Tapering for Competition

Q: On the run up to the main competition season how should a thrower adjust their training from mostly gym work to progress onto the field itself and be at peak performance for the main competitions in June/July.

A: Tapering for any major competition should mean cutting down on training 10-14 days before the event. This is best achieved by reducing the volume to up to 2/3  of normal, but maintaining the quality of work. Throwers who train 3-4 times per week in the weights room should reduce the volume to 1-2 times a week. If 5-8 exercises is the norm, reduce to 3-4 exercises, maintaining high quality.

Actual work in the circle on technique should be reduced to 1-2 short, specific sessions. Most important factors for a good performance are REST, FRESHNESS and ENTHUSIASM, assuming a good phase of hard preparatory work on strength and technique has been achieved.