OVERVIEW

The module "Theory and Methodology of Training" provides a structured and up-to-date overview of the theoretical and methodological foundations of sports training, with particular attention to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of physical and sports activities in different applied contexts.

The module explores the analysis of motor abilities, training principles, and the main programming methodologies, considering different age groups, performance levels, and objectives, ranging from developmental age to competitive sports, as well as physical activity aimed at health and well-being.

Particular attention is devoted to goal setting, session planning and programming, workload management, and the evaluation of exercise-induced adaptations. The educational pathway also includes group work and team-building activities aimed at developing transversal skills and designing differentiated, sustainable motor and sports programs suited to participants’ characteristics.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and basic methodological skills necessary for understanding and applying the principles of sports training in various physical and sport-related contexts.

Specifically, the course is designed to develop the ability to analyze sports performance, design and plan training programs, select appropriate exercises and methods, manage workload, and evaluate training effects in relation to predefined objectives.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:

• Describe and interpret the components of physical and sports performance, distinguishing and classifying the main motor abilities
• Apply the fundamental principles of sports training to the design of training sessions and cycles consistent with defined goals
• Select and justify exercises and methods for training motor abilities
• Plan and monitor training load and evaluate its effects
• Adapt training programs to individual differences
• Collaborate effectively in group settings through Team-Based Learning activities

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, acquired in previous courses, is required.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures (20 hours – 2 ECTS) and teaching activities based on a methodology inspired by and adapted from Team-Based Learning (TBL) (30 hours – 3 ECTS).

The adopted approach maintains the core principles of TBL—collaborative work, guided discussion, practical application of theoretical content, and peer evaluation—adapted to current university educational needs. The methodology emphasizes group activities, structured debate, and problem-solving tasks, with a strong focus on collaborative learning and the practical application of knowledge.

Participation in TBL activities requires at least 80% attendance of the hours dedicated to this teaching method. For further details, see: Guide to Team-Based Learning methodology.pdf.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

A. Foundations of Training Theory

• Training theory and science
• Training and trainability
• Roles and interaction between athlete and coach
• Performance abilities

B. Methodology and Load Monitoring

• Training load
• Principles of sports training
• Training monitoring and athlete evaluation
• Introduction to planning and periodization

C. Training of Motor Abilities

• Classification of motor abilities
• Training methods and field tests for:
  • Aerobic endurance
  • Strength
  • Speed
  • Coordination abilities
  • Joint mobility

D. Applications and Program Design

• Functional training
• Training during developmental age
• Team building and design of training interventions based on different case studies

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Teaching Materials

• Lecture notes (AulaWeb)

• Main Textbook

• Weineck, Optimal Training, Calzetti & Mariucci, 2023

• Further Reading

• Haff G.G., Triplett N.T., Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (Italian edition), Calzetti & Mariucci, 2020
• Bompa T.O., Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training, Calzetti & Mariucci, 2001

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO BOVE (President)

FRANCESCA LANTIERI (President)

EMANUELA PIERANTOZZI (President)

PIERO RUGGERI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

I semester, October

Class schedule

TRAINING THEORY AND METHODOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The module Theory and Methodology of Training (5 ECTS) contributes to the final assessment of the integrated course “Training and Functional Evaluation of the Athlete”, together with the modules of Sports Physiology and Statistics.

The exam takes place in a computer lab via the AulaWeb platform, accessed through personal university credentials, in a controlled environment.

Exam Structure – Module Pierantozzi (3 ECTS)

Duration: 20 minutes

• Students attending Team-Based Learning (TBL):
  • Written test with 15 multiple-choice questions
• Students not attending TBL:
  • Written test with 16 questions: 15 multiple-choice + 1 open-ended question
  • The open-ended question contributes 50% of the multiple-choice score

Exam Structure – Module Strassera (2 ECTS)

Duration: 15 minutes

• 8 multiple-choice questions (5 minutes)
• 1 open-ended question (10 minutes)
• The open-ended question contributes 50% of the multiple-choice score

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam is designed to assess knowledge of course content, critical understanding, and the ability to apply concepts in different physical and sports contexts.

Students who do not participate in Team-Based Learning activities will be required to answer an additional exam question aimed at assessing collaborative and applied skills developed during the course.

All topics must be studied using both the teaching materials available on AulaWeb and the recommended textbook (Weineck, Optimal Training).

FURTHER INFORMATION

-