Understanding coach, athlete and performance support staff knowledge and opinions of tapering practices in swimming: A survey study

Sheree N. Farrell; Katie E. McGibbon; Mark Sayers; Rob Buhmann

doi:10.1177/17479541261436984

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Understanding coach, athlete and performance support staff knowledge and opinions of tapering practices in swimming: A survey study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Understanding coach, athlete and performance support staff knowledge and opinions of tapering practices in swimming: A survey study

Sheree N. Farrell, Katie E. McGibbon, Mark Sayers and Rob Buhmann

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.Advanced access

10-Apr-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541261436984

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Abstract

Evidence-based practice

intensity of effort

periodization

training load

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.

Details

Title: Understanding coach, athlete and performance support staff knowledge and opinions of tapering practices in swimming: A survey study
Authors: Sheree N. Farrell (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Katie E. McGibbon - University of the Sunshine Coast
Mark Sayers - University of the Sunshine Coast
Rob Buhmann - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.
DOI: 10.1177/17479541261436984
ISSN: 2048-397X
Copyright note: © The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
Data Availability: The data supporting the findings of this study are not publicly available.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991225022402621
Output Type: Journal article

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