In this issue, a look at tapering before a major competitive event. I give notice to members of my team that within a week or so of an international contest, I shall be using the 'rest principle' very much more than the 'train hard' principle. My experience as coach has convinced me of the great importance of the 'rest principle' in making peak performances. There is little point in leaving my best work on the training track.
Most athletes look forward to a taper as a break from the rigors of intense training.
On the other hand, many coaches approach the taper period with some trepidation, as they try to hit the right balance of training and recovery. During a taper, several variables can be manipulated in an attempt to maximize performance. These include the frequency, duration, and intensity of training sessions, and the duration of the whole taper period. Although tapers as long as six weeks have been examined, such extended tapers at best only maintain performance, rather than improve it. Second, training intensity should be maintained, or even slightly increased.