Planning IV

Tapering and Pre-competition Preparation

The examination of key points to consider when planning a taper in preparation for major championships. Planning strategies, pre-competition routines and how coaching decisions can impact and maximise athletic performance.

Who should go on the course?

• Anyone who has completed the Athletics Coach Award / Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) and above

And attended

• Planning III Workshop

How long is the workshop?

One day course with no assessment

What will I learn?

The key points to consider when planning a taper in preparation for major championships. Planning strategies, pre-competition routines and how coaching decisions can impact and maximise athletic performance. Know when to start the tapering process and how to manipulate the training load to achieve a maximal performance.

Topics covered include:

• Tapering strategies (inc. Tapering models)
• Taper duration and considerations
• Priming and pre-competition strategies
• Decision making process in planning practice
• Performance loss windows and how to minimise these
• Designing daily competition schedules
• Tapering vs detraining
• Shared experiences

What will I be able to do?

• Design a suitable taper for a given competition based on the athletes’ needs.
• Design an effective ‘on the day’ pre-competition routine for the athlete to maximise their performance.
• Perform effective action decisions in the day-to-day planning activities during the taper to ensure the athlete is physically and mentally ready to ‘perform when it counts’.

How much does this workshop cost?

Free to scottishathletics coach members.