During what phase of training does the focus shift towards skill enhancement?

The competitive phase of training is characterized by a heightened focus on skill enhancement. During this phase, athletes are actively participating in competitions and need to refine their skills to optimize performance in high-pressure situations. The training in this phase is often more specific, concentrating on fine-tuning techniques, strategies, and mental preparation essential for competition success.

Athletes assess their performance regularly and work on the skill sets that will provide them a competitive edge. This phase is crucial because it allows for immediate application of learned skills in competition, further reinforcing the necessity of skill mastery.

Other phases, such as the preparation phase, focus more on building a foundation through general conditioning and developing basic skills, while the transition phase involves recovery and maintenance, with less emphasis on skill enhancement. The point of peak performance refers to the optimal state when an athlete is achieving their best but does not specifically focus on skill development.