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Subjects · Leaving Cert Physical Education

Leaving Cert Physical Education: Periodisation

How often Periodisation comes up on the Physical Education papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 3 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

OL Asked on 3 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

Periodisation, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Periodisation.

(a)The longest training cycle, often a whole season or year, is the?
  1. Mesocycle
  2. Macrocycle
  3. Microcycle
(b)In which phase does a team build a base of general aerobic fitness and strength?
  1. Transition (rest) phase
  2. Competition (peak) phase of the year
  3. Preparation (general) phase
(c)Main purpose of the transition phase?
  1. Recover physically and mentally
  2. Maximise training volume
  3. Peak for the key competition
Show the answers

(a) Macrocycle

(b) Preparation (general) phase

(c) Recover physically and mentally

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Periodisation.

Higher Level

Asked on 3 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q13
2023Q17
2022Not asked
2021Q5

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Periodisation questions

Periodisation, 3 marks

Why plan a lighter week at the end of a mesocycle?

  1. To lose fitness before the next block
  2. To make up for missed sessions
  3. So the body adapts and overtraining is avoided
Show the answer

So the body adapts and overtraining is avoided

Adaptation happens during recovery. An easier week lets the body absorb the training block before the load rises again, and lowers the risk of overtraining.

Periodisation, 3 marks

Why is it hard for a team with a very long season to peak?

  1. Tapering is banned in team sports
  2. A peak can only be held for a short time
  3. Team sports need no fitness
Show the answer

A peak can only be held for a short time

Peak form lasts only a few weeks. Across a long league and championship, coaches must choose key targets and plan smaller peaks, or players arrive tired.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 3 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q6
2023Q15
2022Q7
2021Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Periodisation questions

Periodisation, 2 marks

The longest training cycle, often a full year or season, is the…

  1. Microcycle
  2. Mesocycle
  3. Macrocycle
Show the answer

Macrocycle

Macro is the long-term plan (a season or year). It is split into mesocycles of several weeks, and each of those into microcycles of about a week.

Periodisation, 2 marks

A microcycle usually lasts about…

  1. Six months
  2. One week
  3. One year
Show the answer

One week

A microcycle is the short-term plan, often one week of sessions. A coach might plan two hard days, a light day, a match and a rest day within it.

Periodisation, 2 marks

In which phase of the season should a performer reach peak performance?

  1. Competition phase
  2. Preparation phase
  3. Transition phase
Show the answer

Competition phase

The preparation phase builds fitness first, then the competition phase keeps fitness up and aims for a peak for the key events. The transition phase is for rest.

Other Physical Education topics

All of Leaving Cert Physical Education