U16–18 AFL Athletic Development – 4 Week Elite / Combine Preparation Running Program

U16–18 AFL Athletic Development – 4 Week Elite / Combine Preparation Running Program Age Group: Under 16–18 Boys & Girls Level: Elite / Combine & Pathway Preparation Frequency: 3 sessions per week (non-consecutive days) Primary Objective: Peak running performance for elite youth AFL environments by maximising 2 km and Yo-Yo test outcomes, exposing athletes to AFL match-density running, and developing max velocity and speed endurance under fatigue Designed for: • Players targeting TAC Cup / Coates Talent League / AFL Academy pathways • Athletes preparing for combines, trials, or state-level selection Prerequisite: • Completion of U16–18 Intermediate block or equivalent training age • Sound sprint mechanics and tolerance to high running loads Coaching Guidelines Training intent is elite: quality, precision, and accountability Sprint mechanics take priority over volume Athletes should arrive fresh for speed days RPE Scale (1–10) 1–2 very easy | 3–4 easy | 5 steady | 6 challenging | 7 hard | 8 very hard | 9–10 maximal