OCR Cambridge National Sports Studies Practice Exam

Tactical periodisation is about planning training so players develop how to play the game, not just perform drills. It structures practice across cycles so decision-making and tactical understanding grow in context, step by step, so players can apply the right actions in real match situations. Training is organized around the team's tactical model—how to defend and press, how to build attacks, how to transition between phases—so players repeatedly face game-like scenarios and must choose the best option under pressure. This approach links technical work, physical conditioning, and tactical learning, with the aim of aligning everything to match demands and peaking at the right times in the season. It isn’t about excluding physical training, it isn’t limited to individual sports, and it isn’t a strength-only model.