Abstract

Competitive swimmers commonly focus upon optimising performance at a single competition. A period where training volume is incrementally reduced or tapered often precedes such a competition. The use of taper is justified as increases in muscular power, and the restoration of plasma haematocrit, haemoglobin and creatine kinease are evident with this training reduction. A consistent performance improvement of approximately 3 has also been reported with taper in competitive swimmers. However, there are limitations in terms of what comprises a successful taper schedule. It appears that a taper which improves performance involves as substantial (60 to 90) graded reduction in training volume, and daily high intensity interval work over a 7- to 21-day period. Training frequency should be reduced by no more than 50; a more conservative estimate would be to reduce frequency by approximately 20. Optimal performance is likely when the reduction in training frequency is combined with the qualitative knowledge of the coach and/or athlete during taper. Verf.-Referat