Describe the process of tapering and how it helps athletes achieve peak performance for competition. (3 marks)
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- Tapering involves reducing overall training volume by 40–60%, mainly by shortening session time and distance, while training frequency is maintained or only slightly reduced.
- Training intensity is maintained or even increased during the tapering period to preserve fitness levels.
- The process allows the body to recover from accumulated training fatigue whilst maintaining the fitness adaptations gained.
- Athletes may gain weight as muscles store more glycogen and water due to reduced training demands.
- Tapering requires confidence in the training program and allowing physiological recovery to optimise competitive performance.
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- Tapering involves reducing overall training volume by 40–60%, mainly by shortening session time and distance, while training frequency is maintained or only slightly reduced.
- Training intensity is maintained or even increased during the tapering period to preserve fitness levels.
- The process allows the body to recover from accumulated training fatigue whilst maintaining the fitness adaptations gained.
- Athletes may gain weight as muscles store more glycogen and water due to reduced training demands.
- Tapering requires confidence in the training program and allowing physiological recovery to optimise competitive performance.