How to proceed after failing to complete a set?

On steps with more sets and higher rep volume, like 5x15, should I attempt subsequent sets if I fail on an earlier set?

Example: On set #3 only 12 reps are completed when the goal was 15 reps—should sets #4 and #5 still be attempted, or should the incomplete set #3 be the final set for that exercise that day?

HI Manuel, there is a low probability to complete the 15th rep on the 2nd. the only exception if you warmup is poor and inconsistent.

If you cannot complete the first set of 15 probably you should not try 4x15 o 5x15. have you already completed the 4x12 step?

Thank you Alessandro, but I think I was unclear in my question.  In a 5x15 step, what do I do when the following situation occurs:

1. Set #1 successfully complete 15 reps
2. Set #2 successfully complete 15 reps
3. Set #3 successfully complete only 12 of the 15 reps

Would GB protocol have me attempt set #4 and #5 in order to establish a baseline for those sets when I attempt the step again, or am I supposed to stop after set #3 since the set was not completed?

Thanks,

Manny

AH ok!!! now is clear.

well. of course, as you progress you have less probability to complete one step at a time...you need more training sessions.

After almost 10 years in foundations (10 years next year ) i have found a good system i'm going to share with you.

when you fil a goal like 5x15 and you do 15 15 12 10 6the biggest mistake is trying on EVERY SESSION to do your max effort. at a certain point, you will reach a plateau. our nervous system is not made to train at his max every time.

So you are going to hold the first 2 sets and try to compensate the first one closer to the goal that is easier so:

-15 15 15..... and the other sets? NOTHING CHANGE. so 15 15 15 10 6.

-next time i will be able to compensate better the 3rd set but even better the first 2 sets so I'm going to have more energy for the first uncompleted set...the 10 rep set.

the idea is working one slot at a time and having to energy reserve. in this way, the work is always submaximal. i made for years the mistake of trying to do my max every training session, something that in the long term is less productive.

Thank you for the instruction! 

15 hours ago, Alessandro Mainente said:

AH ok!!! now is clear.

well. of course, as you progress you have less probability to complete one step at a time...you need more training sessions.

After almost 10 years in foundations (10 years next year ) i have found a good system i'm going to share with you.

when you fil a goal like 5x15 and you do 15 15 12 10 6the biggest mistake is trying on EVERY SESSION to do your max effort. at a certain point, you will reach a plateau. our nervous system is not made to train at his max every time.

So you are going to hold the first 2 sets and try to compensate the first one closer to the goal that is easier so:

-15 15 15..... and the other sets? NOTHING CHANGE. so 15 15 15 10 6.

-next time i will be able to compensate better the 3rd set but even better the first 2 sets so I'm going to have more energy for the first uncompleted set...the 10 rep set.

the idea is working one slot at a time and having to energy reserve. in this way, the work is always submaximal. i made for years the mistake of trying to do my max every training session, something that in the long term is less productive.

So you are telling here if I am at 5x15 and i usually do 15, 15, 13, 10, 8 to go to failure on the "13" rep to tey to reach 15  and the next ones just stop when you see your form/strength compromised?

I have been trying my max on every training session also

In the next session, you will try to reach the 15 reps on the first uncomplete set while holding the other sets with the same reps as before. The next training session again try to complete the first unmastered set.