Fartlek Training

This form of training takes its name from a type of programme developed in Scandinavia. The word means ‘speed play’, and this describes the way the method works. Fartlek is very similar to continuous training but also includes short, sharp bursts of effort at a much higher intensity. These may be of only 5 or 10 seconds’ duration but could occur every 2 or 3 minutes. If the high level of work lasts for longer than this, then it is repeated less frequently.

The oxygen debt is replaced during low-level work.

The advantages of Fartlek training are that it:

• can be adapted easily to suit the individual
• reflects the pattern of games that have a regular change of pace, e.g. football, hockey

The disadvantages are:

• difficult to see how hard the person is training
• too easy to skip the hard bits.