Book
Triphasic Training
Cal Dietz Ben Peterson
A systematic approach to developing elite speed and explosive strength by training the three distinct phases of all dynamic muscle action—eccentric, isometric, and concentric—within a periodized undulating block system.
What it’s about
This book challenges conventional strength and conditioning wisdom by revealing that the key to elite speed and explosive power lies not just in lifting heavy (the concentric phase), but in mastering all three phases of muscle action: eccentric (deceleration), isometric (stabilization), and concentric (acceleration). Authors Cal Dietz and Ben Peterson provide a systematic, periodized training model called the "Triphasic Undulating Block System" that applies specific stressors to each phase of movement. Rooted in principles of stress adaptation and tested on hundreds of elite collegiate and professional athletes, this book offers coaches and athletes a detailed blueprint for unlocking their true athletic potential by strengthening the weakest links in their performance chain, leading to superior rate of force development and on-field dominance.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A strength and conditioning coach or serious athlete who wants to develop elite levels of speed and explosive power in themselves or their athletes. They are looking for a systematic, science-backed method that delivers measurable results and gives them a competitive edge.
- The problem
- Athletes are hitting performance plateaus; despite getting stronger in the weight room, their on-field speed and explosiveness aren't improving as expected. Frustrated and confused by conflicting training philosophies, feeling like they're wasting valuable training time on methods that don't translate to real-world performance.
- The plan
- Understand the Triphasic nature of all dynamic movement (eccentric, isometric, concentric).
- Implement the Modified Undulating Block System to apply specific, high-level stress.
- Follow the detailed training blocks that systematically develop each phase of movement, progressing from strength to power to speed.
- The payoff
- Athletes become noticeably more explosive, powerful, and faster. · Coaches can confidently design programs that produce measurable, transferable results, season after season. · Athletes dominate their competition with superior rates of force development, allowing them to jump higher, cut quicker, and hit harder.