Surviving Taper: A Guide to Thriving During the Most Exciting Time of the Season

Taper - start-200-backstroke-

Surviving Taper: A Guide to Thriving During the Most Exciting Time of the Season

It’s that time of year again. Practices gradually become shorter, the yards start to decrease, and the energy is at an all-time high. It’s taper time. For swimmers, tapering marks the beginning of championship season – a period of rest and recovery carefully catered to each swimmer to help you perform at your absolute best at the most important moment.

While taper may sound like a welcome break, the truth is that it can be a tricky time for many swimmers. Between restless energy, adjusting to lighter practices, and the pressure of upcoming meets, navigating taper can feel like walking a fine line.

What is Taper, Anyway?

Tapering isn’t just about swimming fewer laps or spending less time in the pool – it’s a way to ensure your body is well-rested, recovered, and ready to perform. During taper, the volume of training decreases, but you’ll find race pace and the intensity is still there. Quality over quantity. Coaches become artists who carefully tailor taper to each swimmer, accounting for individual needs, events, and even strokes.

For sprinters, taper can feel like a month-long vacation with plenty of rest to sharpen speed and power. Distance swimmers, on the other hand, may only get a few days to recover, with taper looking more like a subtle easing off rather than a full-blown break (sorry distance swimmers).

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, tapering is both a physical and mental process – and it can take some getting used to.

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Taper

Taper isn’t just about resting your body; it’s also about strengthening the most important muscle – your mind. With less time spent training, many swimmers experience the taper hyper. This can lead to feeling jittery, restless, or even a little irritable.

At the same time, the anticipation of your big meet can bring on a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, nerves, and maybe even self-doubt. It’s completely normal to feel a bit out of sorts during taper. The key is to embrace the process and trust in the work you’ve put in all season.

Tips for Thriving During Taper

  1. Trust the Process
    It’s easy to second-guess yourself during taper. “Am I doing enough?” “Will I lose my endurance?” These thoughts can creep in, especially when practices feel shorter or easier. Remember: your coach has designed your taper with your success in mind. Trust that the work you’ve done all season will carry you through when it matters most.
  2. Channel Your Energy
    Feeling restless? Use that extra energy to your advantage. Focus on the details—perfect your starts, turns, and finishes. This is also a great time to hone your mental game. Visualization exercises can help you prepare for race day and channel nervous energy into excitement.
  3. Prioritize Recovery
    Sleep is your best friend during taper. Aim for 8–10 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover and rebuild. Staying hydrated and fueling your body with healthy foods will also support your performance.
  4. Stick to Your Routine
    While practices may change, try to keep other aspects of your routine consistent. This includes your pre-practice rituals, meal times, and even your warm-up routine. Familiarity can help you feel grounded and focused as you prepare for competition. Control what you can control.
  5. Stay Positive
    It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during taper, but keeping a positive mindset can make all the difference. Instead of dwelling on doubts, focus on the things you’re excited about—like racing, spending time with your teammates, and showing off all the hard work you’ve put in.
  6. Listen to Your Body
    Everyone responds to taper differently. If something doesn’t feel quite right—whether it’s an ache, fatigue, or even an unusual burst of energy—communicate with your coach. Taper is a collaborative process, and small adjustments can make a big difference.
  7. Lean on Your Teammates
    Taper can be a strange and sometimes isolating experience, but remember—you’re not alone. Share your thoughts, laugh about the pre-meet jitters, and enjoy the lighter practices together. Your teammates are in the same boat, and supporting one another can make tapering even more rewarding.

Embracing the Bigger Picture

Tapering is about more than just resting your body – it’s about sharpening your mind, building confidence, and preparing to give your best when it matters most. As the big meet approaches, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Each practice, each set, and each lap has led you to this moment.

No matter what the scoreboard says, taper is an opportunity to celebrate the journey you’ve been on all season. It’s a chance to show off your hard work, embrace the challenge, and have fun doing what you love.

So whether you’re a sprinter relishing a month of rest or a distance swimmer making the most of a quick taper, remember: this is your time to shine. Trust the process, stay positive, and get ready to make waves.

 

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