The Taper and Shave for Swimmers
Links to tapering information for that end of season peak performance.
Maximize Performance Through Resting - The Taper
Training is an important part of any athelte's race preparation, but resting to maximize performance can be a challenge. Discover how to make the most of this final and crucial phase of training.
Training is an important part of any athelte's race preparation, but resting to maximize performance can be a challenge. Discover how to make the most of this final and crucial phase of training.
Body shaving maximizes your feel for the water
While most recreational swimmers could not be bothered, world-class swimmers depend on their once- or twice-annual full-body shave to, well, “shave” seconds off their times.
While most recreational swimmers could not be bothered, world-class swimmers depend on their once- or twice-annual full-body shave to, well, “shave” seconds off their times.
Components of a Taper
A review of what a taper actually is and the physiological factors associated with tapering in swimming by J. A. Houmard & R. A. Johns; From Coaching Science Abstracts.
A review of what a taper actually is and the physiological factors associated with tapering in swimming by J. A. Houmard & R. A. Johns; From Coaching Science Abstracts.
Feel for the water - Shaving Down
In order to intensify this feel for water, Australian swimmers of the Fifties started shaving down their legs before important races.
In order to intensify this feel for water, Australian swimmers of the Fifties started shaving down their legs before important races.
Imagine the athletes' muscles are like a catapult
Scientific studies have shown that 'tapering' - reducing one's training for one to three weeks prior to competition - can produce dramatic improvements in performance but haven't been sure exactly why this is so.
Scientific studies have shown that 'tapering' - reducing one's training for one to three weeks prior to competition - can produce dramatic improvements in performance but haven't been sure exactly why this is so.
Recovery
Angie Calder, BA, MA, B.ApplSciSp with overtraining information and recovery tips to keep in mind as a part of any plan; From ASCA.
Angie Calder, BA, MA, B.ApplSciSp with overtraining information and recovery tips to keep in mind as a part of any plan; From ASCA.
Shaving Down Reports
A grad students notes on research into shaving down.
A grad students notes on research into shaving down.
Taper
Dr. Ralph Richards explains some of the science behind tapering, and how to apply it to various ages of athletes.
Dr. Ralph Richards explains some of the science behind tapering, and how to apply it to various ages of athletes.
Tapering and Performance
In order to be the best in whatever swimming discipline, competitive athletes and their coaches are constantly seeking new and effective methods to improve performance.
In order to be the best in whatever swimming discipline, competitive athletes and their coaches are constantly seeking new and effective methods to improve performance.
Tapering
Many coaches fear the loss of conditioning and performance if they reduce training for such a long period [two to three weeks] before a major competition. A number of studies make it clear, however, that this fear is totally unwarranted.
Many coaches fear the loss of conditioning and performance if they reduce training for such a long period [two to three weeks] before a major competition. A number of studies make it clear, however, that this fear is totally unwarranted.
The effects on swimming of removing body hair
These scientific studies have shown that the removal of body hair does in fact reduce drag in the water so that shaven swimmers travel further per stroke than they did before shaving.
These scientific studies have shown that the removal of body hair does in fact reduce drag in the water so that shaven swimmers travel further per stroke than they did before shaving.
Time to chill out: a do-it-yourself guide to swim tapering
"Time to taper!” No three words in the endurance athlete’s vocabulary inspire such joy and excitement as the three above.
"Time to taper!” No three words in the endurance athlete’s vocabulary inspire such joy and excitement as the three above.
Transition-Rest-Taper for U.S. Olympic Trials
Tom Dolan's training leading up to the 2000 Olympic Trials
Tom Dolan's training leading up to the 2000 Olympic Trials
What is a Taper?
Alan Williams explains some of the concepts of a taper for swimmer's and their families; From ASCA.
Alan Williams explains some of the concepts of a taper for swimmer's and their families; From ASCA.