2021 National Conference

Ernie Rimer

Strategic Periodization: A Framework for Increasing Team Sport Performance

In the team sport context, strategic periodization involves the intentional peaking for matches of perceived greatest priority or difficulty. This process involves determination of opponent strength so that the interdisciplinary support team may be more informed when they collaborate with coaches to plan a season and adapt to dynamic in-season factors. Finally, strategies are evaluated against team performance outcomes in order to inform future planning. In this presentation, Dr. Rimer will share his journey with strategic periodization, and reveal how the process has evolved into successful sport performance management models with different teams at Utah Athletics. The audience will be provided with tools they can use to initiate strategic periodization at their institutions.

Dr. Ernie Rimer is the Director of Sport Science for University of Utah Athletics, where he has served for 8 years. In his role, Rimer uses scientific principles to research, inform, and innovate ways to enhance student-athlete health, safety, and performance. Prior to Utah, Rimer held strength and conditioning positions at the United States Ski & Snowboard Association and Northern Arizona University. Rimer owns a sport science consulting business and he is also the Co-founder of FYTT (fytt.io), a strength and conditioning management software company. Rimer has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, an M.Ed. in Education, and a B.S. in Exercise Science. He has additional education and practical experience in data science, statistics, and software development. Rimer is married to Alyssa, and they have three kids: Veronika, Layla, and Max.