cognitive baseline taking into consideration the recommended loading guidelines for their current season.

Off-Season

Pre Season

In Season

Off-Season

Pre Season

In Season

Total Session Duration

One of the most common questions we are asked when it comes to Brain Endurance Training (BET) is “Where does it fit?” or “How do we integrate it?”

Brain Endurance Training (BET) with technology is fortunately easy to integrate into an already established training regime. Regardless of the sport, athletes will have a training schedule, and most athletes looking to begin Brain Endurance Training (BET) are already experienced and looking for that extra edge.

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In cognitive training, you are deliberately fatiguing the brain and therefore need to ensure you are managing load carefully.

When designing a cognitive training plan we must take into consideration,

A microcycle is the shortest training cycle, typically lasting a week with the goal of facilitating a focused block of training.

Microcycles should vary the levels of stress an athlete is subjected to throughout the week’s training sessions.

The mesocycle represents a specific block of training that is designed to accomplish a particular goal. Typically mesocycles are four weeks in length. The goals for your mesocycles can be arranged over the season.

The macrocycle is the longest of the three cycles and includes all four stages of a periodized training program. Macrocycles incorporate your entire year of training which allows you to plan long term. You can mark out in your calendar specific competitions you need to peak for and facilitate your programming towards this goal.

Typical macrocycles can include a period of base training, a build-up to an event, recovery phases, and skills phases. This is dependant on the sport and the athlete.

The macrocycle is seen as the basic framework and includes the complete (training) year. Macrocycles will provide you with a bird’s-eye view of your athlete(s) training program and competition dates, therefore allowing you to facilitate long-term planning.

Progressive Overload
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If you choose to progressively overload an athlete over a 4-6 week mesocycle you will want to focus on gradually increasing the intensity and/or duration of the tasks.

Advanced: Progressively Increase Physical Workload

Common Pitfalls

Undulating Periodisation

If you choose to undulate an athlete's training plan over a 4-6 week mesocycle you will want to focus on varying the intensity and duration.

Advanced: Undulate Physical Workload

Common Pitfalls