Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance

Just found this… ordering tomorrow!

Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance
By Iñigo Mujika

Product Description
Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance offers in-depth discussion of the science, strategy, and program design of the tapering phase of training. This first-ever book devoted to the subject presents current scientific data on tapering, its physiological and psychological effects, and how these effects relate to athletic performance. Featuring various training models and experiential knowledge, this book allows readers to design optimal tapering programs for each athlete.

Though most coaches and sport scientists are aware of the key role of tapering in preparation for competition, many tapering programs are developed by a trial-and-error process, often leading athletes to fall short of their optimal performance. In Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance, author Iñigo Mujika, one of the foremost researchers on tapering in sport, presents various models and explains current scientific data on tapering and its effects on physiological and psychological factors that support or hinder performance. Using this information, coaches, athletes, and sport scientists will be able to do the following:

* Design optimal tapering plans specific to athletes and the competition.
* Set realistic performance goals for competition.
* Avoid negative outcomes associated with a deficient tapering program.

Parts I and II of the text provide the academic reader with a clear understanding of the foundations, characteristics, and physiological and psychological changes associated with tapering. Readers will explore performance implications of tapering, examine tapering with the use of mathematical models, and learn the unique aspects of tapering for team sports. Special elements with clear explanations of scientific data and performance information are provided to help readers—even those without a strong background in science—grasp the theoretical concepts presented in the text. A running glossary also helps readers quickly define terms, and summary sections in each chapter provide quick reference and an overview of the content.

In part III of the book, 16 internationally known coaches and athletes share the tapering strategies that enabled them to succeed in major international competitions. Readers will find sport-specific strategies for individual endurance sports, sprint and power events, precision sports, and team sports. By combining the experience-based knowledge of elite sport performers and coaches with the performance data presented in parts I and II, athletes, coaches, and students will learn to create optimal tapering programs for every sport.

Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance is a powerful resource for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists to use in dealing with the important tapering period of a training program with increased confidence. By combining current scientific research with real-world examples, this text presents the most complete look at tapering available, and it encourages further study of this vital and sometimes elusive aspect of training for success.

Contents

Part I: Scientific Bases of Tapering
Chapter 1: Basics of Tapering
Chapter 2: Taper-Associated Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Changes
Chapter 3: Taper-Associated Biochemical, Hormonal, Immunological Changes
Chapter 4: Taper-Associated Psychological Changes

Part II: Tapering and Athletic Performance
Chapter 5: Reduction of the Training Load
Chapter 6: Designing the Taper for Performance Improvements
Chapter 7: Insights From Mathematical Modeling
Chapter 8: Unique Aspects of Team Sport Tapering

Part III: Elite Sports Figures on Tapering and Peaking
Chapter 9: Tapering for Individual Endurance Sports
Chapter 10: Tapering for Sprint and Power Events
Chapter 11: Tapering for Precision Sports
Chapter 12: Tapering for Team Sports

He is one of the premier researchers on tapering. He has published some definitive papers and reviews. I expect the book will be research and physiology-based. I am not sure of his practical experience. Let us know.

Mujika will be speaking at a sport performance conference- December 18-20 at East Tennessee State University-Johnson City, Tn.

why is good "Tapering…"book of Inigo Mujika?

so… would you recommend it?

Haven’t read it, but Lyle McDonald told it’s crap and I believe him. There is plenty of info in journals, here at forum and in Issurin book.-