Periodizing a CLA Season

Definition

CLA periodization plans the entire training week around small-sided games tuned for both physical load and decision load, instead of separating conditioning, skill, and tactics.

Why it matters

Running lines doesn't condition basketball players for basketball. The right SSG conditions everything at once.

Examples

• Mon: high decision, moderate load (4v4 advantage games). Wed: low decision, high load (full-court 3v3). Fri: high both (5v5 with constraints).

Practical application

• Track physical load (HR, distance) AND decision load (touches, reads) per session.
• Taper both before competition — not just running.

Common mistakes

• Adding sprint work on top of high-load SSG days, blowing up the legs.