In block periodization, which phase emphasizes building foundational capacity with high volume?

• A. Accumulation
• B. Transmutation
• C. Relaxation
• D. Peak

Answer: (A)

Block periodization breaks training into blocks that target different abilities, building one on top of another. The accumulation phase is where you lay down the broad base by doing a lot of work at relatively lower to moderate intensities. This high-volume approach boosts general work capacity, endurance, and movement quality, and it often includes technical practice to cement efficient patterns. That solid foundation is exactly what you need before moving into more demanding, sport-specific work in later phases, such as intensification and peak, where volume typically drops and intensity rises. The relaxation phase is a deload period for recovery, not about building capacity, and the peak phase focuses on maximizing performance through tapering rather than expanding volume. So, accumulation best fits the idea of building foundational capacity with high volume.