Which method of training best applies the progression principle in athletic development?

The method of training that best applies the progression principle in athletic development is the gradual increase in resistance. The progression principle is based on the idea that in order to improve performance and fitness levels, an athlete must consistently increase the demands placed on their body. This is often achieved through incrementally adding resistance to strength training exercises, which stimulates muscle growth and adapts the body to higher levels of stress over time.

By gradually increasing the resistance, athletes can enhance their strength, endurance, and power capabilities. This method allows the body to adapt physiologically, leading to improvements in performance while minimizing the risk of injury from sudden increases in intensity or workload.

In contrast, routine exercises might lack the necessary variety to effectively promote progression, consistent practice schedules may help with skill retention but do not inherently incorporate a systematic increase in difficulty, and short, intense workouts can be beneficial for certain fitness goals but do not specifically target the ongoing progression required for long-term athletic development. Thus, the option of gradually increasing resistance aligns directly with the mathematical and physiological principles behind effective training progression.