A systematic reduction in training volume and intensity before a major competition to allow the body to recover and reach peak performance. This strategic rest period typically lasts 1-3 weeks depending on the event.
From Old English 'tapor' meaning a candle that narrows to a point. The athletic usage emerged in the mid-20th century, metaphorically describing how training volume gradually decreases to a fine point - the competition day.
Tapering is like tuning a race car before the big race - you're not adding more horsepower, you're fine-tuning everything to perfection! Many athletes struggle with this because it feels counterintuitive to train less before their biggest event, but Olympic swimmers often drop 1-2 seconds in their events just from proper tapering - that's the difference between gold and going home empty-handed.
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