Tapering for the Beginner

[glennpendlay]

http://www.pendlay.com/Tapering-for-...ner_df_63.html

Discuss...

[NickHorton]

That's a great template.

It's remarkably close to what I've been using.

The only real difference is that (given that our local meets are on Saturdays), the Saturday before the contest, we max on everything (including squats). Treat it like a mock-contest. This gets everyone in the mindset.

The tuesday before we hit openers and front squat up to something a bit over the c+j

Thursday, we either go heavy on power versions, light, or openers (depends on the lifter, really). No squats.

That's it.

One thing I've been proud of is the fact that my beginners go into contests and consistently hit PR's and make the majority of their attempts. This makes the experience really positive and encourages them to keep doing it.

Great stuff!

[glennpendlay]

Originally Posted by NickHorton

That's a great template.

It's remarkably close to what I've been using.

The only real difference is that (given that our local meets are on Saturdays), the Saturday before the contest, we max on everything (including squats). Treat it like a mock-contest. This gets everyone in the mindset.

The tuesday before we hit openers and front squat up to something a bit over the c+j

Thursday, we either go heavy on power versions, light, or openers (depends on the lifter, really). No squats.

That's it.

One thing I've been proud of is the fact that my beginners go into contests and consistently hit PR's and make the majority of their attempts. This makes the experience really positive and encourages them to keep doing it.

Great stuff!

Nice to know we are thinking on the same page... the specifics are not as important, IMO as a couple of broad concepts, one is that beginners do not need a long and drawn out peaking or tapering program, another is that you want to cut volume more than intensity, and yet another is that you want to above all else, practice the lifts..

[Daniel Gam]

ditch the straps on the snatches for the taper week or keep them?

[texaslifter]

Originally Posted by Daniel Gam

ditch the straps on the snatches for the taper week or keep them?

Personally, I ditch them so I can get used to lifting with hook grip on snatches again, but I really think it's more of a personal preference. If you think you will have problems if you don't readjust to using hook grip again, then ditch them.