Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance

by Íñigo Mujika

Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance offers in-depth discussion of the science, strategy, and program design of the tapering phase of training. This first-ever book devoted to the subject presents current scientific data on tapering, its physiological and psychological effects, and how these effects relate to athletic performance. Featuring various training models and experiential knowledge, this book allows readers to design optimal tapering programs for each athlete. Though most coaches and sport scientists are aware of the key role of tapering in preparation for competition, many tapering programs are developed by a trial-and-error process, often leading athletes to fall short of their optimal performance. In Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance , author Iï¿œigo Mujika, one of the foremost researchers on tapering in sport, presents various models and explains current scientific data on tapering and its effects on physiological and psychological factors that support or hinder performance. Using this information, coaches, athletes, and sport scientists will be able to do the -Design optimal tapering plans specific to athletes and the competition. -Set realistic performance goals for competition. -Avoid negative outcomes associated with a deficient tapering program. Parts I and II of the text provide the academic reader with a clear understanding of the foundations, characteristics, and physiological and psychological changes associated with tapering. Readers will explore performance implications of tapering, examine tapering with the use of mathematical models, and learn the unique aspects of tapering for team sports. Special elements with clear explanations of scientific data and performance information are provided to help readers—even those without a strong background in science—grasp the theoretical concepts presented in the text. A running glossary also helps readers quickly define terms, and summary sections in each chapter provide quick reference and an overview of the content. In part III of the book, 16 internationally known coaches and athletes share the tapering strategies that enabled them to succeed in major international competitions. Readers will find sport-specific strategies for individual endurance sports, sprint and power events, precision sports, and team sports. By combining the experience-based knowledge of elite sport performers and coaches with the performance data presented in parts I and II, athletes, coaches, and students will learn to create optimal tapering programs for every sport. Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance is a powerful resource for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists to use in dealing with the important tapering period of a training program with increased confidence. By combining current scientific research with real-world examples, this text presents the most complete look at tapering available, and it encourages further study of this vital and sometimes elusive aspect of training for success.

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2009

Reviews

[Caleb Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great concepts in here for me to implement as a coach. I am a little disappointed in the lack of examples given for running, and any running that is considered is for the 10,000m and up. I was hoping for a little more here on my level, but that is alright. Just isn't a lot of literature out there on tapering for high school distance running.

[Henri Hämäläinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a while I'll try to read something related to my endurance hobbies. This time I wanted to know more about tapering, preparing for competitions. From some blogs I run into Inigo Mujika and his recent book Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance.

Inigo Mujika is respected researcher and also have lot of practical experience from coaching many teams and individuals. His background made it is easy to believe what he is saying about the subject.

I did expect book to have more practical tips about tapering, but book had lot of scientific knowledge about the subject. It went through tapering from so many different approached based on scientific researches, that it was even bit hard to follow all the differences. Information was really valuable, but I have to admit sometimes I didn't fully understand all the nuances of different studies.

At the end of the book there were real life stories and plans from world class athletes, coaches and teams. It was excellent, that those examples were really from the best, olympic medalists and world champions. Those gave excellent practical knowledge on tapering. Of course tapering is different for world level athletes, than for normal amateur athlete, but same laws mainly should apply.

I recommend this book to all coaches and athletes who really want to make it to the top. For amateur athletes, like I, book is bit too technical. One need to be really into understanding small details, if they're going to read this. So I recommend this book, but with a small note aside.

This review was originally published in my blog - here