Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Help You Understand the Art of the Taper

Tapering might be the weirdest part of swim training — you do less, and then you go faster. For swimmers used to grinding through long sets, taper can feel like slamming the brakes right before the finish line. But when it’s done right, taper unlocks your peak performance. 

These five resources explain what taper is, how it works, what’s happening to your body, and how elite swimmers use it to swim their fastest races of the season.

What Is TAPER and Why Do Swimmers Need It?!

What it is: A quick video explaining what taper is, why it’s used before big meets, and how it helps swimmers feel strong, rested, and race-ready. 

Why we like it: Ksebati brings the energy and the science. Great for swimmers who’ve never tapered before or who feel anxious about “losing fitness” during the rest period.

What Happens During a Taper?

What it is: An article that breaks down the physiological changes during taper — especially with respect to VO2 maxes and anaerobic thresholds.  

Why we like it: This is the “trust the process” piece. Understanding what’s going on inside your body helps take the fear out of easing off the gas.

The Breakdown on Taper

What it is: A shockingly science-heavy breakdown of the physiological changes that take place over each individual day of taper. 

Why we like it: This one goes deep. It’s for swimmers and coaches who want to truly understand what’s happening inside the body during taper. If you’ve ever wondered why less work = faster swims, this is your masterclass.

Swimming Taper: What You Need to Know

What it is: A SwimSwam article with 8 tips for tapering well — including sleep, nutrition, mental prep, and why it’s a bad idea to “sneak in a few extra yards.” 

Why we like it: Taper isn’t just physical — it’s mental. This piece reminds swimmers how to stay sharp and confident while the yardage drops. 

Pro Swimmers’ TAPER Method

What it is: An inside look at tapering at the elite level, featuring Cody Miller explaining how legendary Indiana coach Ray Looze tailors taper for each swimmer. 

Why we like it: It’s gold for high-performance swimmers (and curious parents). You see how taper can be individualized — and why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula.