The largest meets of the season are around the corner and many swimmers are starting to taper. I wanted to explain what a taper is so you can best support your kids during this important time.
A taper takes place leading up to a major event. It is the reduction of exercise, anywhere from a few days to almost three weeks, before a major competition. The coach dictates what the swimmers should be doing at practice, but once they get home you need to know:
- They won’t be as tired as usual. This can be hard to deal with since swimmers are very active kids! Resist the urge to suggest they go outside and “burn off” that extra energy. They need to rest their bodies. Consider it supercharging for the big event.
- They will eat less. That’s logical, right? Make sure you feed them healthy meals and snacks. As always, reduce or eliminate as much sugar and/or processed foods as you can. It is up to you to stock the fridge and pantry with the right things and say “no” to fast-food restaurants. It’s temporary, so hang in there and help them stay on the right path.
- Keep them hydrated. Make sure your swimmer is taking in enough liquids. Encourage them to carry a water bottle during the school day and keep one nearby at home. I refill them as the kids do their homework, watch TV, etc.
- Germs become the enemy. Not only are swimmers paranoid about getting sick before a big meet, but parents are also nervous about it. Unfortunately, this is out of our control. The best you can do is encourage frequent hand washing and clean high-traffic surfaces with Lysol wipes. I pay special attention to door handles and light switches in the bathrooms. It may not help, but sometimes doing something—anything, makes me feel better.
- Rollercoaster mood swings. For parents this can be the toughest part of the taper. Swimmers are ecstatic when coach gives them a bit of praise, and in the next second are questioning if coach has any faith in them. Everything is heightened and has more meaning to the kids right now. There is nothing you can do about it, so take a deep breath, and know it will pass.
Above all, relax and encourage your swimmer to trust the process. How do you help your swimmer during their taper?
It happens to be funny you need to write about that will as I had been just great deal of thought the other day. Persons has expressed this is exactly my thoughts basically. Well done! Hurrah, that’s the matters i was intending for, an individual wrote a stuff! existing here at this excellent website, thanks operations of this web site.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!
It’s a pity you don’t have got a donate button! I’d without
a doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for
the time being i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding
your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and definately will
discuss this website with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
Yes, please bookmark and share the blog with others. Let me know if there is something swimming related you and your family would benefit from learning more about.
Greetings from Florida! I’m bored at work so I made a decision to
have a look at your site on my own iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to have
a look once i get back home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my small mobile ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways,
excellent blog!
I’m glad you found the blog interesting! I hve a lot more to write about so check back soon!