Tapering, a progressive reduction in training load before competition, is essential for optimising swimming performance, where outcomes can be determined by milliseconds. This study surveyed and described the self-reported knowledge, opinions and practices of swimming coaches, athletes and performance support staff regarding tapering, and examined the extent to which reported practices aligned with existing scientific recommendations. A total of 93 participants (coaches: n = 28, athletes: n = 38, support staff: n = 27) completed an online questionnaire on changes in training volume, intensity, frequency, and duration during a taper. Results showed consensus on reducing training volume (mean reduction: 39–49%) while maintaining training frequency. However, taper duration preferences varied, with coaches and athletes preferring shorter tapers (6–10 days), while support staff preferred evidence-based durations (∼14 days). Regarding training intensity, support staff advocated for maintaining or increasing intensity to preserve adaptations, while many coaches preferred intensity reductions to manage fatigue. Only 55% of athletes reported receiving individualised taper plans, highlighting a potential gap between theory and practice. These findings highlight the need for improved collaboration and education among coaches, athletes, and support staff. Additionally, future research should prioritise examining the efficacy of individualised tapering strategies informed by athlete-specific physiological and psychological factors in enhancing swimming performance.
Farrell et al. (Fri,) studied this question.