During a taper, what change is recommended?

• A. Increase Volume And Intensity
• B. Eliminate All Training
• C. Switch To Entirely Different Sport
• D. Reduce Volume While Maintaining Or Slightly Reducing Intensity

Answer: (D)

Tapering aims to lower accumulated fatigue without losing fitness, so performance on race day is enhanced. The recommended change is to reduce training volume while keeping intensity at the same level or only slightly lower. Lowering volume cuts down the total work, recovery demands, and metabolic stress, allowing the body to clear fatigue and restore energy stores. Keeping intensity where it is, or easing it only a touch, preserves the neural and speed-related adaptations that are important for performing at a high level, so athletes arrive fresh but still race-ready.

If you increased volume and intensity, fatigue would accumulate, likely undermining performance when you need to feel sharp. Eliminating all training would lead to a loss of fitness and readiness. Switching to an entirely different sport wastes the specificity needed to perform well in the intended event.