The Death of De-Loading? - Training Progression: Week 8, Day 2

Back Squat
1 Set of 4 Reps @ 60%
1 Set of 4 Reps @ 70%
1 Set of 4 Reps @ 80%
1 Set of 4 Reps @ 85%
1 Set of 3 Reps @ 80%
1 Set of 2 Reps @ 85%

Power Snatch + Behind the Neck Snatch Grip Push Press + Overhead Squat
1 Set of 3 P.Sn. + 3 B.N.Sn.G.P.Pr. + 3 Oh.S. @ 60%
1 Set of 3 P.Sn. + 3 B.N.Sn.G.P.Pr. + 3 Oh.S. @ 65%
1 Set of 3 P.Sn. + 3 B.N.Sn.G.P.Pr. + 3 Oh.S. @ 70%
1 Set of 3 P.Sn. + 3 B.N.Sn.G.P.Pr. + 3 Oh.S. @ 75%
2 Sets of 3 P.Sn. + 3 B.N.Sn.G.P.Pr. + 3 Oh.S. @ 65%

Snatch Pull
5 Sets of 3 Reps @ 100%

Press
4 Sets of 5 Reps

Good Mornings
4 Sets of 8 Reps

Daily Volume: 142
Weekly Volume: 216

I was able to get done the accessory work I couldn't get to yesterday since today was just supposed to be squats and the snatch complex.  Nothing special about today's training, but squats are finally starting to consistently feel solid and strong!

Tonight, I want to share this blog article written by one of the strength coaches at USC, Chris Chase.  It has to do with the topic of de-loading as it pertains to collegiate strength & conditioning.  He contends that due to the competition schedule, breaks, exam schedules, etc. of certain sports, programming "de-load" weeks loose their benefit.  The reasoning is simple: the inconsistent schedule and misses in training is essentially a "de-load" period in itself.

Chris provides a "sample" schedule and timeline together of the training year he has with baseball, so it gives you a really good look into the time that strength coaches at the collegiate level sometimes have with their athletes.

While it's not traditional in the sense of what has been published and researched in terms of training and periodization, his assertions make sense and is most likely an issue that most collegiate strength coaches have to deal with.  Is it ideal in the training of an athlete? No, but it seems to be a good approach to deal with a less than ideal situation.