Introduction to Recovery and Regeneration
A major issue in high performance sport is being able to train very hard, which elicits a deficit in performance capacity, and to recover from training which elicits an increase in performance capacity. Eventually through many cycles of training, recovery, and adaptation, high performance in competition is possible. Major issues with training very hard include management of the recovery from training so that the athlete can train very hard again soon enough to have a positive influence on the physical state.
In softball, we train frequently to increase power and strength. However, the process of increasing efficiency depends to a large extent on our ability to overcome fatigue and recover and regenerate after each training session. Therefore, just as one plans and follows a training regimen – one must prepare and follow a plan of recovery and regeneration as well.
To be sure, there are many factors, which affect recovery, but when all is said and done, it’s either one or the other. An athlete’s capacity for improvement is dependent upon how recovery is managed from daily training and competitions.
