With August rapidly approaching, we have received countless e-mails asking about what we recommend for taper.  My best suggestion for those new coaches out there is to read about taper in the spectrum of books out there, and see what works best for you/your swimmers.  With that said, (and since my webcam decided not to work this morning as well), here is a great set for when you just start your taper periods…lots of active recovery:

*4 rounds of the following set (all swims are fast except for the active recovery)

  • 75 [25 with fins, 25 with paddles, 25 no equipment] @ 25 Active Recovery (A.R.)
  • :10 rest after 25 A.R.
  • 125 Rotating IM @ 25 A.R.
  • :10 rest after 25 A.R.
  • 25 IM Order @ :30 rest

The is swum as freestyle throughout all four rounds.  The Rotating IM is swum (per round):

  1. Fly, Back, Breast, Free, Fly
  2. Back, Breast, Free, Fly, Back
  3. Breast, Free, Fly, Back, Breast
  4. Free, Fly, Back, Breast, Free

And wrapping up the set, the 25 is swum in IM Order (per round):

  1. Fly
  2. Back
  3. Breast
  4. Free

As I always tell my swimmers, this set does not have the quantity of yardage, but it must have the quality of yardage!  I hope you enjoy your main set!

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